[M0.92]

I have a 2015 f11 535d which is no longer blowing cold air from the AC. My indy guy refilled the freon (w dye) and it was blowing ice cold air again. I then didn’t drive the car for two days and it was back to the original condition, meaning warm air coming out of the vents. I have yet to take it back to the shop to have them look for the leak as I am now out of the country.

I have been reading about the condensers being a common issue on the f10/11 series, but it seems like that usually causes more of a slow leak rather than the rapid leak I am having. Any ideas on this one?

And while mentioning the condenser, some people say the condensers are part of a recall, but I can’t find anything official on that. Was that a regional thing? I’m in Europe.

[e4603]

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51113-9999.pdf

[M0.92]

Originally Posted by e4603

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51113-9999.pdf

Thanks.

Any idea if this is a geographically specific recall (US, EU etc), or world wide?

[e4603]

There was no recall in the US that I’m aware of.
My wife got notifications on the extended warranty on the water pump, etc, but nothing on the AC condenser.

[M0.92]

Originally Posted by e4603

There was no recall in the US that I’m aware of.
My wife got notifications on the extended warranty on the water pump, etc, but nothing on the AC condenser.

Thanks.

I guess the only way to figure this out, should the condenser be the culprit in my case, is to ask BMW directly. Sadly I am dealing with them now as the gearbox on my 2019 X1 with only 52000 kms (30000 miles) appears to have given up.

But, back to my original question. I realize there could be several reasons for a rapid leak in the AC system, but are there components/areas more likely to cause this?

[Johnkwick]

I had similar problem because I have to recharge the refrigerant like twice every year

Turned out it was the high pressure and low pressure hoses that run from the compressor to the condenser were leaking (on the end of the rubber hoses). There were oil and some kind of black residues around that area.

BMW quoted me arm and leg so I went to authorized Denso workshop. They tested with soapy water and yes it was bubbling. Workshop charged me $300 for replacements including labor, refrigerant, and compressor oil. It's been cold and silent (no hissing or gurgling sound) for months

View post on imgur.com

I must say the workshop made a pretty robust solution on the high pressure line. They cut the stainless steel part around 2cm before and after the rubber hose connector. Weld it with a better coupler, and replace the rubber hose with Denso rubber hose compatible with the coupler and wrap the rubber hose with some kind of thermal sleeve. I hope their solution will last for years

[M0.92]

Thanks John, that is some really good information which I will forward to my mechanic. I would be thrilled if it was something as cheap and simple as that.