Hi,

I've recently acquired a very cheap but a little neglected 135000 mile x300 95 3.2 sport which I've got through an mot but there are a few issues which I could do with a little help.

Firstly the ac isn't working. The compressor doesn't seem to be kicking in although the system has been emptied and regassed. I've done the diagnostic test and there isn't any fault codes showing. I'm assuming the compressor might be shot but are there any tests I can do to check? I can't hear the relay clicking either when the air con button is pressed - I know it's down on the front right hand of the engine bay but am not sure which relay is the ac one. Any thoughts much appreciated.


The engine also has the occasional timing chain rattle on startup although not every time. I'm assuming the tensioner needs replacing but haven't done this myself before. I'm reasonably competent with engine work but is this particularly difficult ?

Lastly, the gear change seems a little erratic with the occasional jolt on kickdown - has anyone else experienced this?

Sorry for the questions - this is my first x300 (I have usually had series 3's) but m not entirely familiar with this model.

Cheers

Mike

 

Just to update - A/C is now working - nothing more than a faulty relay.

Car has now been serviced but the idle is still a little lumpy - car drives fine but there seems to be a bit of a flat spot around 70-80 MPH which passes as soon as you put your foot down a bit.

I'm suspecting either an air leak somewhere or coil packs - any other ideas?

Thanks

Mike

 

Hi Mike, I have just purchased a 1996 model and I have the same issue with the A/C could you please advise which was the relay that you changed.

Thanks
David

 

Hi David,

Looking from the cabin, the relay is down on the front right hand side - from memory, it was mounted behind the headlight in a row of 3 or 4. Mine had all been moved around so it was a bit of a trial and error thing till I located the right one.

Again from memory, the other relays in the row were for ignition, screen-wash and dependent on Uk / US market, the other was blank.

There are also 2 fuses on the right hand engine bay which are for the A/C and A/c clutch - check these as well if you haven't already.

If you do a search on here, there's quite a few posts on A/C faults as I think there was a modification carried out under recall for pressure switch problems - that being said, work from the fuses onwards to see if there's any power reaching the compressor....

Good luck!

Mike