A/C Problem two different diagnosis from two dealers
 

A/C started blowing warm air while in VA for vacation.

Took it to VA Beach BMW Dealer and diagnosis was bad A/C compressor. Got the print out so I can bring it to NJ dealer.

Dropped off at Freehold BMW and showed him the paperwork. Just received a call and was told the compressor is working fine and low on refrigerant. They now have to do a dye test to check for any leaks and if no leaks are found they will charge me the for dye test.

Frustrated since its a CPO and covered for a new compressor. Now that the compressor is working in NJ they cant do the replacement. I have had A/C issues before when it was blowing warm air. Of course 1 mile from the dealer it started working. Almost a year later I now have the same issue with different dianosis.

I am more worried they will just do a band aid fix and once the CPO runs out then the compressor will die on me.

Apologies for the rant. Wondering if anyone had the same issues and what should I be looking for.

Thanks

How much will be charge? Chances are it's leaking somewhere. Mine was blowing only warm air couple months ago, let the dealer did a leak test and found evaporator needed to be replaced. They wanted to charge me $290 if no leaks found.

Modern AC systems cannot lose freon and NOT have a leak: if the freon is gone it IS leaking. They just havent found the leak....

OP- did you sign a work order authorizing any charges? did you verbally agree to pay if no leak was found? (I always write "all changes must be in writing" where it has a box for estimated charges)

Ask them to explain why missing freon isnt covered under the warranty- just because they cannot find the defect doesnt mean there isnt a defect. You want to be a prick with them, tell them to write down "freon lost due to defective AC system- replace AC system entirely".

How are they looking for the leak? UV light AS WELL AS sniffer?? Ask.

GL

A

BMW Freehold said they will have to evacuate the remaining freon and fill it up with dye and check under black light. If they do not find any leaks from that then I would have to pay for the freon evac/dye which is $350

I was irritated and just faxed over the report from BMW VA. I asked for an explanation on why there are two different diagnostic. The SA will show the report to the techician and take it from there.

Thanks All.

It's all BS bottom line, as it's simpler and cheaper to just do an annual refill of freon - cost me $25 to do that, including a bit of a sealant, to isolate a potential leak. This is after being quoted $800 by BMW (service is much more expensive here in Canada), and just over $250 by a shop specializing in BMWs.

Those DIY cans are a good solution. The only thing to watch for, is that you don't run on empty too long, as you can mess up the compressor.

Just got a call from BMW Freehold. Compressor is fine. Filled up with freon and will take off dash and check evaporator. Hope they find something.

Update!

They did not see any leaks. So now I have to pay a $362.02 evac and recharge. Beyond pissed but I have no choice.

I totally feel your pain - basically I did not give in to BMWs cajoling, and that's how I was able to save the money, as it seems that we're having the exact same problem. According to one of my mechanics, this is a common problem for BMW and Audi, and it's a good source of revenue for dealers to do what should cost $25, at an exorbitant rate.

You had a choice- you chose to say "OK". You were in a rush, they trapped you. ANd ripped you off for the work done.

Id have not given them permission then pressed BMWNA for how a car can lose freon and not be defective.

When it fails in the future, sue them for the 362.02

I had the problem a couple weeks ago - the passenger side was blowing warm, drivers cold. I am not under warranty.
I searched these threads and thought is was the "door" that needed replacing. I asked a SA at local dealership and he said most likely freon. ~$250 for leak test, and refill.
I stopped at Autozone, bought a $40 can and filled using the whole can.
Pressure looked good and A/C has worked since. If I have to put $40 in freon in every summer, I'll do that.
You know if they find a leak, that part is going to cost ~$1,000+.
I'd always try the freon refill first!