air conditioning

[Fredflf]

I have a 2008 X5 and love my car. I have been having aircon problems for several months. Now my freon lasts about 5 days. I have used a stop leak gas, I have added dye and could not find signs of a leak, I have changed the schrader valves, and I have take it to the dealer. Abut the only thing left is the condenser. I am not anxious about removing the dash but with a $600+ USD price and the fear that the dah will rattle forever, I am asking for help, advice, what have-you? I live in the tropics and summer is coming on fast.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by Fredflf

I have a 2008 X5 and love my car. I have been having aircon problems for several months. Now my freon lasts about 5 days. I have used a stop leak gas, I have added dye and could not find signs of a leak, I have changed the schrader valves, and I have take it to the dealer. Abut the only thing left is the condenser. I am not anxious about removing the dash but with a $600+ USD price and the fear that the dah will rattle forever, I am asking for help, advice, what have-you? I live in the tropics and summer is coming on fast.

Did you ever have this resolved? What was the outcome?

[Fredflf]

No, I have not resolved the problem. Presently I am just topping off the freon each week. I am going to the States next week and am thinking about buying a condenser. It is hard to believe that the condenser would develop a leak in three years.

[Denalio]

I am having the same issue. Had it checked out yesterday and there is a leak somewhere. Had them put some dye in the line and topped up the freon. Had only .5 lb of freon. I take it back Thursday.

[Fredflf]

Yes, I have taken these steps and they could not find the leak from the dye. This led them to think that the leak is in the evaporator under the dash. Let me know what the dealer tells you please

[Penguin]

A little off topic, but I am constantly amazed how BMW misses so many of the basic comfort and convenience features. Case in point, air conditioning. When I start my Focus and turn on the A/C, cold air comes out of the vents within five seconds. When I start my X5 with the A/C on, it takes at least 30 seconds before the system figures it out, turns on the A/C, and begins to pump-out cold air. Not a major problem by any means, but why can a $15,000 Focus A/C work better in any area than a $60,000 X5?

[Denalio]

I had the truck at the dealer today and I need a new compressor. They will replace. I also had them check the steering rack since it has been leaking a bit. Need a new rack as well. Dealer said it would be $4,700 just for the rack part. I have an extended warranty (non_BMW) and the warranty people are giving a lot of pushback on replacing the rack with OE, they refuse to replace until further inspection. The dealer has to remove the rack send it to Montreal so some company can inspect it and replace the seals and shaft (rebuild) if they can. Estimated 1 week.