HELP!! Evaporator Replacement
 

Hi,

I need some help as to how to remove the evaporator. I performed a dye test and it is definitely the evaporator.. I am looking for a guide as to how to replace. Or some tips... I cannot find anything on this.. I have a 2002 x5 3.0.

Thanks!

Unfortunately it is a big job that involves fully removing the dash... your best bet would be to source a TIS cd to have access to all the repair instructions.

Removing and installing/replacing evaporator(A/C Control)
 

Have fun.

Let us know how this works for you! I have the same year/model and just recharged the freon two weeks ago with some dye stuff in it. I didn't see any leakage in the engine compartment when I finished. It was over 90 today and it still seems weak. I had the condensor (under the dash) replaced for $3800 a couple of years ago and I'm hoping that's not it.

Remove AC
 

How do I do Step 1???? Remove AC.. I have the dash off and the whole front open... Just not seeing how to remove the AC Unit!!! PLEASE HELP! And thanks for the other instructions.

With the microfilter housing removed there are 4 13mm bolts that hold the evaporator housing to the firewall. Remove those and you can pull the whole case out and change the evaporator out on the workbench.

Thanks
 

So what about the heater core and evaporator lines how do I remove them?

Heater hoses clamp on to the core against the firewall from under the hood, directly behind engine. I recommend blowing through it with a blow gun to get as much coolant out of the core as possible to prevent spilling it inside the interior once you get the hoses off. And the AC lined bolt together at the firewall as well, on the passengers side. Hopefully the system has been recovered/emptied before you go taking those lines loose!

additional info
 

Ok, Yes the hoses are off and blown out. Also the AC lines have been evacuated and recovered...

Where are these bolts???? I could not find any 13mm bolts.. Where are they? Are they nuts or bolts?

Once I find and remove these how do I lift this beast out of the dash area around the cage bar???

Tricks I should know of? Remove the heater core or leave it in?

The metal cage/frame has to be removed too. And I was thinking of an E46 3 series when I described the 4 13mm nuts... just the wrong mental imaging I guess.

Maybe 01_BMW_X5 can hook you up with a PDF of the AC/heater box removal as well, a picture is worth a thousand words with this stuff.