AC Compressor Noise - poly v belt?

[Dubbdack]

Could someone help explaining if a perishing poly v belt could cause strange noises from the AC compressor? When the compressor is on, it makes a groaning noise. Would the groaning be fixed if the belt is changed, or could the noise be related to the compressor itself? The car is a E46 325i. Thanks for your help!

[junder]

My e46 316 compact, has the same issue. I'll be interested to hear how you fix it.

J

[Court_S]

My E46 325 Compact has the same issue as well - not 100% sure what it is but am getting the belt changed and a regas at the end of the month to see if that cures it. if not, I'm guessing that it may be something more sinister (expensive).

I've noticed with mine though, that its worse when the car is at low speed / iddling.

[Huff]

Some compressors *do* groan with nothing wrong - Saab NG900s are notorious for this.

OTOH swapping poly-V belts is easy. I did both on my E34 540 this last weekend (overdue routine replacement.) Even with removing the fan shroud, and approached in a very lazy way, it was all done in under 1/2hr.