AC Problems

[TMR013]

Originally Posted by GotM

I just had new evaporator installed yesterday. This time a different PN than all of the ones listed above.
64 11 9 290 888

I noticed the split in temp between the sides of the cabin that others have noticed a few days ago. The driver side was blowing warmer air than the passenger side. Scehdule an appt for about a week later, so I drove a different car for the week (it is too darn hot here in AZ to not have good AC).

I noticed the odd smell from the refrigerant just after starting it up to drive it to the dealership.

I sure hope this does the trick. I would not look forward to paying for a AC repair each year.

I hope so too. Just had evaporator #3 put in this week. Also the same p/n you reference, 64 11 9 290 888. But out of curiosity I wen't back to look at my records. Evaporator replacement #1 was p/n 64 11 6 934 781. Evaporator #2 was 64 11 9 256 346. So it looks like BMW is trying to fix the problem. Let's hope this one holds. I did call BMWNA and told them that if it breaks again next summer, after warranty expires, they better be prepared to pay for it then.
Really bad thing is appearently the dealer broke my headlight switch when repairing the AC, so I had to take it back a couple days later, and waiting on the part. So driving a crummy old 328 loaner.

[GotM]

Originally Posted by TMR013

I did call BMWNA and told them that if it breaks again next summer, after warranty expires, they better be prepared to pay for it then.

I mentioned something similar to the SA when I dropped my car off. He mentioned that the parts installed are waranteed for 2 years. If the evap does crap out again, at least it is covered. If it does do the same thing again, I think I will fill this spot in the garage with a different car.

I did stop at subaru to see how long it would take to get a BRZ, but that looks like a 6-7 month wait now. I am not sure I could handle the drop in tq and hp though. I think I will put a deposit on one...just in case.

[mawtu]

I just had my evap replaced yesterday. It took a couple of days for them to do it. I also had the issue of blowing hot on the driver's side but cold on the passengers side. Strangley, I think I might have the same issue with them not putting something back on the firewall. I also seem to notice more cabin noise coming from right behind the steering wheel that increases with a higher speed and when the engine is pushed. I'm going to drive it for a few days and see if it's my imagination. Part #64-11-9-290-888 and three gasekt rings with different part #'s.

[mawtu]

Follow up to my last message. I took the car in today for the noise I was hearing from behind the steering column. It sounded like a whole in the firewall. Steering column boot was not secure. They reattached it and it's fixed now. Now it's quiet and only loud when it needs to be. Thanks to SSSP8SSSP8 for suggesting it earlier in the thread. I'm not sure I would have been on the lookout for it.

[Jacko]

My 2012 135 just started blowing out hot air and I have a appointment tomorrow morning to get it looked at and fixed what ever it is. I did activate the A/C and the clutch isn't engaging so, I don't know what is wrong. I checked all the fuses thinking it could be a bad fuse but they were all good. Guess I'll find out tomorrow what the deal is. Didn't thing it would get this hot in Germany to really need A/C. I was wrong.

[chris coffman]

Mine just went in yesterday and even though my warranty expired two months ago, BMW is covering the evap. Nice good will on their part. It sounds as though this is a reoccuring theme for them.

[mleskovar]

Evaporator replaced with part #64-11-9-290-888 after 38 months and 28Kmiles. Had the car for a week but gave me 128i as loaner. I hope this one doesn't fail! Does anyone know if compressor won't engage when gas is low/gone (like in my Benz)? I don't want to be replacing a compressor down the line.

[STEP2ME]

Same issue, noticed A/C was blowing warmer/hotter on driver side then on passenger side and was really only efficient when on a lower fan speed. Then one day it got extremely HOT, 100's. I was driving around A/C was fine, parked the car and got back in an hour later and it just blew warm air.

Dropped it off this morning and they informed me that it is extremely common that the evaporator goes, which lead me to this thread. Should hear back later today with the diagnosis, will update when I find out.

[dcaron9999]

Sorry to revive an old thread. I liked the information sharing and the facts in this thread so much, so I had to add my 2 cents as well.

