E53 Receiver Dryer replacement - how do I do it

[Meestahbig]

I am going to swap out my dead compressor. I have all the tools and have always wanted to do AC work, it's one of those things that not really hard, but a little intimidating. I've replace the thermostat so think I can get everything apart to allow for the compressor swap.

I already have a sealed receiver dryer (from when I thought I was going to have to replace the compressor last year - but fixed it - Thanks Alex). This time I think it is really dead...

HOW DO I REPLACE THE RECEIVER DRYER. I can see how I get to it. I know it is on the left side of the condenser, but do not see how it gets swapped... anyone have details or pictures of this step.

Thanks.

[Joshdub]

Fyi if your compressor left debris in the system, you're going to need to flush the lines and replace the condenser. The condenser is so tight it's nearly impossible to flush all of the crap out of it.

Otherwise I think it's just a lid held on by a snap ring.

[Meestahbig]

i dont have any reason to believe the system is full of debris. thanks.

[Meestahbig]

I guess based on a pic of the condenser the drier is on the opposite side of where I have been looking. it must be in that long tube. does anyone know how to specifically pops out the old and in with the new. I expect my system will only be open for about an hour or so, from what I read that doesn't really even require me to replace the drier. I will vaccum out the line once the new compressor is bolted into place and the metal tubing is tightened up. I suppose I can run the vaccum while I put everything back together and refill the coolant system.

[Meestahbig]

to close this out - everything I read says if the system is not open for more than 24 hours, you don't need to change the dryer, so I left it... still have the new one sealed up in the bag. maybe will use it in the future. 14 year old system and still pulled a nice vacuum. amazing - way to go BMW!

[pghguy517]

I just replaced the variable displacement valve in my 2005 X5 4.4 AC compressor, and replaced the dryer since the system was open. Joshdub is right, just remove the plastic lid and the dryer is held in with a snap ring. Remove a 10mm bolt on either side of radiator, tilt the radiator-condenser assembly back to expose the plastic dryer cap. Cap has a system "system under pressure" warning sticker with a torx socket under it. Unscrew the cap to expose the dryer held in with snap ring, remove snap ring, place a bolt in the threaded hole from the cap and pull out. Was surprised how easy it was, not like many other things on an X5.