Air Conditioning Problem

[Oscarguitar]

Hi,

I have a 2005 X5 3.0d Sport with 45,000 miles on the clock. The A/C has not been working for a couple of months. Today I took it to an indie to have a regas. When they tested the system they found a leak from the "radiator", i.e the the bit at the front of the car not the bit inside. (I'm sure there is a proper term for it, condensor or evaporator but I don't know which) They reckon it is stone damage and the part needs replacing. Cost to replace inc labour and VAT £509.00. (I think there are two, one either side of the main radiator)

Having had a look at the front of the car I can see no way that a stone could get to the radiator and wonder if their is a leak from a seal or pipe that would cost pennies to fix instead of the price I've been given.

I have done a search and found a comment regarding some seals at the "radiator" but not really enough to go on. Can anybody on the forum shed some light on this issue before I shell out £500. The indie seem genuine and have not charged for the investigation, but I want to check first.

Thanks for any help

Oscar.

[Weasel]

The part in front of the car is the condensor. And if the indy is as honest and genuine as they seem they should have no problems showing you the leak for ease of mind. And rocks kicked up on the highway do find there way into the openings on the front of the vehicle and pop a hole in the condensor, Just not as often as a rock chip on the windshield.

[Oscarguitar]

Weasel,

Thanks for the reply, your experience is always invaluable on these pages. I have had a few rock chips on the windshield so perhaps it was time to ping the condensor instead. Looks like I better start saving!

Thanks