550 compressor leaking

I have a 2000 550 and I just had the dealer replace the alternator and place a new battery. I had the radio and fan/compressor fuse keep blowing and they said they found a frayed wire by the alternator that was most likely causing that.
They said that many times when the fuse blows due to the compressor going bad. They said that it appears by compressor is leaking from the casing and it wet with what appears to be gear fluid. They stated that in the near future the clutch will prbably sieze up and I will need to replace the compressor. They do not rebuild them and they do not replace the clutch mechanism on the compressor. So now it is another 3K for that to have them do it. The compressor is a Nippon Denso Brand. I do not know the model number of it. Do any of you know this?
My good friend who collects Ferraris has told me I am better off buying the compressor from anyone who sells it and then going to a good qualified air conditioning shop and having them replace it.
Has anyone had any experience wiht this? Should I just pay them the 3K and be done with it or is it worth it if I can find a good shop and have them do the work.
I love the car but hate the service bills that go with it. Lately, 2K tires, 1K shock actuator, 2K alternator and battery, and now 3K compressor.
I am not complaining, only wondering if I am a sucker for having the dealer service the car all the time.
Any ideas as well as what model Nippon Denso compressor is on my 2000 550?
Thanks
Gary

 

Yes, They were referring to the A/C compressor. They said at some point the clutch would probably sieze up and I would need to replace the entire compressor.
My best friend who has several F cars said he talked to a good A/C shop who works on all types of high end cars and they stated the first thing to do is inject die into the system and then use a UV light to see where any leaks are. They stated that if the car needs a new a/c comrpessor, which it uses a Nippon Denso, when they replace that, they also replace the Dryer, Accumulator and place new Freon along with the compressor. They quoted me $1500.00.
Now my friend is calling Tim Stanfield to discuss the issue with him.
I do want to fix it correctly but am tired of bending over every time the car needs work.
What do you guys do?

 

Yes, They were referring to the A/C compressor. They said at some point the clutch would probably sieze up and I would need to replace the entire compressor.
My best friend who has several F cars said he talked to a good A/C shop who works on all types of high end cars and they stated the first thing to do is inject die into the system and then use a UV light to see where any leaks are. They stated that if the car needs a new a/c comrpessor, which it uses a Nippon Denso, when they replace that, they also replace the Dryer, Accumulator and place new Freon along with the compressor. They quoted me $1500.00.
Now my friend is calling Tim Stanfield to discuss the issue with him.
I do want to fix it correctly but am tired of bending over every time the car needs work.
What do you guys do?

 

Can you guys tell me how I can find the right model of Nippon Denso compressor for my car. Would Ferrari parts know or are they just going to tell me the Ferrari part number?
Would a Nippon Denso compressor distributor know which model would be the correct one? I do not have the car at home now and if I could avoid taking the car apart to read a model number on the compressor that seems esaier to me.
Hey, I don't mind the cost of the correct compressor and if it costs me 1500 to do it right, I do not mind. It is a whole lot less than 3k at the dealer as long as it is done right.
Thanks again
Gary