XSeries-forum

Any cat rattle we got we would put a block of wood above between the body then put a jack under the cat and squash ? it a little.
Hope you understand what i said and pardon my dyslexia.

Oooo.. Never thought of that. On my cayenne years ago I just dented it with a mallet as one of those was loose too. Good idea.

Ok so I returned to the transmission place. Ian the owner drove the car - in a rather spirited way - and also did some stall tests etc. It’s not the transmission apparently.
Then I went off to visit a chap called Paul Spicer in Stevenage who is a bmw expert. He took a look but wasn’t sure so I’m going to let him have the car for a day or so so he can figure it out.
I need to fix this harshness/ vibration as it’s doing my head in and I’ll just buy another car. I also know it’s not right as I had an identical X5 a few years ago along with this one and that was much smoother.

Right. It’s been a while and haven’t driven the X5 over 3k rpm so no vibration. Anyway, today I was messing about and noticed that if I turn the AC off (I always have it running) the vibration high up in the rev range is not there - it’s not as smooth as I think it should be but a vast improvement.
So it has to be either the AC compressor / clutch or something that is linked on the same belt - I haven’t had chance to take a proper look yet.
I have noticed over the last few years that the AC does make a thump as the clutch comes on and off and can be felt so maybe the engine mounts are past their best too. Investigation required.

Check/Change the belt tensioners they have a hard life

Will do but I don’t think it’s them as they run constantly whereas the AC clutch / compressor doesn’t. I have an AC expert coming today to recharge the daughters Astra so I’ll question him..

Ok so I've narrowed it down to the ac compressor or drive. I can get a used compressor for £30 or a new one is somewhere between £180-£250.
Is it worth the risk of trying a used one? What do you think?

I reckon I'm going to replace both belts and tensioners in a few weeks when I have the time and if that doesn't cure the vibration then it's off with the pump but that's something my local garage would have to do.

A used one will at least prove the issue, but may have it’s own different problems.

Can one of you experts please confirm that this part number is the correct ac compressor for an 01 E53 4.4.M62tu - 64526909628.
I’m finding new ones for circa £200 if that’s correct. Ta

This is the model list for E53….