[*Vikki*]

When does it need cleaning? had my car two years now, and its two years old. No smell but its making a different noise when on now. Anyone had theirs cleaned? what is the process? how much?

[JG.26]

Hiya,

What sort of noise is it making?, I noticed sometimes the compressor can make different noises at times but nothing thats really concerned, I have noticed with mine thats it's lost it's chill factor compared to last summer although it has been warm today so I suspect it might need re-gassing. Basil has his first MOT next month so I'm going to ask the dealer to test the system and meybe re-gas it, I bet it will cost a £100 or so I think non BMW places charge about £60 or so hmmmm,

[ALD0]

Go for non dealers to re-gas, cheaper for same outcome

[dave_cooper_s]

how often do they need re-gassed? do they do this in a regular service (i.e 25000 miles?)

[ALD0]

It should be every 2 years for maximum efficiency, Mileage wise that would be I guess 24k?

[JG.26]

Quote: Originally Posted by Interceptor

It should be every 2 years for maximum efficiency, Mileage wise that would be I guess 24k?

Out of interest, would a re-gas be covered under the TLC? . As I only do a low mileage my last service was last July at 2 years old, so the next service theoretically won't be until July 2007. I have it's MOT early next month before the warranty expires and I was going to ask the dealer to do an oil change anyways which I will probably have to pay for and might ask for a re-gas of the air con and wondered if I would have to pay? The air con is definitely not blowing as cold compared to last summer and the next scheduled service is way off.

The TLC is great if you do megga mileage but I'm sure like myself if you do a low mileage there are going to be problems left unchecked over such a long service interval. Would rather just have a yearly service.

cheers

[ALD0]

Re Gas is not covered under TLC, It's normally about £80 to do

[Freon Warrior]

What you really need is an "air con service", which involves a degas, vacuum to test for leaks and a regas. A local specialist is going to be far cheaper than your stealer

[minipaul]

The system should never need refrigerant if looked after properly

Quote: Originally Posted by dave_cooper_s

how often do they need re-gassed? do they do this in a regular service (i.e 25000 miles?)

[minipaul]

there is no maxium /minium life on the refrigerant it will last as long as you like as long as the system is looked after properly

Quote: Originally Posted by Interceptor

It should be every 2 years for maximum efficiency, Mileage wise that would be I guess 24k?

[Adrian_T]

Provided of course it was filled correctly in the first place.

I have read on here that many systems are not completely filled from the factory. Could this be a cost saving thing???

Anyone used the topup cans from Halfords???

[JG.26]

[quote=minipaul]there is no maxium /minium life on the refrigerant it will last as long as you like as long as the system is looked after properly [/QUOTE

What would you say is looking after it properly? I've only had one service under the TLC and the next won't be until July 07 Would BMW have looked at the air con at the cars first service I wonder? apart from that I just switch it on and off

[minipaul]

I think in the first service they change the air filter . there is also things you can do as driver to maintain the life of the sytem starting it up every day and letting it run for 5 mins to let the refrigerant cycle in the system. this should also be done in low tempatures (winter ) as there is gaskets that conect pipe work to compressor , condenser, evaparator and so on will drie up and crack and cause refrigerant to leak from system


not that my ac gets used much in north of scotland
[quote=Penguinblue]

Quote: Originally Posted by minipaul

there is no maxium /minium life on the refrigerant it will last as long as you like as long as the system is looked after properly [/QUOTE

What would you say is looking after it properly? I've only had one service under the TLC and the next won't be until July 07 Would BMW have looked at the air con at the cars first service I wonder? apart from that I just switch it on and off

[Freon Warrior]

Aircon systems attract moisture which reduces perfomance as it freezes in the system, when a service is carried out, the deep vaccum boils off this moisture. This service sould be carried out every 2 years. As minipaul rightly says to keep maximum performance it should be used regularly even in winter.

[*Vikki*]

Hello thanks for info....the cars booked in this Wednesday with first inspection. The air con charge for doing that it 47 pounds.

[mooneymini]

mine definatly needs doing too. Since ive had it, its never felt up to scratch.

[Olly.]

Interesting thread.

Might look at getting mine done as the A/C isn't very good in mine. Takes too long to cool the air down.

[Minotaur66]

Hi
Air con systems should run a minimum of 2-3 years without a re-gas - I would also recommend that you Clean/treat the system every 12-24 months to ensure that Fungi and Bacteria are kept at bay, as above also use the system regularly and vary the temp and blower speeds.
the best product to use to clean your aircon is Forte Air Con Treatment. As above put canister/tin/spray in the passenger footwell, with A/c on coldest setting and fan at approx half to three quarter and on re-circ then set can off. It will take approx 6 mins for it to discharge, then leave for a further ten minutes. After open up doors and windows and swith A/c to fresh air and leave for a further 5-10 minutes, this will take the Microbial agent in the treatment into the A/c system and kill 99% off all known germs that grow/breed in the evaporator/tray. It is a first class product and does what it says on the tin - personal experience.
pm me for details of where to get it a a reasonable price.

Regards

Minotaur66

[minipaul]

regarding product were did you get it from