2011 X5M Air Conditioning problem

[spsinha]

I only get cold air on the driver side. Ive tried adjusting the all the settings (including the individual settings for driver/passenger with no luck. Any ideas?

[Jeter786]

Sadly your Freon is probably low. Sounds like a common problem, I had to top mine off yesterday. BMW likes to run with a PSI of around 40-45. Get a gauge and a can of Freon and top it off unless you're still under warranty, then make the stealer do the work and see if you have a leak.

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by Jeter786

Sadly your Freon is probably low. Sounds like a common problem, I had to top mine off yesterday. BMW likes to run with a PSI of around 40-45. Get a gauge and a can of Freon and top it off unless you're still under warranty, then make the stealer do the work and see if you have a leak.

The freon quantity is always measured in ounces and grams. Pressure is not very accurate, but Ok. If overfilled it may cause problems too.

[Jeter786]

From the dealership maybe, but aftermarket gauges are in PSI. I would always recommend going to the dealer first if under warranty, but if not and you don't have 3500 extra lying around then I would take care of it myself.

[ard]

I would never go to a dealer for an AC issue. There are great AC shops who will pump down you system, measure the freon, leak test it, top it off and (if necessary) add leak tracer dye for $100-200.

[Doug Huffman]

The quantity of everything is measured in units of mass/weight. Portions of an AC system run at saturation pressure, other parts are sub-saturated, saturation pressure is measured in units of pressure - force per area.

BMW does not determine at what pressure a refrigerating system runs, that's simple physics. Add enough freon and you'll hydrolock the pump.

As usual, ARD is correct.

[conedoctor]

Could this not be a blend door issue or something to do with the dual zone, before assuming your late model car has a leak check all the other vents as well. When you have an issue only on one side I don't just to low coolant charge.

[boyd823]

I just had the same issue with our X. We were told it had something to do with keeping the driver cool when the freon is low or something to that effect. Added freon with the dye and inspection at an indy for $96 with tax and the A/C is freezing cold. BMW was $169.

[ard]

Originally Posted by boyd823

I just had the same issue with our X. We were told it had something to do with keeping the driver cool when the freon is low or something to that effect. Added freon with the dye and inspection at an indy for $96 with tax and the A/C is freezing cold. BMW was $169.

Nice.

So the X is 8 years old? Does make you wonder where the freon was leaking though....

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by ard

Nice.

So the X is 8 years old? Does make you wonder where the freon was leaking though....

R134 molecules are extremely small and they actually squeeze thru the rubber molecules and escape one by one. They cannot pass thru the aluminum though. This is why the modern cars have mostly aluminum pipes and a minimal length or rubber lines only where flexibility is required. It is normal to loose some freon over time.