E39 Air con problem

[nixB10]

The chilled air is not working in my 523i. Hot air is fine, all the fans and controls seem ok. Any ideas what I should look for before visiting a man with a spanner.

[nixB10]

Doh! - Looks like my question is pretty much covered under the following thread

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=379831&f=72&h=0

[peaktorque]

nixB10 said:

Doh! - Looks like my question is pretty much covered under the following thread

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=379831&f=72&h=0

Not really relevent on an E39 as the sensors are built into dash (I pretty sure they are anyway). More than likely you have a low (or lost) gas charge (R134a). Lack of use over winter causes the seals in the compressor to dry out and the gas escapes! Very common. Expect to pay about £60 for a leak-test and recharge.

[nixB10]

Thanks for that peaktorque. Thats sounds quite probable as the car has had little use over the winter to my knowledge (I've only just bought it) still its the only problem I can find on the car so I can live with that. Its just sooooooo good to be driving a BM again !!!

[peaktorque]

nixB10 said:

Thanks for that peaktorque. Thats sounds quite probable as the car has had little use over the winter to my knowledge (I've only just bought it) still its the only problem I can find on the car so I can live with that. Its just sooooooo good to be driving a BM again !!!

I have had to re-charge my BM as it was a bit low on gas, due the same problem (I only got it in January). Fortunatly for me it cost nothing as I am an A/C engineer! The E39 air-con system works really well in good health (the best I have come across, and I'm not being biased!)

[enricogassolini]

I have exactly the safe symptoms on my 2002 330D, everything seams to work, fans, heater etc, but the air con doesn't blow any cold air....it was fine last summer and although the car is used every day, the air con button has been switched off all winter until recently, and now although it lights up, it doesn't seam to do anything. I have had the car since new and don'y want to take it to a dealer as I have been well fleeced by them in the past, so will have to find an alternative.

[blackspider]

Im supprised more people dont use thier A/C during winter.

Yes its good for keeping you cool in the summer,but during those damp days its excellent for de-misting as it removes the moisture from the air rapidly keeping the screen nice and clear.

Using it all year round is healthy for the system,stops the seals shrinking and letting the gas escape.

[Denis O]

blackspider said:

Im supprised more people dont use thier A/C during winter.

Yes its good for keeping you cool in the summer,but during those damp days its excellent for de-misting as it removes the moisture from the air rapidly keeping the screen nice and clear.

Using it all year round is healthy for the system,stops the seals shrinking and letting the gas escape.

I guess they feel they're saving money because of the vast quantities of fuel that the air con consumes

Personally I turn mine on when I buy a car and it stays on till I sell it.

[nixB10]

Thanks for your comments all. I'll get it checked out by a 'professional'

[nixB10]

Just to add. Why can I hear a low fan noise from the control section even when the car is not running and there is no key in the ignition?

[jamoor]

dunno if you count these as professionals

www.kwik-fit.com/air-conditioning.asp

[mr.man]

When my air-con packed up on my E39 it turned out to be a corroded aluminium pipe possibly caused by salt from the winter roads.

[Scamp's Walker]

Was in Halfords and noticed that they do a gauge, to check your A/C and can of A/C gas for DIY re-gassing. Anyone know if they work?

[caro]

peaktorque said:

nixB10 said:

Doh! - Looks like my question is pretty much covered under the following thread

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=379831&f=72&h=0

Not really relevent on an E39 as the sensors are built into dash (I pretty sure they are anyway). More than likely you have a low (or lost) gas charge (R134a). Lack of use over winter causes the seals in the compressor to dry out and the gas escapes! Very common. Expect to pay about £60 for a leak-test and recharge.

Just an aside really, the sensors are definitely built into the dash by the aircon controls - if you put a coffee in the cupholder in the winter, lovely warm aircon air suddenly goes cold!

[nixB10]

caro said:

Just an aside really, the sensors are definitely built into the dash by the aircon controls - if you put a coffee in the cupholder in the winter, lovely warm aircon air suddenly goes cold!

I wouldn't trust those cupholders with anything hot or cold

[squeezebm]

Scamp's Walker said:

Was in Halfords and noticed that they do a gauge, to check your A/C and can of A/C gas for DIY re-gassing. Anyone know if they work?

Cheap route,don't bother my friend get it sorted by somebody who knows what there doing.

[Scamp's Walker]

Did on last car and on the BM but saw them and wondered if they were practical. Not sure that they contain the necessary seal lubricant that the A/C guys tell you that you need! Twas just an idle thought!

[squeezebm]

Scamp's Walker said:

Did on last car and on the BM but saw them and wondered if they were practical. Not sure that they contain the necessary seal lubricant that the A/C guys tell you that you need! Twas just an idle thought!

Anythings worth a try, but just like them silly a/c units @ B&Q .Not worth the hassle
my friend.

[Scamp's Walker]

When I say "did" I meant professionally serviced as opposed to "Halfords can system"!

[squeezebm]

Scamp's Walker said:

When I say "did" I meant professionally serviced as opposed to "Halfords can system"!

I Knew that