Climate/Air Con Problem
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 5 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 5 Series (E12, E28, E34, E39, E60 & E61)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=9871
Printed Date: 28-April-2024 at 07:16
Topic: Climate/Air Con Problem
Posted By: RobIpswich
Subject: Climate/Air Con Problem
Date Posted: 16-August-2004 at 09:21
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Help! It's hot outside and I'm suddenly not getting any chilled air from my 1997 E39 535i! Is there anything obvious I can check myself before taking it to a garage/air con place? The light comes on when I push the air con button, the revs rise slightly to cater for it but I don't know whether the compressor is running. What's it likely to be? Needs regassing? Refridgerant? Electrical failure? Something else? Thanks in advance!
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Replies:
Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 16-August-2004 at 10:19
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Cany tell you except maybe the gas has leaked--my E39 520i SE has a strange noise when idling and I turn the ac on. Does anyone know what it is. I am assuming the compessor is noisey--any help?
Thanks ------------- Philip |
Posted By: e34m5
Date Posted: 16-August-2004 at 12:32
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Rob : If the compressor is working you should be able to see the centre part spinning when/if the clutch engages.
Philip : Have you had any work done on you AC system ? If so it may be that you are low on AC oil. Or could it be the belt slipping slightly ? Miles -------------  
1991 525i Sport Manual http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=3552&st=0"> 
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Posted By: Phillip
Date Posted: 16-August-2004 at 13:13
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e34m5 I havent had any work done on the AC myself but who knows what was done BP. ( Before Phillip!) Can I check/fill with oil myself or is that not possible?
Cheers ------------- Philip |
Posted By: Jimbonic
Date Posted: 16-August-2004 at 14:06
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It might need re-gassing - see Jasperhappy's post. This is the most likely, as it needs doing every few years. ------------- Jimbonic 1989 535iSE Manual, Sport pack, Leather, Climate Control |
Posted By: 525IX
Date Posted: 16-August-2004 at 14:22
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If you have a grumbling compressor (Sounds like a low rumble) then your bearings could be worn, which is sadly a new / reman compressor, system flush and new drier, but these compressors can grumble on for years. The main reason for worn bearings would be lack of lubrication caused by lack of refrigerant (Lubricant is carried by the refrigerant) The compressor can also become noisey if the aux fan is not working, causing the system to be under much higher pressure than it should be Technically speaking the lubricant used in automotive a/c is not an oil but is a Glycol based lubricant (PAG), the refrigerant used in modern cars will not carry mineral lubricants |
Posted By: Jimbo540i
Date Posted: 17-August-2004 at 10:23
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Another source of this noise could be your auxilliary belt. My e39(540) makes a screeaching rumble noise (can you upload wav sound files to this page I wonder? would make the diagnosis of these noises much easier!). First I thought it was my gearbox as it happened in D or R. Then I noticed it would happen with the a/c on. I now think the belt is loose or something, seems to happen when the engine is under just a little extra load. Car is in for Oil Service today - getting the tech to look at the belts/renew if neccessary. But worth a look for you! ------------- Jimbo 540i Auto |
Posted By: jasperhappy
Date Posted: 18-August-2004 at 00:19
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almost certain that it needs regassing........if your garage is honest they can cofirm this........just had mine done and it cost £60 and now works perfectly.....apparently needs doing about every 2 years and also if it needs it ,it should be done as soon as possible......tell you what ,it aint very often that i can be of help so that will be £6.75 please lol .....jasper ------------- [img]http://jasphotos[/img/ |
Posted By: RobIpswich
Date Posted: 20-August-2004 at 09:07
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Pleased Your help was much appreciated! Cheers |
to inform you that a regas resolved my warm air problem, without too much expense (£50+vat). Lovely and cold now.