A/C Advise

[ShakeyDJ]

Hello to all, I'm wondering if its normal for the A/C to be cycling constantly.What I mean is that you can hear and feel the condenser(?) engage on and off every 10 seconds or so. It blasts cold air just fine but seems strange compared to others cars I've owned. Any clues or inputs ?

 

[Zee3Coupe]

Mine does the same, but I don't know if that's normal either... Also, I was noticing this weekend just how much power I lose with the AC on and was wondering if that's normal as well (you can't imagine how difficult it was to explain to my girlfriend that we need to turn off the AC on a 95 degree day so I could get more power....)

 

[Kirby]

The cycling every 10 - 15 seconds is normal. The compressor runs to build up pressure, and then shuts off until the pressure drops. This is to save gas by not running the compressor continuously, like they did in the 'old days'. If it cycles every 2 - 3 seconds, you have a low gas problem and need to have it checked.

The compressor will steal power from the engine, and it's noticeable in many vehicles, not just bimmers. It's noticeable in my Suburban, which has a 350 V8. In fact, when I am towing, I turn the A/C off on hills to get a few more hp. Automobile A/C systems cost you about 5 - 6 hp.

 

[Big Daddy]

Kirby is correct, the A/C in my roadster cycles every so often but is it so rare that I never notice. I notice more power loss in my pickup with the A/C on than in the roadster.

 

[ShakeyDJ]

Again thanks to all who replied. I feel much better now to hear similar stories. I also noticed the A/c robbing power just like you guys. Although if I'm cruisin at a steady speed its hardly noticeable. Thanks again.

 

[ShakeyDJ]

Hold the presses. I just got my car back from the BMW dealer for waranty work. I had mentioned the on/off syndrome of the A/C, otherwise known as cycling. When they tested it they found a leak due to a faulty o-ring . Now it doesn't cycle as often and sounds normal. Go figure.