Thought I'd post a quick update on this for closure.
Brand new OEM-spec compressor (not a re-manufactured or a pattern part) now installed by AC Medic for less than 50% of what my local indy garage quoted me. The work only took him 10 minutes to confirm my system held pressure and that the compressor was faulty, and then another 2 hours a few days later to swap out the bad part. I now have cold air ready for the summer - let's hope it's a hot one! :)
Mark's a great chap to have a chat with, and will give you his honest opinion on any AC work you may need. Would happily recommend his services to others in the BHM area.
Hope this helps any others who are putting off any AC work on their cars. Now would be a good time to get any problems sorted before the summer work on the AC trade begins to ramp up.
