Air Conditioning Issues Advice Needed

[Xtony]

The sniffer is actually good for locating leaks that you can't normally see with the uv dye such as from the evaporator or expansion valve which you can't see unless you remove part of the glovebox and dash. If it sniffs refrigerant in that area, then you know that you have to tjear the car apart to get to the evaporator.

BTW, I just had my alternator replaced at around 70k miles.

[3Series]

I'm reviving an old thread. I'm going through this right now. I just had dye and Freon added to my AC. 2007 with 55k miles. There's a small leak a the condenser right behind the radiator where we could see using the UV light. We are letting the car run with the with the AC on for the next couple of days and I'll bring it back to my indy so he can see if there's anything else leaking.

I'm crossing my fingers that it's not the evaporator as I don't want my dash taken apart along with the expense.

[ard]

Guys-

Opinions please...

Does it seem to you that once a system develops a leak/runs low, you seem to be in a cycle of replacing parts? My theory is that once the system is violated, and perhaps moisture and contaminants are introduced, you can trigger problems elsewhere.

Thoughts?

Also, anyone replace the receiver drier at say 5,8 years along with a system evac and recharge as PM? I did in the M5.

A bit OT, but we have little "AC talk" here...



A

[BMWX5]

I had E53 similer issue in the past where the problem came from the AC sensor under the glove box. Replaced with new one about 130$ and every thing went cool

[advizr]

Just dropped off to the dealer this morning with NO A/C 60k miles??? Give me a break. I have a extended warranty.

this better not be a recharging issue at 60K. Better be something that needs replacing under warranty.

[ard]

IMO systems do not 'need recharging' as a normal practice: if they need recharging, something is leaking. As mentioned above, dye for accessible areas, sniffer if inspecting hidden parts. (good point)

Hope the warrant covers...

GL

A

[advizr]

OKAY HERE WE GO. Got a bill for $160 for A/c recharge and dye. Need to drive for 100 miles and bring back to dealer to check for leaks. Sniffer revealed nothing.

I guess I can rule out the breakdown of any covered part under the service contract huh?

The leak could be anywhere, but it is ice cold now.

[lakai]

Just had mine fixed. Over 1k to repair

[3Series]

I'm in the process of getting the AC fixed. My indie determined it is the Condenser. We saw a leak with the light on the driver side bottom of the Condenser.

I'm replacing the condenser with a Behr one, $325 plus about $300 in labor.

He also mentioned the bottom driver side of the radiator tends to rust out in the E70, mine's find for now but it's a little rusty. It just seems like water/snow likes to collect in that area. I'm at 55k miles.

[advizr]

What year is your x5? Do you think if its the condensor or evap that an extended warranty (doesn't cover maintenence items) should cover the repair?