Any DIY's for condenser replacement
 

I have found some for other bmw's but not the x. I guess my main question may not even be answered in on. My condenser sprung a leak after a rock was thrown at it while going 50mph. So the r134a vented out and I'm assuming it took some oil.

I bought a new condenser, the o rings mk'd 2 and 4 below and a new drier. I am not worried about replacing the condenser but I'm a little concerned about charging. I'd really prefer to charge this myself because it is such a pain to get in to the dealer, they charge a ton, and I don't trust other shops. I have access to a vacuum pump and manifold to charge it.

I just don't know how much oil needs to be put back into the system. I have no idea how much oil (it is pag100 right?) it is supposed to hold originally. I really don't have much experience with this but I know it isn't rocket science so if anyone can give me some pointers that would be great. Thanks

. . .Or does everyone just fill using whatever r134a and assume the proper type and amount of oil is in there (the r134a that you're putting in that is)?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/r/p/228.png

When you remove the old condenser, pour out any remaining oil into a container and measure the amount of oil that remain. Add the same amount of oil to the new condenser and maybe .5 to 1 oz of additional oil.

As for the type of PAG to use, don't know, but a internet search should be able to tell you. Just Google BMW AC oil. I'm sure all BMW from the same year used the same type of oil.

There should be a drier in the system and anytime the system is open to the atmosphere such as changing out a part the drier should be replaced.

No it's not rocket science, but if you don't know anything about how the system work and the proper way to recharge a system, opening the wrong valve during the charging process can cause the refrigerant can to explode. In addition to the vacuum pump, you will need a very accurate scale to determine how much refrigerant is being added to the system.

I did this in my 2007 Honda Odyssey, I went to local place.
They evacuate ($30) and recharge ($70) for me.

So, take it to local shop after you replaced the condenser and they will recharge it for $70.
They usually apply vacuum for about 15-30 min, then recharge.

No need to go to dealer.

There is a formula somewhere for PAG oil. Look it up.
Every component removed should have an approximate amount of oil added during the recharge phase.

My guess is ? 1 ounce for the condenser portion.

I read somewhere that it was 2 oz for the condenser. What I don't really understand though is that I thought the oil was sort of entrained in the freon so I would have thought it would have gone out with it. it may be worth just taking it somewhere.

The type of fill (and the amount needed to fill the compressor) is shown on a little colored metal plate on the pulley end of the compressor - The Denso compressors used their oil called ND-8. They say it is hard to find (it is). The quote below is the response I got about the Denso compressor on my 2001 4.4i from Denso Tech Support.

I believe the 110 cc added to the compressor is the complete oil fill used on a new system (as in the factory doesn't try to distribute additional oil to other components).

It is impossible to really know how it is distributed in the system. It is thick oil - "pouring it out" will not be a reliable measure of what was once in the condenser since some vented with the refrigerant and some will take forever to ooze out... In the end you have to make an educated guess.


" compressor 471-1380 has 110cc or 3.72oz of our ND-8 oil. We highly advise you to use our ND-8 oil, but it can be hard to find. If you cannot locate it, you can use a pag46 in its place."

BTW, I just put 2004 X5 3.0L into the Denso part number search and it says it is not a Denso part. Check the plate on your compressor...