The a/c system in a X5 takes less than 1 lb of refrigerant. After about 7 years, it will leak out an maximum of 30 grams per year. So it would be low by about .46lbs. When the refrigerant is low, the driver side will blow colder than the passenger side, due to the design of the dual zone heater system. The first time a system is found low, and is opened up for the first time, there should never be a diagnosis given right away, unless the leak is evident, audible or visually. The system should be evacuated and placed in a vacuum, oil dye added, and recharged to spec. The next time the a/c system is not blowing cold again, a pair of uv glasses and black light should be used to see where the oil dye is leaking out of. If a leak is present, the a/c should start to blow warm with in a year of the recharge.

If the system has never been recharged before, it should be done first before a proper diagnosis can be performed.

Thanks KC.. I did have the system evacuated and recharged... it was down around a half pound so that lines up with what you said. It's blowing artic cold both sides now... I'm thinking about turning off the freezer in my garage just keeping the X running and storing meat and ice cream in there. We'll see how long it lasts and whether or not I have a leak.. driver side has always blown cold and passenger side has been blowing warmer for quite a while now.. if its leaking its one slow leak...

My mechanic says a common problem is the Receiver Drier/Accumulator and it needs to be replaced at about 90K miles along with freon recharge.

The part isn't expensive.

Experts?

The receiver/drier doesn't wear out and is not a maintenance item.

Only replaced if:
it is leaking
and it is recommended to replace it anytime the system is opened (for replacement of another component)

Sorry if I wasn't so clear. He didn't say it wears out but rather it gets full of particle material...

What we call "smog" in LA.

My A/C is working, but not like a few months ago. It used to blow very chilly air, a minute or so after starting. Now, it takes 5-10 minutes to blow moderately cold air. Had the freon drained and refilled at a local service shop and they said the system isn't leaking, but I don't have a lot of confidence in this place. Not likely I will use them again, but they were convenient at the time.

The drier is not a wear part. It should never have to be replaced on a x5. Even if the system is opened for more than 24 hrs. The drier is an insert on all x5s. During a certain production period, the condenser was redesigned and the old drier insert is no longer available. If you must replace it, the entire condenser must be replaced. So inexpensive? I don't think so.

If you can explain how smog can get into a closed system, the guys at NASA have a job waiting for you.

I'm certainly no expert... and often confused. I did a google search and found this:

The air conditioning receiver drier is better named refrigerant storage device because, in essence, that is what it does. Beyond storing the excess refrigerant, the air conditioning receiver drier also houses a desiccant bag. This might vary depending on the design. The dessicant feature of the air conditioning receiver drier keeps debris and moisture out of the compressor. It serves as the "air filter" for the air conditioning system.

Air Conditioning Receiver Drier - Discount Prices!

The plan is to replace the part and recharge the system. I will report back later on the final result.

okay, i would seriously reconsider replacing it. but if you do remove it, you will see the dessicant soaked in oil, and maybe green dye in it if its been properly worked on before. you will see no debris.

The drier removes moisture from the coolant (R-134a) In the AC system. There should be no reason to replace it unless you have had the system open for over 24hrs or replaced a major part like the compressor. You said you had the coolant removed and replaced but is not cooling as well now. My guess is you have a leak, find a good AC specialist to look at it, small leaks can be hard to find. Also if you have doubts about the guys that replaced you coolant, you may want your coolant checked because there is rash of counterfeit R-134a being used. It contains R-40 which will corrode aluminum and is explosive.

I´m having this problem since a few months. At each 4 months, the right side blows normal air, not cold air. I did 3 recharges and leak test. Nothing. After recharge the system blows really cold freezing air. Three months later, hot air again on the right side is back... Yesterday, the system stopped. None of cold air. Just a little noise could be heard but the system blows hot air. I take the car out to the AC shop and, guess what? I saw a fluorescent green/yellow oil on the garage floor.
On shop, they do recharge the oil/gas again to make a leak test, but told me that the evaporator is leaking. He saw a drain tube is leaking this yellow/green oil on the middle of the car. Anyone has a tip?
My car has the extended warranty, I´ll take my chances at dealership.

Fingers crossed.