Drive with A/C on?

[cloud8r]

So I've had my share of cars and BMWs. Even with my current M Coupe and previous e46 M3 and 550i I noticed a distinct reduction in performance/hp with the A/C on (not as bad with the 550). Curious how significant the reduction of power is with the AC on with the e9x M3 and if you guys drive with it on or not.

[duk]

i don't think our AC saps any power, it's not belt driven

[_Jono_]

Wow ZCP on order? Did you get the 100whp that comes with it or... you didnt know about that

[C17MooseDriver]

I remember the BMW instructor saying that the AC compressor automatically turns off during hard acceleration so it won't sap any power when you need it.

[cloud8r]

Originally Posted by C17MooseDriver

I remember the BMW instructor saying that the AC compressor automatically turns off during hard acceleration so it won't sap any power when you need it.

Yeah, that seems to be the case with several modern cars, however, that usually means WOT or close to. Still would need to compensate for the power zap when less than wot on those cars -- they feel more sluggish with the AC on.

Originally Posted by duk

i don't think our AC saps any power, it's not belt driven

That's great! Does the manual mention this by any chance?

[MRSSIIM3]

need.more.power.no.ac.

[kaykay]

I don't think the A/C influences power that much, if anything at all, come on guys. This is 2010. I highly doubt you'll notice the 0.025 horsepower loss because the AS is running.

It's hot air that screws you, not the A/C.

[llis]

414 hp and no room for AC when it's *h*o*t* ???? What are you, crazy? If the motor's not running hot, and you don't need to put punk-boy-wrx in his place, what's to worry about AC? You're driving an $80k car and you feel the need to sweat? Remind me not to invite you to my next cocktail party!

[PKL]

I have had E36 M3 E46 M3 '07 M Coupe all feel sluggish with AC on. If E92 doesn't, awesome.

[sameh]

My M3 sounds the gong and displays a message on the screen when I turn the AC on while driving. Message says "Are you f**Ken sure you wanna turn the AC on? Power will be reduced to a total of 82HP. Proceed on your own risk MF" so I never tried it. The problem is if I roll windows down, I lose the aerodynamic function of the built and the power is again reduced (well this time it goes down to only 114HP which is not bad compared to the other car I wanted to buy instead of M3-the smart car). So anyway, I just make sure I have a change of cloths and under-wears to take a shower wherever I end up at (work, gas station, mall, etc) this way I don't mind it when I sweat excessively as I'm driving. I thought I should share my experience with you guys. Thanks

[FruitCake]

it depends dude
if you have the godly ZCP then yes you can turn the AC on full blast and you'll actually gain HP but if you have the base model honda civic M3 then no, if you just hover your finger over the button, the car feels like its running on 2 cylinders

[zhangzeyuandss]

Originally Posted by FruitCake

it depends dude
if you have the godly ZCP then yes you can turn the AC on full blast and you'll actually gain HP but if you have the base model honda civic M3 then no, if you just hover your finger over the button, the car feels like its running on 2 cylinders

rofl.. zcp gave you an extra 100hp just like the m botton on your steering wheel..

[MrHarris]

Originally Posted by FruitCake

it depends dude
if you have the godly ZCP then yes you can turn the AC on full blast and you'll actually gain HP but if you have the base model honda civic M3 then no, if you just hover your finger over the button, the car feels like its running on 2 cylinders

win

[Looper]

Originally Posted by duk

i don't think our AC saps any power, it's not belt driven

Yeah mines solar/moon powered so no pwr loss there................... If the compressor is engaged when you get on it there is a power loss, thank god I invented the electric clutch which came just before I invented the internet... You can thank me later!

By the way the solar/lunar driven compressor is just another ZCP only feature.

[FruitCake]

ok in all seriousness u guys do know the AC turns off under full throttle right?
nubz

[ns2000x]

Originally Posted by MrHarris

win

Am I the only one tiring of the flagrant ZCP bashing?

OP - I'm surprised to hear your 550i had noticeable a/c parasitic drag.

[PKL]

Originally Posted by ns2000x

Am I the only one tiring of the flagrant ZCP bashing?

It's not bashing, because it is always the people with ZCP who made the joke. so basically it's just a joke that was funny for the first few days and now has been dragged on for weeks.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by duk

i don't think our AC saps any power, it's not belt driven

Who the heck told you that? IT IS belt-driven by the engine. Have you ever opened your hood ? It's right there on the left; just follow the lines.
You don't feel it engage and disengage because it has swash plates, plus DME compensates at idle, but it definitely robs some power. And yes, it automatically disengages at 'large throttle openings' (I'd assume close to WOT. Or maybe above 'x' rpm). A/C should only be used when needed. Many cars automatically engage A/C compressor when 'auto' is pressed, whether it's needed or not. I never use 'auto' so don't know if BMW does that, but it's something to watch out for. A waste of fuel unless you need to dehumidify your interior.

[Silverstone]

Lol....Thread gone wrong.

[Navypat46]

^^

[OC3]

OP: being in SoCal, how can you even consider not running A/C? Especially in or around Simi Valley...

[The_BatBoy_187]

Since you have ZCP, the power loss will make you identical to a normal ///M3 Prius since ZCP gives 100 +HP and the A/C takes a little of it when it's on, so you'll be like-50 HP short. Still u will have 470 Hp thanks to the ZCP.