Air Con recharge - BMW 530i e39
Discussion
I'm looking at recharging the air con in the BMW. It hasn't been used for a while and when i tested it the other day, there was no noticable drop in temperature (this was tested by holding my hand infront of the vent, with the engine running).
I'm looking at taking it to Kwik Fit, as it's quite local to me, and it seems like a simple job for them to do.
But what's the likelyhood of them buggering up the aircon in my car?
Or should i look at doing this myself, with the off the shelf thing from Halfords? Or something else?
thanks
I'm looking at taking it to Kwik Fit, as it's quite local to me, and it seems like a simple job for them to do.
But what's the likelyhood of them buggering up the aircon in my car?
Or should i look at doing this myself, with the off the shelf thing from Halfords? Or something else?
thanks
Get it gassed, with dye in it. Use it regularly over the next 4-8 weeks, if there are leaks then you should notice something, then any good workshop will be able to shine a black light over the system parts and should see where the leak is coming from. Usually the seals dry out and perish from lack of use (a decent gas charge will also involve some lubricating oil being injected as well). Use the AC regularly if/when it's fixed and you shouldnt need anything doing for a good long while
surveyor said:
I like Kwik Fit.
First time - E60 BMW They said sorry sir no difference no charge. Two minutes down the road ice cold.
Second Time. Sorry sir no difference. Worked out with some digging about how to reset system. Now Ice Cold.
X5 BMW - it worked, they charged, happy days.
Same story with the Wife's old ScenicFirst time - E60 BMW They said sorry sir no difference no charge. Two minutes down the road ice cold.
Second Time. Sorry sir no difference. Worked out with some digging about how to reset system. Now Ice Cold.
X5 BMW - it worked, they charged, happy days.
Took it in with it not working, 40 mins later they tell me its taken a charge but still isn't working therefore no charge.
30 seconds up the road, I'm sat at the lights when i hear the compressor kick into life followed by a blast of ice cold air. Was still working equally as well over a year later when i got rid.
Is it ethical to whip out the air con fuse before you let them gas it....
thatdude said:
Get it gassed, with dye in it. Use it regularly over the next 4-8 weeks, if there are leaks then you should notice something, then any good workshop will be able to shine a black light over the system parts and should see where the leak is coming from. Usually the seals dry out and perish from lack of use (a decent gas charge will also involve some lubricating oil being injected as well). Use the AC regularly if/when it's fixed and you shouldnt need anything doing for a good long while
^^^^^^^^ This
lbc said:
Don't take it to Kwik-Fit if you suspect there is a problem.
KF do not do proper leak tests.
Had 2 cars done at KF, both they reported as no leaks, but a few days later both had leaked out.
At least you can get refunded.
From what i read, it would seem that i may just need to recharge the A/C system. I don't think that there are any underlying problems, just lack of use. KF do not do proper leak tests.
Had 2 cars done at KF, both they reported as no leaks, but a few days later both had leaked out.
At least you can get refunded.
_Deano said:
From what i read, it would seem that i may just need to recharge the A/C system. I don't think that there are any underlying problems, just lack of use.
My E39 530i needed the long aircon pipe (left hand side of the engine bay) replacing last year as it had a pinhole leak. If that (or any other leak) is the case, I used these guys (I'm not sure where in London you are) www.ac4cars.co.uk - and they were brilliant. Used them 3-4 times now._Deano said:
lbc said:
Don't take it to Kwik-Fit if you suspect there is a problem.
KF do not do proper leak tests.
Had 2 cars done at KF, both they reported as no leaks, but a few days later both had leaked out.
At least you can get refunded.
From what i read, it would seem that i may just need to recharge the A/C system. I don't think that there are any underlying problems, just lack of use. KF do not do proper leak tests.
Had 2 cars done at KF, both they reported as no leaks, but a few days later both had leaked out.
At least you can get refunded.
_Neal_ said:
_Deano said:
From what i read, it would seem that i may just need to recharge the A/C system. I don't think that there are any underlying problems, just lack of use.
My E39 530i needed the long aircon pipe (left hand side of the engine bay) replacing last year as it had a pinhole leak. If that (or any other leak) is the case, I used these guys (I'm not sure where in London you are) www.ac4cars.co.uk - and they were brilliant. Used them 3-4 times now._Deano said:
From what i read, it would seem that i may just need to recharge the A/C system. I don't think that there are any underlying problems, just lack of use.
lack of use could be the issue and does lead to gas leakage - when in use, the gas carries oil around the system, this oil lubricates the O rings in the pipe joints. If you don't use it, no oil is carried round the system, seals dry out, gas leaks past dry seals. 
t for air con. £50 job takes 20 mins lasts 2 to 3 years.As its an older car, you might find that the compressor/radiator/evaporator might be shot.
I hope its not the case for you but theres been many a time when people sale a car and say "aircon just needs regas"
I know from experience- i had an older Merc sl500- cost me over £600 to get the aircon working again!
I hope its not the case for you but theres been many a time when people sale a car and say "aircon just needs regas"
I know from experience- i had an older Merc sl500- cost me over £600 to get the aircon working again!
oceanview said:
As its an older car, you might find that the compressor/radiator/evaporator might be shot.
I hope its not the case for you but theres been many a time when people sale a car and say "aircon just needs regas"
I know from experience- i had an older Merc sl500- cost me over £600 to get the aircon working again!
^thisI hope its not the case for you but theres been many a time when people sale a car and say "aircon just needs regas"
I know from experience- i had an older Merc sl500- cost me over £600 to get the aircon working again!
I've driven plenty of old cars with ice cold aircon.
'Just needs a regas' indicates that its broken and makes me wonder what else is wrong with the car.
oceanview said:
As its an older car, you might find that the compressor/radiator/evaporator might be shot.
I hope its not the case for you but theres been many a time when people sale a car and say "aircon just needs regas"
I know from experience- i had an older Merc sl500- cost me over £600 to get the aircon working again!
Aye, the A/C went on my A6 not long after getting it. Needed a compressor - local Audi independent fitted a refurb part, cost £600 (new part was over 1k). Since then its been perfect.I hope its not the case for you but theres been many a time when people sale a car and say "aircon just needs regas"
I know from experience- i had an older Merc sl500- cost me over £600 to get the aircon working again!
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