A/C Compressor Bracket
 

I noticed that others have had this issue before but I didn't see how this specific problem was addressed. On the A/C compressor bracket, I, like other E36 owners, snapped the A/C belt pulley mounting hole. So I bought a new bracket and have been trying to install it for several months now. However, I can't seem to get the top mounting bolt out because the compressor pulley interferes with my tool.

https://imgur.com/a/Hd0KCkg

I really don't want to strip this bolt. How did you guys deal with this issue?

Not sure if we're talking about the same bolt, but there was one up on top of the compressor that gave me hell, I think it was one of the fasteners that holds the compressor to the bracket. Here's an ancient post regarding how I handled it:
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showpost....49&postcount=9

That looks similar to the tool I’m trying to use. The pulley interferes and I really don’t want to strip this bolt.

Here’s a picture: https://m.imgur.com/a/Hd0KCkg

Try again, picture didn't show.

https://m.imgur.com/a/Hd0KCkg

Are you absolutely certain that's the bolt that holds the compressor to the bracket? I'm thinking that may be one of the bolts that holds the compressor case together, here's why I think that: http://www.318ti.org/forum/showpost....6&postcount=16

Sorry for the delay in responding; I’ve been banging my head against the wall for not having realized this sooner.

I’m away from my car right now but I believe you’re right. On a side note, what bolts do these brackets take? I’d rather not use the Allen bolts again. Also, my new bracket has metal inserts (I.e. no threads) while the old one is threaded. Anything to be concerned about??

Wish someone has done a proper DIY...the belt pulley mounting system makes is so easy to break this bracket and Bentley doesn’t have a diagram for the 318!

I believe there are three socket head cap screws that hold the compressor to the bracket. Two on the bottom, opposing each other, and the one on top, which you may be able to see with a mirror (accessed from the rear of the compressor). I see you're using a 6mm ball end allen - you'd be better off with a regular 6mm allen. You'll find that it engages very well, I don't think there's a need to replace the allen bolts. There should be 3 or 4 hex head bolts that hold the bracket to the engine. Not sure what to make of the inserts - you mean bushings that are not threaded? You may have a compatibility issue with the new bracket. If so, and there's clearance, you could back up the thru hole in the bracket with a nut, might need a longer fastener.

I eventually bought a long 6mm bit from SK, just for that top fastener, similar to this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/150mm-Long-6mm-Hexagon-End-Hex-Head-Screwdriver-Insert-Bits-10pcs/351761812737? I think one of the reasons they went with socket head, at least for the top fastener, is that it sits so close to the compressor case - there might not have been clearance for a hex head bolt and the socket needed to remove it.

Here's a link to the bracket I bought: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/64551739627/. As you can see, there are brass inserts of some type that I am not sure are compatible with the bolts.

I will confirm the thread/insert situation on my current bracket tomorrow, but I recall I was seeing some discrepancies when I first dealt with this issue.

I will see if I can find those hex head inserts at Harbor Freight tomorrow. As far as 6mm hex tools go, I have an allen wrench, a ball head long bit, and an impact wrench bit (which just might be long enough?). I will report back tomorrow or Friday. Maybe I should write a DIY since it took me 2 months to do this?

Those are bronze, their purpose is to prevent the aluminum casting from getting chewed up.

I'm betting that you'll find two tapped holes and one through hole on the compressor.

If I'm remembering right, the two bottom screws were easy - you might be able to use the allen wrench, with a socket/extension over the free end, for leverage. The difficult one is on top, you can either use the allen wrench, as shown in my link, or a long enough bit may get you out beyond the back of the compressor case.

Look forward to hearing how this turns out, I'm optimistic.

Thank you for your help; I probably would have pulled my compressor apart had I not found that bolt on the rear. It's completely obscured and I'm not sure I would have found it.

I decided to write up a DIY on this piece, as I can't find a super-clear one out there: http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...674#post389674.

Enjoy!

Nice writeup! Happy motoring!