Talk to me about condensers for my 2011 135i

XavierMace · 05-30-2016, 01:55 PM

I'm in the process of replacing my A/C compressor (bearing failure) and associated bits. The existing A/C compressor was a BMW stamped Denso, so I bought a Denso compressor and condenser. Seemed pretty straight forward to me.

So I was quite surprised and annoyed to find out upon removing my existing condenser that this Denso one is 2" taller and doesn't fit. Confirmed part numbers on box and condenser itself. Denso's website confirms what I was sent SHOULD be the proper condenser. Also confirms the height is "correct" and I see other brands quoting the same height.

I've seen mention that BMW went through several models of condensers on these, but given this won't clear the FMIC, there's got to be more to it than that.

What am I missing here?

Pictures attached showing the condenser I removed from the car with the Denso replacement under it.

Dackelone · 05-30-2016, 02:08 PM

Welcome to the wonderful aftermarket world. Yous part is not correct(as you probably know!). I would just buy the part from BMW via your VIN. Its possible that your car is of a "different build" or spec that what the OEM(Denso) thinks.

I would also replace your receiver/drier too.

Good Luck,
Dackel

XavierMace · 05-30-2016, 02:41 PM

I appreciate the advise, but I'm not paying $560+tax (USD) for a condenser when I can get one from an OEM for $70-$160. Every single part in this job costs 5x more from the dealer. Including the compressor which is a Denso in both cases.

My issue/concern is I'm seeing a variety of condensers from reputable manufacturers (as in the same companies BMW gets parts from and not just Denso) the same size as the replacement one I got. No option for the size mine has.

So, it seems to me, somebody else would have had to have had this come up before now. I haven't seen any mention by anybody of these having two different condenser sizes. Has anyone here replaced theirs and what size was yours? Regardless if my car is "different" or the part was made to the wrong specs it seems like somebody else would have come across this. Or does nobody replace these themselves? LOL.

Receiver/drier, expansion valve, etc are all here. Funny you should mention the drier though, as that's not replaceable on the original condenser either.

XavierMace · 06-20-2016, 07:31 PM

A late update for anyone that happens to need to replace their's. I ended up ordering a TYC 3739 from Amazon and that fit perfectly.

TwinTurboXI · 06-23-2016, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XavierMace

A late update for anyone that happens to need to replace their's. I ended up ordering a TYC 3739 from Amazon and that fit perfectly.

Thanks for posting.

thetyrant · 07-23-2016, 05:13 AM

Useful post thank you, im about to change a leaky condenser on my early 2010 n55 135i so will keep an eye out for different versions.

How tricky was it to change ? doesn't look too bad once you have Intercooler etc dropped out the way but any tips welcome

Cheers
Ian

05-30-2016, 01:55 PM	#1
XavierMace New Member 7 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	Talk to me about condensers for my 2011 135i I'm in the process of replacing my A/C compressor (bearing failure) and associated bits. The existing A/C compressor was a BMW stamped Denso, so I bought a Denso compressor and condenser. Seemed pretty straight forward to me. So I was quite surprised and annoyed to find out upon removing my existing condenser that this Denso one is 2" taller and doesn't fit. Confirmed part numbers on box and condenser itself. Denso's website confirms what I was sent SHOULD be the proper condenser. Also confirms the height is "correct" and I see other brands quoting the same height. I've seen mention that BMW went through several models of condensers on these, but given this won't clear the FMIC, there's got to be more to it than that. What am I missing here? Pictures attached showing the condenser I removed from the car with the Denso replacement under it. Attached Images Last edited by XavierMace; 05-30-2016 at 02:07 PM..
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05-30-2016, 02:08 PM	#2
Dackelone European Editor 10589 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Welcome to the wonderful aftermarket world. Yous part is not correct(as you probably know!). I would just buy the part from BMW via your VIN. Its possible that your car is of a "different build" or spec that what the OEM(Denso) thinks. I would also replace your receiver/drier too. Good Luck, Dackel __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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05-30-2016, 02:41 PM	#3
XavierMace New Member 7 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	I appreciate the advise, but I'm not paying $560+tax (USD) for a condenser when I can get one from an OEM for $70-$160. Every single part in this job costs 5x more from the dealer. Including the compressor which is a Denso in both cases. My issue/concern is I'm seeing a variety of condensers from reputable manufacturers (as in the same companies BMW gets parts from and not just Denso) the same size as the replacement one I got. No option for the size mine has. So, it seems to me, somebody else would have had to have had this come up before now. I haven't seen any mention by anybody of these having two different condenser sizes. Has anyone here replaced theirs and what size was yours? Regardless if my car is "different" or the part was made to the wrong specs it seems like somebody else would have come across this. Or does nobody replace these themselves? LOL. Receiver/drier, expansion valve, etc are all here. Funny you should mention the drier though, as that's not replaceable on the original condenser either.
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06-20-2016, 07:31 PM	#4
XavierMace New Member 7 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	A late update for anyone that happens to need to replace their's. I ended up ordering a TYC 3739 from Amazon and that fit perfectly.
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07-23-2016, 05:13 AM	#6
thetyrant Enlisted Member 6 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2011 F25 X3 30d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cumbria UK iTrader: (0)	Useful post thank you, im about to change a leaky condenser on my early 2010 n55 135i so will keep an eye out for different versions. How tricky was it to change ? doesn't look too bad once you have Intercooler etc dropped out the way but any tips welcome Cheers Ian
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