In answer to your Question.....Yes YOU CAN I've Been Informed that you can't do this, but Why do you think BMW make it a Magnetic Clutch? It's purose is to protect the Aircon, Should the System Discharge, Therfore it Disengages!! Now for the Contradiction "THEY" Say that you're not supposed to do this i.e run without the compressor, or rather have the compressor still connected Boy are these guy's Eager for Money!! In your case the Compressors had it, US!! So it won't matter at this point So Yes You Can Disconnect it!!

One Other Thing.....Mine ran for Three years Needing Recharged, Finally Done it And Yes The Compressor Still Works Fine, Aircon Is COOOOOOOL!!!

Sooooo Sorry About The Babe Though, Must Have Been Embarassing ....Me,I'd probably hid under the bonnet 'Til They all Went Away, He He He

Hope You Got HER Number Though!!!

Regards
Dave M

Í was up to change the a/c compressor for a long time. the a/c is definetly busted, i'm just saving money. i dont turn the a/c on anymore, but yesterday .... what a shame ! saturday night, hanging out with a girl, a lot of people in the street and suddenly that whirring noise ! alot of smoke !!! it was my a/c clutch stuck (locked up) :(
i had to stop the car in the middle of everybody (ahhhh) get a screw driver, hammer and pry the clucth out of the compressor, it was my worst saturday night ever. the car worked , but i ended with dirty hands and arms and people making fun of me probably =( so i was wondering if i can just cut or take the a/c belt off ... IS THE A/C BELT JUST FOR THE AC COMPRESSOR ??? (LOOKS LIKE) thank youuuuuuuuu