Ac not working, Checked Refrigerant, What else to do?

[Quicksilver]

My point exactly. An old X5 is still a complicated system made more complex
by the additional issues that can come up which may or may not effect the
initial problem. So yes, they still can't afford to take it in for repairs but not
being able to get a complicated issue diagnosed by an expert before trying
to tackle the problem doesn't seem to be a good use of time or resources
unless this X5 is gonna be your long term fix it project.

I still wish the OP success but I've been down the AC not working route
and in my experience without proper tools and knowledge there is no easy fix.

Originally Posted by upallnight

People are purchasing 16 years olds X5 because they have dropped in value that they are now Cheap enough for the minimum wage workers to buy one. A X5 that is not in top condition is even cheaper. They may be able to buy a Cheap X5, but they still can't afford to take it in for repairs so they resort to DIY even if they don't know anything about cars. Replacing the refrigerant because it is old tells me that they have no business diying an automotive ac system.