325i power loss due to A/C use

SteveTn · 11-21-2005, 10:34 AM

My son has an '06 325i, 6 sp. manual, sports pkg. When the A/C is turned on it seems it loses 10% of it's power and the mileage drops 10% on the highway. Any similar complaints or factory fixes?
My 2000 323i does not exhibit this problem. Very little effect when the A/C is on. As well as other vehicle makes; this 325i is the worst I have seen with this problem.
Any of you folks have the same problem?

ImUrGoDaK · 11-21-2005, 11:01 AM

really? i didn't notice any difference when i tried it on highway...my car is the same as yours except the sports pkg.

stressdoc · 11-21-2005, 11:08 AM

A/C saps power in any car when the compressor is on. It is just more noticeable in lighter, less powerful cars.

Bimmerista · 11-21-2005, 11:22 AM

10% power loss - not likely, this is a 215 Hp car not 60Hp.

On some cars, log ago, the power loss was up to 10Hp (we a re talking early 90s here). Today, with more efficient compressors, the loss would be around 5-6 hp depending on the make.

So while you may well notice it in the 325, you will as well in the 330 and no it should not affect your performance the way you indicated. If the difference is truly 20 Hp less, have your dealer look at it bcs you may have a problem there.

Good luck

lumbergh · 11-21-2005, 12:19 PM

I don't notice it at all on my 06 325i. It's an auto.

deutschmann59 · 11-21-2005, 01:46 PM

Yeah, I have never noticed this, but it's true you'd lose "some" hp due to the compressor running, and I've heard you can lose gas mileage with the defrost on. Not just with the E90, but any car. I'm sure you guys will call me on it if I'm wrong, but that's what I heard.

Jesse Wilson · 11-21-2005, 01:54 PM

It's more fuel efficient to run the AC at 45mph and above then rolling the windows down.

I knew watching the Discovery channel would come in handy one day!!

Jesse

06graphite · 11-21-2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharp1183

Yeah, I have never noticed this, but it's true you'd lose "some" hp due to the compressor running, and I've heard you can lose gas mileage with the defrost on. Not just with the E90, but any car. I'm sure you guys will call me on it if I'm wrong, but that's what I heard.

I haven't felt any power loss in my 325 either, but did notice it in my previous truck (ford ranger). You also notice it when you run the defrost as well because the compressor runs during defrost too. (To remove the humidity from the air being blown on the windows)

voltron1011 · 11-21-2005, 02:40 PM

Most 6+ cylinder engines you won't even notice the compressor kicking on. You notice it mostly on lower displacement motors like a VW 1.8T..

astral · 11-21-2005, 03:26 PM

there is some power looss for turning on the A/C but still better than opening windows coz this will add more friction to the car....milage decrease?? noway

David328M-Sport · 11-21-2005, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveTn

My son has an '06 325i, 6 sp. manual, sports pkg. When the A/C is turned on it seems it loses 10% of it's power and the mileage drops 10% on the highway. Any similar complaints or factory fixes?
My 2000 323i does not exhibit this problem. Very little effect when the A/C is on. As well as other vehicle makes; this 325i is the worst I have seen with this problem.
Any of you folks have the same problem?

Hi and welcome,

Can I say that you and your son's cars have the problem OPPOSITE to what I used to have.

My old e46 1998 323i lost a lot of engine power from the A/C (my previous e36 320, even more). I never liked using the A/C because of it.

Now in my e90 325, I don't feel a thing. Nothing at all. In fact I started a thread a couple of weeks ago about the pleasant surprise I received when, for the first time, I switched on my A/C in the 325. Let me tell you that after 13 years of driving BMWs I was VERY happy.

In fact the 320 was so bad with the A/C on, that driveability was affected.

Have the 325 checked out in case there is a problem but I cannot feel any difference at all, in all driving conditions.

In fact A/Cs have become very efficient now. My wifes 4 cylinder Mercedes C180K's A/C does not have any effect on engine performance and driveability. No difference on or off.

If you do have a problem, I hope you have it fixed quickly.

Take care.

LEDZEP · 11-21-2005, 04:02 PM

I paid a lot of attention to this during the summer, and I noticed only negligable effect from the A/C. My gas mileage may have dropped 1-2 MPG if that, and I rarely noticed any significant power difference. Your son should report the problem to service and let them run some diagnostics on it.

timlang · 11-21-2005, 04:10 PM

I have a 325i automatic, and I havn't been able to detect any power different with the A/C on or off. The A/C compresser was very evident in my last car, which was only a 4 cyl 2.2l, however in this car I can't tell at all !

longtran · 11-21-2005, 04:16 PM

i dont have that problem. i use ac all the time. even when its cold outside.

AznBeemer23 · 11-21-2005, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

i dont have that problem. i use ac all the time. even when its cold outside.

Well take of your winter coat and you won't have to use the AC when its cold outside......

LEDZEP · 11-21-2005, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

i dont have that problem. i use ac all the time. even when its cold outside.

longtran, you live in LA. It does not get cold outside.

longtran · 11-21-2005, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

longtran, you live in LA. It does not get cold outside.

dude are you kidding me??? ahahha.....when it hits low 60s..burrr... dontlike rolling windows down, too noisey.

xsb00st · 11-21-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Wilson

It's more fuel efficient to run the AC at 45mph and above then rolling the windows down.

I knew watching the Discovery channel would come in handy one day!!

Jesse

Let me guess...Myth Busters?!

ON325i · 11-21-2005, 05:24 PM

It has been AUTO ever since, mebbe i'll check out how it goes when i turn it off...

lux.sh · 11-21-2005, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

when it hits low 60s..burrr...

ah, low 60s. I miss those warm days.

