Based on my symptoms, I decided to give this a try.
***UPDATED 7/22/11*** - Added info on removing spacers.
My symptoms were...
1) A/C worked sporatically, then not at all.
2) When it did work, it was ice cold. (I didn't suspect low freon)
3) With the connector removed from the A/C compressor, 12V positive+ voltage was applied directly to the exposed connector pin on the compressor & the clutch would not engage.
4) No strange noises. (Which might indicate a bad bearing)
5) A/C button lights up & Aux fan turns on low when A/C button is pressed.
6) No fuses blown or shorts causing fuses to blow.
I can't guarantee success, but I was surprised to find out it worked for me!
Here's a link to the originator of the idea & the inspiration for my first tutorial.
http://www.bmwe36blog.com/forum/a-c-...-fix-t766.html Jack up the front of the car or use ramps. Or, like me, use both! Safety first!
Disconnect the battery.
Remove the plastic cover over the A/C belt tensioner.
Loosen the bolt to releive tension & remove the A/C drive belt.
Remove the clutch plate. Bentleys manual suggested using a strap wrench around the lip of the clutch plate, but I found that my Fram oil filter wrench worked just fine. Remove the 5mm hex bolt while holding the clutch plate steady.
Remove the clutch plate.
Using a green 3M scrubby pad, clean the inside surface of the pulley.
Using the same scrubby pad, clean the inside surface of the clutch plate.
***UPDATE*** Remove spacers (if necessary) as detailed in my updated posting here...
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...419#post298419 Spray the inside surface of the pulley and the clutch plate with electrical parts cleaner while spinning the pulley. I guess, in part, you are cleaning the electromagnet inside the pulley as well. ***IMPORTANT*** DO NOT use WD40 or another penetrating oil, they are flammable. Electrical parts cleaner is non flammable & you don't want to spray an electrical component with flammable liquid. I use CRC brand "Lectra-Motive".
Once dry, reinstall the clutch plate & tighten the hex nut while holding the rim of the plate, same as in the removal.
Re-install the drive belt & using a hex bit, apply tension while tightening the bolt on the tension pulley. Do not over tension or over tighten.
Re-install the plastic cover over the tensioner pulley & re-connect your battery.
Put the car on the ground & test.
With a little luck, it should be blowing ice cold!
Good luck & I hope you enjoyed my first tutorial!