A/C. condenser replacement

[crankedup]

Seems the condenser on our mini cooper has bit the dust. What is a reasonable cost for my local garage to fit replacement for me. I see a condenser is around £100.

[E-bmw]

Very simple job to do, did mine a few months ago & cost £31 for the replacement.

[crankedup]

My mini has to go in for service and MOT so asked them to identify a/c problem. Another poster in here advised it’s likely the condenser that’s gone wrong. Looked at part price and as you mention they are not overly expensive. Sounds like an hour or so labour to fit and then regas. In my head I’m telling myself £160 all in for a/c repair. Fingers crossed.
Be the last time I hope that i need to use a garage for the work as my lad has installed a four post lift in his garage.

[stevemcs]

Just quoted on one today £405 fitted inc regas.

Book time 1.5 hours
AC condenser (The condenser seemed expensive for some reason .. )
Pressure test and regas.

If its been pressure tested then the garage should have drained the system if there is a leak. Buy the condenser, fit it yourself and then take it back for a regas. Some condensers seem to be more expensive than others.

[crankedup]

Thanks Steve.

[crankedup]

Quick update, today the garage pressure tested the a/c, no leaks just needs a re-gas!! I had a re-gas last August at Kwik Fit. How can it possibly just need another load of gas so soon? Mind I pleased it’s nothing more expensive but remain mystified.

[stevemcs]

Normally if it leaks in less than a year there is a leak, it would depend on how much gas was left in there. We would just leave it under pressure for a little bit longer and occasionally remove parts like bumpers if we were not sure.

[crankedup]

Just have to see how it goes I guess, anyway pleased to have working a/c this week with the heatwave

[GaryF]

I had a regas done outside the dealer network and it had lost it all within 6 months.

When it was in with Mini for a service I asked them to check for leaks and regas. They regassed and said there were no leaks. Two months later, no gas left. I left it back in with them and asked them to check properly for leaks. They kept it for three days and found a split in the condenser so replaced that and regassed again. They charged an eye-watering £500 and that was after I pushed for some discount...