I picked up my 2011 135i a couple of weeks ago, with a weak A/C system. It is still under warranty so I took it to the dealer for verification. They went through the standard routine
(1) 1st vist: refill with freon + dye
(2) 2nd visit: inspection for leaks two weeks later revealed a leaking evaporator.
(3) 3rd visit: appointment booked in 3 weeks for the EVAP replacement.

The dealership are going to tear the dash apart and replace the EVAP. They need my car for 5 days for this + other tasks (various parts ordered from Germany). Aditionally, they will update my DME as per PUMA 51033547 to eliminate a seldom stalling issue I encountered once, replace my amplifier to try to eliminate a digital transient noise in my speakers.

I checked on realoem.com with my VIN number , and realized that 4 different EVAP have been released for my car. All these different EVAP variants have shown up in this thread. Below, I have pasted the table, with parts sorted chronologically. Notice the release dates. BMW are now at their fourth revision! Hope I get the "888" EVAP, and its the last one released!

Try #1 Evaporator DENSO 64119179802 $391.42
Try #2 Evaporator VALEO 01/2011 64116934781 ENDED
Try #3 Evaporator VALEO 07/2012 64119256346 ENDED
Try #4 Evaporator VALEO 64119290888

[Xyloft]

hmmm. my AC is not that cool anymore. it's cooler than ambient, but never cold.

I used to get a smell in the vents that smelled vaguely like old bandaids and motor oil. was I smelling freon? I guess i should go buy a freon pressure gauge and give it a test.

[dtwyim]

Now I am slightly worried. I have been getting a smell from the AC but it disappears within 10 sec of turning on the AC. I thought maybe it was just moldy smell.

Do the guys that have the evap replaced smell it longer than that?

I also seemed to be getting more oily film at the base of the winshield. I was hoping it was just from the plastic outgassing but now I am having second thoughts.

The AC is still blowing cold air but I always thought it was weak compared to other cars even when brand new.

Mine is out of warranty. How much would replacing the evap cost?

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by dtwyim

Now I am slightly worried. I have been getting a smell from the AC but it disappears within 10 sec of turning on the AC. I thought maybe it was just moldy smell.

Do the guys that have the evap replaced smell it longer than that?

I also seemed to be getting more oily film at the base of the winshield. I was hoping it was just from the plastic outgassing but now I am having second thoughts.

The AC is still blowing cold air but I always thought it was weak compared to other cars even when brand new.

Mine is out of warranty. How much would replacing the evap cost?

Sorry to break out the bad news but ...

My dealership quoted me $3800CAD, (15 hours in labor). I was releaved to have my base warranty cover it, and now Im seriously considering an extended OEM warranty before my base warranty ends, but only if I decide to keep the car beyond May 2015 or 80,000Kms. I can make that choice at any time befere my base warranty expires.

[dtwyim]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Sorry to break out the bad news but ...

My dealership quoted me $3800CAD, consisting of about 15 hours of labor. I was releaved to have my base warranty cover it, and now Im seriously considering an extended OEM warranty before mine ends, if I decide to keep the car beyond May 2015 or 80,000Kms.

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by dtwyim

Seems like a weak point on the 1 series. Crazy problem to have on a 2 year old car ...

[JHZR2]

Has anyone else had recent experiences with this ? My 2011 is less than a year out of warranty but only has 13,000 miles. If I turn on the air after the car since hot for a while I get a smell that reminds me of refrigerant oil (Refrigerant itself doesn't smell).

I'm rather concerned when I see a price tag of $3000 or more to do a repair that just shouldn't happen. Not sure if there would be Goodwill on part of the dealer or BMW, especially if this is a known common issue. I had one of the first 2011's off the wine which I picked up in July 2010. I love the car and the air-conditioner blows perfectly cold but the smell is just very concerning.

I have a refrigerant sniffer that I'm going to start using and videotaping the conditions so that I can prove to the dealership what the issue is without having to go through a ton of iterations.

But any updates on people who have had this done and the associated costs would be appreciated.

[KNS]

Originally Posted by JHZR2

Has anyone else had recent experiences with this ? My 2011 is less than a year out of warranty but only has 13,000 miles. If I turn on the air after the car since hot for a while I get a smell that reminds me of refrigerant oil (Refrigerant itself doesn't smell).

