AC evaporator woes

[Chihuahua]

It's looking like my '11 128i is going to need an evaporator, and from what I read it's a VERY common failure on E8X and E9X cars.

I went to my dealer and gave them my VIN, I'm trying to figure out if I have either a Valeo (likely) evaporator or a Denso.

My other question is for the forum: has anyone successfully put a Denso evaporator into blower case that originally had a Valeo in it? There are two different part numbers for the blower case so that tells me there must be a difference somewhere. I have zero faith in the Valeo evaporators but if I don't have a choice then I don't have a choice.

Thanks in advance, I'll repost what the final outcome ends up being when I get it all done.

[PA135i]

That is a very expensive repair. They have to remove the dash in order to swap it out.
Mine has a leak also. In 2015 it was weak pushing out cold air but it was September so I ignored it until 2016. My Indy shop recharged it for $80 and it has been fine ever since. Even if I had to get it recharged once a year, I'd have to keep the car 10 years to equal the repair cost.

get it recharged first. See if it holds pressure for 3, 6 or 12 months.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by PA135i

get it recharged first. See if it holds pressure for 3, 6 or 12 months.

BTDT, lasted about a month. I still work in the automotive industry, used to work at a BMW shop so I'll be doing it myself. The one thing I didn't do when I recharged it last month was add tracer dye; that'll be next. I'm now almost 100% certain it needs an evaporator. Yes the dash does have to come out, it's the only way to access the HVAC case in the car.

anyone have any input as to whether the evaporators are interchangeable between Valeo (boo) and Denso (yay)??

[Gizmo135i]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

BTDT, lasted about a month. I still work in the automotive industry, used to work at a BMW shop so I'll be doing it myself. The one thing I didn't do when I recharged it last month was add tracer dye; that'll be next. I'm now almost 100% certain it needs an evaporator. Yes the dash does have to come out, it's the only way to access the HVAC case in the car.

anyone have any input as to whether the evaporators are interchangeable between Valeo (boo) and Denso (yay)??

Don't think they're interchangeable, if they were I'm sure Bmw would only offer one option as a replacement. I've changed probably 20 or so of them and never saw one with the denso unit. It's not a terribly difficult job but there are a few hidden bolts etc.. that can make it a challenge for the first time.

Good luck!

[Dackelone]

What about adding some sort of "sealant" when you add in the dye agent ? I think I would try that first before puling the evap. IF you do replace the evap you probably should also replace the expansion valve too.

Good Luck,
Dack

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

What about adding some sort of "sealant" when you add in the dye agent ?

You run the risk of blowing out the compressor with those sealants.

If it turns out it's the evaporator, I think I'll just order both Valeo and Denso and see what the difference is. I'm pretty sure it's the evaporator. Damn.

[PA135i]

BMW knows this was an issue but no recall. My indy shop told me from 2006 - 2010 the evaps. were failing.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by PA135i

BMW knows this was an issue but no recall. My indy shop told me from 2006 - 2010 the evaps. were failing.

Oh yea, it's a BIG problem from what I've read. No recall because it wasn't a safety item, BMW rolls the dice on this sort of thing and hopes there isn't a class action lawsuit. The problem really isn't BMW, it's Valeo in this case. The parts diagram for the E82 shows three Valeo evaporators (the original with two revisions) and a single Denso evaporator. I'm hoping I'll be able to use the Denso, I read on some E90 forums that the Denso units are holding up, and the Valeos aren't.


I'll update this thread once I get it resolved.

[Chihuahua]

Tracer dye and UV light test showed no underhood leaks, even at the expansion valve. The only component that isn't visible is the evaporator. Since I don't see any underhood leaks and I'm getting that 'band-aid' smell from the vents I'm condemning the evaporator. I couldn't get any clarification on the physical differences between the Denso and Valeo evaporators, so I'll probably just order both since I also have no idea which one is in the car.

[Hops128i]

I saw a video on this repair, its looks crazy complicated, is this even a diy job for someone like me who's most involved diy has been installing camber plates?

[08135IFL]

Just replaced mine on a 2008 with 93k miles.

AC stopped blowing cold, recharged it for $100.
AC lasted a week.
Added dye, and obviously was the evaporator.

Dealers want up to $4,000 from what I've researched.
Independant #1 at a franchised Meineke I use (that is actually damn good) $2100.
Independant #2 that I used replaced the evaporator + expansion valve and recharged the system for $1375.

Picked it up today, 100% freezing cold again.

Literally the entire dash has to be removed to replace a the approx 12"x9"x2" part. Labor estimates are 11+ hours.

[HomoPirate]

Originally Posted by 08135IFL

Just replaced mine on a 2008 with 93k miles.

AC stopped blowing cold, recharged it for $100.
AC lasted a week.
Added dye, and obviously was the evaporator.

Dealers want up to $4,000 from what I've researched.
Independant #1 at a franchised Meineke I use (that is actually damn good) $2100.
Independant #2 that I used replaced the evaporator + expansion valve and recharged the system for $1375.

Picked it up today, 100% freezing cold again.

Literally the entire dash has to be removed to replace a the approx 12"x9"x2" part. Labor estimates are 11+ hours.

What? Dealer want $4000 for the repair?....

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

I saw a video on this repair, its looks crazy complicated, is this even a diy job for someone like me who's most involved diy has been installing camber plates?

It's really not 'hard' per say, just very tedious and time consuming. Honestly the hardest part about a job like this is remembering the sequence of how everything came apart and reversing that process in your brain. If your able to do that well and have the time and tools, it's a DIY. Anything is a candidate for DIY.

Originally Posted by 08135IFL

Just replaced mine on a 2008 with 93k miles.

AC stopped blowing cold, recharged it for $100.
AC lasted a week.
Added dye, and obviously was the evaporator.

Dealers want up to $4,000 from what I've researched.
Independant #1 at a franchised Meineke I use (that is actually damn good) $2100.
Independant #2 that I used replaced the evaporator + expansion valve and recharged the system for $1375.

Picked it up today, 100% freezing cold again.

Literally the entire dash has to be removed to replace a the approx 12"x9"x2" part. Labor estimates are 11+ hours.

Do you know what brand evaporator came out of your car and what went back in? If not, do you have the part number of the evaporator that went into the car?

[08135IFL]

Original was Veleo

Replacement was Hella #351331261

[Chihuahua]

Great info thanks for the reply. How long ago did you do yours?

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by 08135IFL

Just replaced mine on a 2008 with 93k miles.

AC stopped blowing cold, recharged it for $100.
AC lasted a week.
Added dye, and obviously was the evaporator.

Dealers want up to $4,000 from what I've researched.
Independant #1 at a franchised Meineke I use (that is actually damn good) $2100.
Independant #2 that I used replaced the evaporator + expansion valve and recharged the system for $1375.

Picked it up today, 100% freezing cold again.

Literally the entire dash has to be removed to replace a the approx 12"x9"x2" part. Labor estimates are 11+ hours.

Yup. that is exactly what I was told. 12 hours labor to replace a $90 part.
So far the charge I got last year lasted all summer. If I need a charge a year I'll do that then replace the evap.

[08135IFL]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

Great info thanks for the reply. How long ago did you do yours?

I replaced mine just last week.