AC recharge

[Euro838]

I think my BMW needs an A/C recharge. Should I go to BMW or is this something that any shop can do? Is this a DIY possible? I think BMW charges $190 for this. Anyone recommend a place? Thanks.

[The Cosworth]

from what I know this is definatly not a DYI

Also I think it really depends on what year your car is, if it has the older R then they need to retrofit it to the new systems

[Euro838]

It's a 2001 325i

[Hemi RT]

Originally posted by brendankharris
from what I know this is definatly not a DYI

Also I think it really depends on what year your car is, if it has the older R then they need to retrofit it to the new systems
No, you don't need to retrofit it to the new R134; there is a recharge available for the R12 system and most AC/Rad shops carry it.

[dooman24]

r-12 is banned.

[Weapon_R]

It is probably the easiest DIY you'll ever do, and it'll cost you around 10 dollars a can.

The guys at autovalue did mine right in the parking lot for me, but if they won't do it for you, just borrow the tool (free), buy 1 can, and do it yourself. It takes about 45 seconds to do.

[dooman24]

AC recharge isn't really a diy thing
it's illigal to let the r-134 out into the atmosphere. and but doing so you will not be able to remove all the liquid left in the system and while you recharge it you won't know for sure how much to put in.. you can over/under charge your ac system.
and you also need a pump to pump the air and moisture out of the system. do it right
bring it to a shop.

[Hemi RT]

Originally posted by dooman24
AC recharge isn't really a diy thing
it's illigal to let the r-134 out into the atmosphere. and but doing so you will not be able to remove all the liquid left in the system and while you recharge it you won't know for sure how much to put in.. you can over/under charge your ac system.
and you also need a pump to pump the air and moisture out of the system. do it right
bring it to a shop.

Unless the system is empty or you want to add oil to the system you don't need a vacuum pump or any pump of any kind.

A set of guages are required to see what the pressures are as, YES you can overcharge a system which will lead to leaks but worse than that is a compressor that is gone.

I believe the recharge brand name is Red-Tek.

[SilverGS]

How often do BMW's need an AC Recharge?

I need one as well a 2000 323i

[dooman24]

i'd say your ac should stil be good
in a perfect world.. you shouldn't have to recharge your AC ever.. the fluid doesn't ever go bad.. it's just htat molecules escapes the system and after long periodes of time.. your system runs low.. but yeah.. i doubt you need to recharge you ac that fast unless your system has a leak..

[97'Scort]

I could have sworn that I read that BMW's are really finicky with having their AC recharged: too much and the system doesn't function very well. Might just be the E36's.

[rc2002]

Vac and fill at crappy tire is around $140 if you're using R134. They check for leaks too.

[Euro838]

Well, I checked with BMW and they said it's $190. Question is, is the $50 difference worth it to go to BMW as opposed to crappy tire?

[SCHIDER23]

Crappi tire sucks ass big time, I'm not even sure why people even go there, if you are getting it done I would go to BMW instead of them sadly. :(

[SilverGS]

I just called crappy on Richmond they said it is $50 just to check and then usually comes out to $192 or so for the recharge plus the cost of the refrigerant

[dizzle]

Originally posted by Weapon_R
It is probably the easiest DIY you'll ever do, and it'll cost you around 10 dollars a can.

The guys at autovalue did mine right in the parking lot for me, but if they won't do it for you, just borrow the tool (free), buy 1 can, and do it yourself. It takes about 45 seconds to do.
check out autovalue, i'm sure they woudl be glad to help. i see lots of guys buying the refills too!

[KoukiS14]

My Tires has a guy in house that does A/C servicing. Give them a call.