I'm rather concerned when I see a price tag of $3000 or more to do a repair that just shouldn't happen. Not sure if there would be Goodwill on part of the dealer or BMW, especially if this is a known common issue. I had one of the first 2011's off the wine which I picked up in July 2010. I love the car and the air-conditioner blows perfectly cold but the smell is just very concerning.

I have a refrigerant sniffer that I'm going to start using and videotaping the conditions so that I can prove to the dealership what the issue is without having to go through a ton of iterations.

But any updates on people who have had this done and the associated costs would be appreciated.

Do you drive the car enough to run the AC regularly? If an air conditioning system sits long enough without use the seals can dry out and eventually leak. Not saying that's your problem but it is common. As mentioned above, everyone (in any car) should run their AC occasionally during the winter - on a relatively warm day - to keep the system exercised.

Amazingly, my 2004 325i still blows cold air and I haven't done a single thing to it. I think the newer cars might have some corners cut here and there in build quality...

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Hopefully your car is still under warranty or IF it is the very same part that failed... the failed part should be covered under a parts warranty. G.L.

The extension on a parts warranty only applies if you paid for it. If something was replaced under warranty a month before the warranty expires, the warranty ends when the regular warranty does. If you PAID for the part to be installed, then there is a 2 year warranty on that part.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by GotM

I sure hope this does the trick. I would not look forward to paying for a AC repair each year.

Just FIY... some of the diy freon recharge kits at auto stores do have a special additive(sealant) to plug small pinhole leaks in the AC system. That might be worth a shot for anyone out of warranty.

[mr.fabulous]

I used to add a can of R134a (Arctic Freeze) to my old E36 every spring (it would leak down during the winter). Good stuff.

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by KNS

Do you drive the car enough to run the AC regularly? If an air conditioning system sits long enough without use the seals can dry out and eventually leak. Not saying that's your problem but it is common. As mentioned above, everyone (in any car) should run their AC occasionally during the winter - on a relatively warm day - to keep the system exercised.

Amazingly, my 2004 325i still blows cold air and I haven't done a single thing to it. I think the newer cars might have some corners cut here and there in build quality...

Every time I run the car, the AC is on. I have seven cars, none have AC issues but this one. This includes an 81 Mercedes that still runs R12 and does not leak out at any appreciable rate, same for an 82 MB, and a 91 E30 318 commuter car that I converted to r134a. Mercedes in their manuals recommended running AC at least once a month, and while the 135i has low mileage, it never sits so long as for that to be an issue.

Tonight I put my halogen detector in the vent when I started the car (and smelled the odor), and it beeped as I expected. I'll video this a few times as proof for the dealer.

Fortunately the AC still blows cold. However, r134a has been linked to testicular cancer, and as such, the car is effectively undrivable until this is repaired.

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Just FIY... some of the diy freon recharge kits at auto stores do have a special additive(sealant) to plug small pinhole leaks in the AC system. That might be worth a shot for anyone out of warranty.


Attachment 1204530

FYI, it is essentially in violation of the clean air act to refill a refrigerant without repairing a leak properly. Top up kits are borderline illegal as a result, though they can be sold in theory due to the basis of operational loss (no seal is perfect) and upkeep. In reality, any known loss/leak must be repaired prior to refill.

Also, those stop leak products are well known to destroy AC systems. The only compressor I've ever "clogged" up was one where I added some "advanced" stop leak to the system. That stuff is so bad that given the current refrigerant recovery rules, if such products are sensed in the system (and good machines sense for hydrocarbons, mixed refrigerants, other chemicals, etc), shops will not work on your car. Then Eason is that such products foul up the filters and other components in the recovery machines. So adding "stop leak" is potentially a hazardous decision...

[edsonreds]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

Mine got replaced too. They tried everything they could to avoid replacing the evaporator but in the end they had to do it

I recently bought an electronic leak detector. I filled my AC with new 134a gas and started testing where could be the leak.

The detector started beeping like crazy when I entered the sensor in the air vent passenger side, just bellow where the air filter goes under the hood.

Am I screwed? Is it the evaporator?

I have a 2011 E92 M3.

[doublevanosrc]

My works fine however lately it makes a minor squeaky sound when the a/c is turned on.