Air Conditioner and Power

[drvai]

To all the members that already have the car...

I was wondering if the power of the engine isn't really affected by the A/C. Because of this new system that the M3 has, the A/C is not powered by the engine when accelerating.

Any thoughts/comments/statements/info?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by drvai

To all the members that already have the car...

I was wondering if the power of the engine isn't really affected by the A/C. Because of this new system that the M3 has, the A/C is not powered by the engine when accelerating.

Any thoughts/comments/statements/info?

That's not new. The E46 version also cuts out the compressor under hard acceleration. When maximum power is called for the compressor freewheels.

[chicagobimmerboy]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

That's not new. The E46 version also cuts out the compressor under hard acceleration. When maximum power is called for the compressor freewheels.

I thought that was on all performance oriented cars. even on Lambo's and other exotics

[OzStriker]

I had no idea, thanks for the info.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

That's not new. The E46 version also cuts out the compressor under hard acceleration. When maximum power is called for the compressor freewheels.

Thank you all for the responses.

I'll go deep on the thing.

Under hard acceleration we all know how it works, but I meant under "normal" acceleration. The alternator is supposed to produce the max. amount of power when breaking and cruising (that's a fact), so it won't drag the engine when accelerating... now, my questions is if the same happens to the compressor on the A/C (and maybe runs on the battery?)


Maybe it's a stupid question, but I can always tell how the A/C affects "every day" performance, and is something you can notice on every day driving (this is not new.. I know guys), so I was hoping that maybe the M3 had the ability to run the A/C on "reserve" electricity while accelerating. (Like an Hybrid car).

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by drvai

Thank you all for the responses.

I'll go deep on the thing.

Under hard acceleration we all know how it works, but I meant under "normal" acceleration. The alternator is supposed to produce the max. amount of power when breaking and cruising (that's a fact), so it won't drag the engine when accelerating... now, my questions is if the same happens to the compressor on the A/C (and maybe runs on the battery?)


Maybe it's a stupid question, but I can always tell how the A/C affects "every day" performance, and is something you can notice on every day driving (this is not new.. I know guys), so I was hoping that maybe the M3 had the ability to run the A/C on "reserve" electricity while accelerating. (Like an Hybrid car).

I don't have details, but I doubt very much that is the case. BMW would have promoted it, if so. Only a few hybrids have electric AC. I'm virtually certain the M3 has a conventional belt-driven one. That type has a clutch which disengages the pully under hard acceleration.

[lucid]

The compressor should not have to run constantly in the A/C system for the refrigerant to be at or close to the desired temperature interval.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by lucid

The compressor should not have to run constantly in the A/C system for the refrigerant to be at or close to the desired temperature interval.

True, it cycles on and off using the clutch. This feature is just another way of controlling the clutch if it happens to be on when you are demanding full power.

[drvai]

Ohh. I see. Would have been great.

So back to the first question to the people that already have the car...

Does the A/C affect the performance? (specially for those in Australia).

[M34ME]

I have been more than satisfied with all features of the car - with one exception: the air conditioning system!!!!! My previous 2002 330ci had air conditioning that would make your teeth chatter. The M3 air conditioning is absolutely hopeless. Yesterday for instance, the outside temperature was 25.5C / 78F and my M3 had been sitting in the sun for a few hours. Even with the system on max, it took ages to cool the car down.....hate to think of the consequences on a really hot day. For you Northern Hemisphere owners, you have a warm summer ahead of you.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by M34ME

I have been more than satisfied with all features of the car - with one exception: the air conditioning system!!!!! My previous 2002 330ci had air conditioning that would make your teeth chatter. The M3 air conditioning is absolutely hopeless. Yesterday for instance, the outside temperature was 25.5C / 78F and my M3 had been sitting in the sun for a few hours. Even with the system on max, it took ages to cool the car down.....hate to think of the consequences on a really hot day. For you Northern Hemisphere owners, you have a warm summer ahead of you.

Might have it checked out. Many things could be wrong that cause it to not be funtioning optimally.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by M34ME

I have been more than satisfied with all features of the car - with one exception: the air conditioning system!!!!! My previous 2002 330ci had air conditioning that would make your teeth chatter. The M3 air conditioning is absolutely hopeless. Yesterday for instance, the outside temperature was 25.5C / 78F and my M3 had been sitting in the sun for a few hours. Even with the system on max, it took ages to cool the car down.....hate to think of the consequences on a really hot day. For you Northern Hemisphere owners, you have a warm summer ahead of you.

[drvai]

Ok. Maybe now that a lot more member have their cars I was wondering If anyone could give us their experience regarding the "feel" of power loss when the a/c is on.

Thank you so much.

[Jinxter]

Originally Posted by drvai

Ok. Maybe now that a lot more member have their cars I was wondering If anyone could give us their experience regarding the "feel" of power loss when the a/c is on.

Thank you so much.

still to cold to run AC full blast and I have 800 miles still till breakin is over...

[drvai]

Originally Posted by Jinxter

still to cold to run AC full blast and I have 800 miles still till breakin is over...

I appreciate the help...

Any other person? You can always run the a/c with the heat. Come on guys...

Everyone is talking about the performance and it would be really interesting to know how does the a/c affect the power.

This has been something that has bother me in all my cars.... even though I have never had a 414HP car.

[OzStriker]

drvai seriously, what is wrong with you??

You have asked five times now the exact same question in this thread. You also PMed me the same question and I answered it ages ago.

There is no noticeable impact on performance when AC is on or off.

[/thread]

[drvai]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

drvai seriously, what is wrong with you??

You have asked five times now the exact same question in this thread. You also PMed me the same question and I answered it ages ago.

There is no noticeable impact on performance when AC is on or off.

[/thread]

I have asked because nobody answers except for you. The idea is to have a common opinion. Thank you for your info.

[kbk_75]

I can't say I've ever felt the need to turn off my air-con because it's sapping my power, so I tend to agree with Oz. As for the a/c being shite, it's been fine so far, but the hot weather is only just beginning here!

[edlms]

agree with ozstriker and kbk_75.
i've even tracked the car for 3 laps without remembering to turn off the a/c and i didn't notice (a) car losing power; nor (b) a/c turning on/off or weak/strong during the laps.

but then again, it was because i didn't notice and not that it did or didn't...

cheers

[drvai]

Thank you guys for the responses.

Those are really good news. I'm tired of the A/C sucking power and I live in a place where the A/C is mandatory, so there is no way out of it.

[!Xoible]

on 335 it was minimal if any. i never really noticed any difference with AC on

[ArtPE]

it's negligable...it only draws about 5-7 HP max...

on a 100 HP car, may be noticable, on a 400+, nope...
outside air temp, press, humidity have more effect...