Sho · 11-21-2005, 05:46 PM

I never noticed it. Even had 5 people in the car, and in mid 80 to drive in the mountain. You better bring the car to dealer soon.

Compos Mentis · 11-29-2005, 05:00 PM

A friend of mine had an old Honda Accord that would turn off the compressor when accelerating hard. Do you notice if the E90 does that? The Accord was underpowered, and it really helped. Saves having to turn it off before passing.
One major problem was that we were winding it out on a hot day for a really long stretch, and the compressor always stayed off. It got really hot in the car. That was not good.
The E90 does have good power, but it would be cool if it switched off when REALLY needed.

CM

11-21-2005, 10:34 AM	#1
SteveTn Registered 1 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2000 323i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Knoxville, TN, USA iTrader: (0)	325i power loss due to A/C use My son has an '06 325i, 6 sp. manual, sports pkg. When the A/C is turned on it seems it loses 10% of it's power and the mileage drops 10% on the highway. Any similar complaints or factory fixes? My 2000 323i does not exhibit this problem. Very little effect when the A/C is on. As well as other vehicle makes; this 325i is the worst I have seen with this problem. Any of you folks have the same problem?
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11-21-2005, 11:01 AM	#2
ImUrGoDaK Private 12 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 05 325i to 08 335xi :) Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SF iTrader: (1)	really? i didn't notice any difference when i tried it on highway...my car is the same as yours except the sports pkg.
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11-21-2005, 11:08 AM	#3
stressdoc Moderator 647 Rep 10,863 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	A/C saps power in any car when the compressor is on. It is just more noticeable in lighter, less powerful cars.
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11-21-2005, 11:22 AM	#4
Bimmerista Major General 85 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	10% power loss - not likely, this is a 215 Hp car not 60Hp. On some cars, log ago, the power loss was up to 10Hp (we a re talking early 90s here). Today, with more efficient compressors, the loss would be around 5-6 hp depending on the make. So while you may well notice it in the 325, you will as well in the 330 and no it should not affect your performance the way you indicated. If the difference is truly 20 Hp less, have your dealer look at it bcs you may have a problem there. Good luck
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11-21-2005, 12:19 PM	#5
lumbergh Private 2 Rep 54 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	I don't notice it at all on my 06 325i. It's an auto.
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11-21-2005, 01:46 PM	#6
deutschmann59 Captain 182 Rep 737 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: e90post.com iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I have never noticed this, but it's true you'd lose "some" hp due to the compressor running, and I've heard you can lose gas mileage with the defrost on. Not just with the E90, but any car. I'm sure you guys will call me on it if I'm wrong, but that's what I heard.
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11-21-2005, 01:54 PM	#7
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant 13 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ iTrader: (2)	It's more fuel efficient to run the AC at 45mph and above then rolling the windows down. I knew watching the Discovery channel would come in handy one day!! Jesse
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11-21-2005, 02:40 PM	#9
voltron1011 Colonel 122 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Most 6+ cylinder engines you won't even notice the compressor kicking on. You notice it mostly on lower displacement motors like a VW 1.8T..
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11-21-2005, 03:26 PM	#10
astral Enlisted Member 2 Rep 35 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	there is some power looss for turning on the A/C but still better than opening windows coz this will add more friction to the car....milage decrease?? noway __________________ 2006 330i Sedan sparkling graphite metallic sport Premium Active Steering black Dakota Leather.
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11-21-2005, 04:02 PM	#12
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 425 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I paid a lot of attention to this during the summer, and I noticed only negligable effect from the A/C. My gas mileage may have dropped 1-2 MPG if that, and I rarely noticed any significant power difference. Your son should report the problem to service and let them run some diagnostics on it. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-21-2005, 04:10 PM	#13
timlang Private First Class 4 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2018 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	I have a 325i automatic, and I havn't been able to detect any power different with the A/C on or off. The A/C compresser was very evident in my last car, which was only a 4 cyl 2.2l, however in this car I can't tell at all ! __________________ 18' 330i xDrive M Sport Edition II - Mineral Gray/Black (Canadian Model 'eh!) 14', 13', 11' & 08' 328i xDrive - Mineral Gray/Black, Steptronic, PP, Nav (Canadian) 06' 325i - Sparkling Graphite/Black/Burl, Steptronic, PP (Canadian)
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11-21-2005, 04:16 PM	#14
longtran Lieutenant General 1460 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	i dont have that problem. i use ac all the time. even when its cold outside.
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11-21-2005, 05:24 PM	#19
ON325i Captain 18 Rep 740 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 e90 325i [0.00]	It has been AUTO ever since, mebbe i'll check out how it goes when i turn it off... __________________ e90 325i Jet Black / Sports Pkg / Auto
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11-21-2005, 05:46 PM	#21
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I never noticed it. Even had 5 people in the car, and in mid 80 to drive in the mountain. You better bring the car to dealer soon.
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11-29-2005, 05:00 PM	#22
Compos Mentis Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 230 Posts Drives: Arctic 330xi Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	A friend of mine had an old Honda Accord that would turn off the compressor when accelerating hard. Do you notice if the E90 does that? The Accord was underpowered, and it really helped. Saves having to turn it off before passing. One major problem was that we were winding it out on a hot day for a really long stretch, and the compressor always stayed off. It got really hot in the car. That was not good. The E90 does have good power, but it would be cool if it switched off when REALLY needed. CM __________________ *Compos Mentis* ----------------- 2006 330xi Arctic, black leather, aluminum. 18000 miles...
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