Audi a3 8l a/C Compressor

[tramsfor]

Hi, can anyone recommend a make of a/c Compressor for a 2002 Audi A3 8l 1.9 diesel. I've been on the Auto Doc website and they have quite a few available with varying prices. Euro Car Parts have only one listed and that's an EIS make. Have had bad experiences with ECP in the past, parts not fitting. Thanks. 

 

[Magnet]

Hello Anthony.

Thanks for being in touch.

Can I ask what is wrong with your compressor, and/or, are you sure it is at fault at all? There are numerous posts on here regarding failure of pressure sensor issues on later cars, so it may be of interest to look these up. 
If your compressor has confirmed issues then if the problem is clutch associated, then this component can be replaced. 
Replacement compressors? Yes, ECP sell compressors much cheaper than most, but lasting quality?? 
Have you searched air con. specialists in your area? If not, that is worth a try. 
There was one specialist supplier in the Gloucester area ( name evades me now) and I believe they did reconditioned ones.

Hope some of this helps.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[tramsfor]

Hi Magnet, just had the a/c regassed at a local garage, £120 and they informed me that the compressor needed replacing. £445 cost and using an EIS unit from ECP. The garage is, I believe, not an a/c specialist so a bit concerned on the validity of their diagnosis. Have found some a/c guys local to me, so will contact them next week. My thinking is, if I need to have the compressor replaced I'll like it to be a good one. Many thanks for your help. Really appreciate it. 

[Magnet]

Hello Anthony,

£120 to regas the system would seem rather expensive to me, but charges in your area may be higher. 
£445 to fit a cheap ECP compressor would be a no go area for me, but obviously fitting a reasonable quality one - by anyone - is going to be even more expensive. 
 

If it were mine, I would be asking myself if our unpredictable climate justifies spending half the value of the car +, on sorting out air conditioning for the comparatively few times it will be really necessary. When it would be good to have it, I would be resorting to opening all the windows, or staying in the house in the cool! Having said that, if you (in caps)  consider the expense is justified than I very much follow your logic of spend once and wisely. Of course, getting the system checked by a specialist may be quite cheap, and I would certainly be more inclined to take their advice, rather than the garage would recharged the system. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

[tramsfor]

Hi Magnet, 

Many thanks for your response. Truly appreciatable. The car cost me £300,done 120k, 2 owners and has a good service history.

Engine, gearbox and clutch seem good.

I've taken it on board as a bit of a project and to learn motor mechanics, now I'm retired. Not owned an Audi before and am impressed with the level of quality.

Have replaced the rear discs, pads and carriage spindles. Had a problem with the rear o/s wheel overheating, now sorted. Changed and flushed out the engine coolant. But those two items have to be done on any car at some time. Myself I think the a/c is worth repairing for quite a few reasons. Primarily I like it when everything works.

No doubt I'll be on this forum again. 

Yet again, many thanks for your response. 

Kind regards, Tony