A/c Help!!! - BMW Forum

TeeUp · 03-11-2005, 11:14 AM

here's the condition:

compressor is engaging, drive belt is tight, climate controls are on, air is coming out the vents. the problem: it's not cold. can anyone give me a checklist on what to look for before i go to the stealership?

kyle_baker · 03-11-2005, 12:03 PM

well first off. check the coolant level, if it is low, fill it up and problem should be fixed.

this is usually the case. hope this helps

Cruzin 323is · 03-11-2005, 12:06 PM

u probably need to refill the freon!

kyle_baker · 03-11-2005, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cruzin 323is@Mar 11 2005, 12:06 PM
u probably need to refill the freon!

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what he said

NeverLeaned · 03-11-2005, 12:19 PM

Your probably screwed if your car is still run on Freon and need to refill. They'll force you to put the retro fit kit in that runs on the enviromentally friendly freon stuff.

If you need freon, visit as many mechanics as you can and ask them if they have a few canisters of the stuff around. I know one guy in NY that horded them when they changed over a few years back and he does recharges on the sly.

93 325i · 03-11-2005, 12:35 PM

You just recharge the freon. The new kind of freon is called R134a. You can get this at any autoparts store. My 93 uses R134a so all models above should be as well. THe old freon is R12 which you can still get on ebay, but it is more expensive. Pop the hood and on the passenger side somewhere it should tell you what freon is in your A/C system..

TeeUp · 03-11-2005, 03:12 PM

does freon just evaporate over time or lack of freon necessarily mean that there's a leak in my system?

NeverLeaned · 03-11-2005, 03:29 PM

I would test the system for leaks before you waste $$$ recharging.

TeeUp · 03-11-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NeverLeaned@Mar 11 2005, 02:29 PM
I would test the system for leaks before you waste $$$ recharging.

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how difficult is that to do in a bimmer?

93 325i · 03-11-2005, 03:38 PM

It runs out over time.. If you have R134a freon it is like $20-$30 for a recharge kit. If there is a leak I believe the kit comes with somehting that either helps seal leaks or at least detects them..I would get the kit

B3M2W5i · 03-11-2005, 07:22 PM

DO NOT ADD R134A freon if you run on R12 because some chamical in the R134A messes up the seals and will cause your ac system to work that way.. if you hear a ratttling sound while your engine is running you need to change ur ac system, if you dont then fix the problem before that happends because your ac comp. will always be running do to the pully