How much does an A/C recharge cost?
 

How much does an A/C recharge cost? Say, you also had UV run (or colored dye) to detect leaks.

I paid $96 for evac/recharge and replacement service ports last year at an indy non-BMW service provider.

I was charged $175 by an indy non-BMW service provider. Would you say that is too much? I am trying to see if I wanna use the same shop again. To find another comparison point, I was told all four breakes would cost $1000 (including 95/hr labor). Is that reasonable or expensive for an indy non-BMW local shop.

Thank you.

why did it leak out?

I have NO idea. I would like to know that as well.

You may try Super Seal. Do read the instruction carefully before you charge it.

Most likely you need new service ports/seals. Any good AC shop should be able to do it.
I would not consider some after market sealer as it could impact the more expensive item in the system and replacing those would cost more than $175!

Not to hijack, but $1000 seems stiff to me... I did it myself new pads front and rear and machines 4 rotors with brake fluid flush for $100...

But getting back on topic does your AC not work well? Mine if blowing slightly warmer out of the passenger side right now and on really smoking hot days it doesn't seem to be as effective as it used to be, i just haven't bit the bullet to take it in to my indie yet. I read that this could be due to low refrigerant, however my compressor doesn't cycle so I'm still uncertain, and would be interested to see how yours turns out.

AC: Well, I already took it to an indy non-BMW service place and paid $175 for a recharge (it was indeed low on refrigerant/R134a but there is also a leak) It turned out that the AC compressor is leaking at the front seal (the aux fan works and the compressor runs). He recommended that I see how far I can go before the refrigerant disappears again. The reason was that replacing the compressor is around $771.25 plus labor (about $1000 total).

Breaks: I also asked how much he would charge for all breaks. He said around $1000 total. So I am fresh out of warranty and this was my first visit to a non-BMW dealership. I am trying to see if I was charged fairly. If I was, I'll go back there. If not, I'll find another place. So I gave my numbers as a reference. Thank you guys.

Well I don't know about indie prices, as I do most work myself, but AC recharge for $99-$175 seem reasonable to me. However $1000 for brakes seems high, and if the it's only the front seal on the Compressor why can't you just repalce the seal vs. the whole $700 compressor.

So I just want to re clarify HBSRA10 that when your AC was low on r134a it was blowing warm and warmer on one side? Thanks for the input!