Air Conditioning Issues Advice Needed
 

I have a 2011 X5d with 72000 miles. The air has been blowing warmer on the passenger side. The freon is at 2/3 full. They are recommending a new evaporator for a mere $2300. Are there any other solutions put there?

I had a similar issue, and my AC condenser had to be replaced. There may have also been a small leak somewhere, I don't remember as it was over a year ago. It was covered under warranty, so I'm not sure of the cost.

2011 with 72000 miles?? WOW!!!

my guess is, you don't have the 100K warranty, do you?

Yep 72,000, my dad has a 2012 diesel with 51,000. And no I don't have the extended. My past BMWs have been so reliable.

The evap is ~$700.... I'd ask precisely what parts they are replacing, and how many hours...

Otoh, I do like the 2 year BMW warranty that will come with this repair. One issue will be to make sure the system is flushed and is whistle-clean so that you don't get failure of other components. I'd replace the receiver/drier at the same time

In the past I've commented on the extended warranty with, "it doesn't need to be an engine or transmission failure. Just an AC compressor can cost you $2500"

:(

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Shop around for a BMW evaporator. Have an Indy install it for a flat rate who knows how. If they have done a few they will know what it really takes to install not what the shop time that is given for it. The part is warrantied for 2 years parts and labor.

What I hate most about the X5's air conditioning system is that they think the center should blow colder than the sides and rear. genius! Not.

I was pretty sure that the warranty requires BMW to install the part- if not installed by BMW, only a part warranty.

So I recharged the freon and the sniffer couldnt detect anything so I'm going to see how long the charge last, but less than a week later my alternator started to whine pretty loudly and it turns out it needs to be replaced.. only $1050.00. Unreal, turns out both the evap and the alternator are manufactured by the same company, Valeo.

my alternator went on the TT. Dealer wanted 1700 for the alt, 3 hours at 160 per.

I picked up a bosch on amazon for 392 shipped, no core- and had it done in just over two hours. Admittedly the car sat for 3 weeks until I could find the time to do it...

Did they put dye in with the freon???? Standard practice, much better than a sniffer. They'll use a UV light to look for small leaks. The sniffer isnt as sensitive, IMO

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