BMW X6 AC Failure: Compressor Issues and Dashboard Alerts

Hey there! I had a very similar issue with my 2017 BMW X4. The symptoms were exactly the same, AC completely dead and warning lights all over. Initially thought it was the compressor too, but turned out to be the AC control unit that gave up. Took it to a workshop and they diagnosed it after running some tests. Had to replace the entire control unit, wasn't cheap at 980 Euro, but at least it fixed the problem completely. The repair took about a day. Before jumping to conclusions, are you getting any specific error codes? Does the fan still work when you turn on the AC? Do you hear any unusual noises when trying to use the AC? This could help pinpoint if you're dealing with the same issue I had or something else.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I just hit 140390 KM on mine, and my last service was about two months ago. The fan does work when I turn on the AC, and I'm getting error code P0645. The weird part is that there's a slight clicking sound when I switch the AC on, but nothing after that. No humming or usual compressor noise that I'm used to hearing. I was really hoping it wouldn't be the control unit, but your experience makes me think that might be exactly what I'm dealing with. I'll probably need to get it checked by a professional. Did your warranty cover any of the repair costs?

Hey again! Yeah, that clicking sound without the usual compressor noise is exactly what I experienced too. When you mentioned the P0645 code, it immediately rang a bell, that's the same code I got! It's specifically related to the AC compressor clutch control circuit, but in my case (and possibly yours), it was misleading. I wish I could say I had warranty coverage, but nope, I was just past the extended warranty period when it happened. Talk about timing! Just checked my service records, and I was at around 132,000 KM when my AC issues started, so pretty close to where you are now. Before you head to the shop, try this quick check I did: Turn your AC to max cool and listen carefully near the front of the engine. If you're getting that single click but no follow-up compressor engagement sound (like a deeper humming noise), it's almost certainly the control unit. The clicking is basically the system trying to engage but failing to complete the sequence. I've learned my lesson and now I run the AC at least once a week, even in cold weather, just to keep everything moving. Haven't had any issues since the repair, but man, these control units aren't cheap! Let me know what you find out, really curious if we're dealing with the same exact issue here.

Thanks so much for all this detailed info! I just went out and did that sound check you suggested, and yep, exactly what you described. Single click, then nothing. Really appreciate the tip about running the AC weekly too, definitely gonna start doing that. Guess I better start preparing my wallet for this one! At least now I can go to the mechanic with a pretty good idea of what's wrong instead of just guessing. It's actually a relief to know someone else dealt with the same thing and got it sorted, even if it wasn't cheap. I'll book it in next week and update you on what they find. Thanks again for walking me through this, it's so helpful to hear from someone who's been through the same headache with these BMW AC systems. Fingers crossed it's a straightforward fix like yours was!