DIY Adding Freon

[Learning]

My 91 318i AC is not blowing cold air. How do I DIY adding freon to it? Is this an easy or difficult job? Will I need to purchase a pressure meter?
Thank you.

[Threehz]

You trina add R-12 or R134a?

It's not very hard either way, but it might be worth investigating your problem a little before potentially wasting money.

If it's not blowing cold because of a leak I would replace all o-rings at the least and have it vacuumed and charged by a shop.

[Learning]

I believe my previous mechanic told me he had retrofitted my AC for R134a.
I don't think there is a leak because the last time a mechanic added a freon to it was about 5 years ago. Another thing is that I don't have a gauge meter for adding freon and I believe the freons being sold with gauge meters are expensive.

[mr ilia]

You can usually buy a/c rechargin kit at any parts store. It would include a "freon" and pressuare gauge. Follow instructions. It takes about 15 min or so to charge the system.

If your a/c stopped functioning for another reason, than it is a different story.

[Learning]

My A/C is still functioning. It is just not blowing cold enough air.
I checked with a parts store and they had one smaller kit for $34.99 and a larger kit for $44.99. Which should I get?
Also, where is the lower pressure A/C pipe (to add freon in) located in the engine compartment?

[vpilarrt]

All depends on how much freon it takes to re-fill it. I'd buy the larger one because if the smaller one is not enough you'll have to spend another $35.
The fill port is on the passenger side fender well just forward of the shock tower.