AC cold on one side (LHS)
 

I have read many threads on this issue and decided the consensus of opinion was that the car (x5 E53 4.8is) needed a regas so I took it to my local garage to have this done (can't do it yourself in Aus). They told me that they had tested the pressure in the low pressure line and found that it was off the scale (>200psi instead of between 20 and 50) so they did not regas. They have told me that they think I need a new compressor and new condensor and that would cost me between AUD$2500 and AUD$3000. They also leak tested the system and found that there were some leaks. Given that the AC seems to be working on the RHS is all this likely?

With a low pressure of over 200 psi there is no way you should be having any type of ac. I would take it to another shop for a 2nd opinion.

Gonna need the evap repair with that also.

That would be a deal breaker for me. I replaced the heater core for an Audi and that was a lot of work. Would never do that again!!!

Have the car booked in at an air conditioning place on Wednesday and another one on the 14th Feb if he can't solve the problem. Is it possible it is a water valve issue? I tried the heater when I was out this morning and it was not too good either. Had the knurled knob on 3 red dots and the climate control on 26 degrees C on both sides and it was just warm. The temperature outside was about 22 degrees. On cooling there is still a distinct difference between the two sides of the car. I would say the RHS is blowing about the same as the temperature outside the car the LHS is cool but nothing terrific.

true heater core and evaporators is no easy job on these vehicles the whole entire dash has to be removed to set it right. I went through this last fall.

Can you verify if the compressor is engaging when the AC switch is turn on? AC System won't work if the compressor is not spinning.

Finally all fixed. The second shop I took it to said it just needed a regas. Now works fine. I have no idea what the first shop was on about. Heating issue was caused by blocked heater core. Flushed out and the correct coolant added, now works fine although I m still mystified but the logic behind the heating/cooling system. If you set the temperature is that supposed to be able to turn the air conditioning on and off? I can only get that to work by pressing the AC button (snow flake). Thank all for your help.