BMW: a/c clutch, assembly plant, ebay

Question
hi josh - my a/c clutch is making a kind of clanging noise (from the pulley) when i turn the a/c on.  I guess I need to replace it.  I have a 1997 528i.  I called for part and they say I have to buy the whole compressor.  Is this true?  Is it possible to build the one I have?  Thanks for any info.

Answer
Cathy,
 You might find a used compressor somewhere (like Ebay) for your car, and have someone remove the pulley/clutch from the one you bought and put it on your compressor.

 It is true that the dealership only sells the compressor, and not individual parts for the dealership.  BMW does not manufacture the compressors, they just buy them and install them on your cars at the assembly plant.  So the dealership would not have access to individual parts for the compressor.  If anything, they would have to take your compressor and send it to the manufacturer to have it repaired... and that would probably cost more than just buying a new one.

 I would keep my eyes peeled for deals though.  I work in the automotive business, and sell parts to dealerships.  I know how they mark-up prices (200%-400% in most cases).  So you can find the same compressor for several hundred dollars cheaper on the internet.  Skip the dealership on parts unless you cannot find them anywhere else.

 Good luck,
 Josh