So, the Passat needs a new condensor ...

[PranK]

The condensor on our B6 TDI has died. Word around town is that the pre 07 models had ****ty compressors.

My mechanic hadn't looked up any parts yet and as a 'very rough' guide, $3500 to fix.

Thats the condensor and all the ancillary bits that need to be replaced due to the bits and pieces that can be spread throughout the system after the condensor goes.

$3500 seems a touch high. A quick search on eBay and Google shows that you could probably pick up the parts for ~$800 and $2700 fitting seems absurd.

So, my questions;

Is $3500 high?
Am I underestimating the job? (I'm no mechanic, but I am 'cluey' enough to know where things go.)
It sounds like its not a simple swap-out job and that the oil used to be measured perfectly etc etc (but, we all know that there are elitists on car forums ) is it DIY-able?

Thanks.

[booba]

Passat uses same compressor as in many other models and yes pre 2007 are ****ty.

the one you have is probably made by zexel and you will be replacing it with a denso compressor.

the part number would be most likely 1k0 820 859S and my mate purchased one on ebay today for $250 + 35 odd shipping.

$3500 is a bit rough.

*edit* I believe that you mean compressor.

[PranK]

Hi booba, thanks for that info.

As I understand it, the condensor and the compressor are two individual parts; AC condenser compressor removal VW Passat

I'll wait till I get the email from the mechanic with the actual quote to see what parts are needed. I did see condensors on eBay for not much; AIR CONDITIONING A/C CONDENSER 8D0260401G AUDI A4 VW PASSAT 98-02 1.8T 2.8L | eBay (I understand this is not for my car, just an example.)

Thanks for that part number, super handy!!

[booba]

Yes, compressor and condensor are separate, you would be wise to replace both as it would be unknown whether the condensor is contaminated when the compressor **** itself.