120d - E87 - whirring noise when air con is running

[MitchT]

I've noticed that the OH's 120d (E87, 2005, M47) makes a whirring noise when the air con is running. The pitch of the noise rises and falls with the engine revs. It stops if I turn the air con off but comes back if I turn it on again. Is this normal or is something on its way out and, if so, will it simply result in the air con not working anymore or is there going to be a larger consequence?

[un1eash]

That'll be the air con compressor. Some make more noise then others. The one in my old GT86 was really annoying as the compressor kicked in and out every time you put your foot down.

[TWOKWACKS]

It could also be an aircon pipe, I replaced one recently for a noise at approximately 1500rpm ifrc. I’ll try to find out which one

[bmwmike]

Probably needs a recharge

[MitchT]

Thanks all. I suspect it might be the compressor. As long as it's not something that can fail and take the engine with it I'm not overly concerned.

[Huff]

Grumbly noises like that is - ime- likely that the system is a bit low on gas.

Get it checked by someone who know's what they are about; cheap fix now, or likely very spendy if left.

[g3org3y]

MitchT said:

I've noticed that the OH's 120d (E87, 2005, M47) makes a whirring noise when the air con is running. The pitch of the noise rises and falls with the engine revs. It stops if I turn the air con off but comes back if I turn it on again. Is this normal or is something on its way out and, if so, will it simply result in the air con not working anymore or is there going to be a larger consequence?

My 6 Series has been doing that for the last couple of years...the a/c itself works fine.

Assumed compressor bearing or some such. Must admit, not got round to attending to it as yet...