AC repair

[NORCAL/E30]

How hard is it to replace these parts? Due to rust the condensor, drier, compressor to condensor hose, and the condensor to drier hose are all bad on my 1990 325is. I want to get the parts off of BMA and do this myself and then take it to the shop that dignosed it and have them charge the system and convert it to R134. I will save LOTS of money by going this route as I got an estimate of $1100.00 to have the job done. :shock: I'm semi mechanically inclined and will have someone who has more expertise, though not on bimmers, helping me. Do you have to remove lots of other parts to get to the ones in question. TIA for any input. :)

ABE

[ryan_george]

Well as long as you dont mind getting your hands a bit dirty, there isn't anything very challenging about replacing those components. The compressor is mounted to the engine in a similar way to the altenator and power steering pump. Very straight forward to remove. The drier is only secured in by 1 bolt I believe, and all of the hoses can be removed with the right wrench, or even vise grips. To remove the condenser you'll need to remove the rad. Once again, not very difficult.

[NORCAL/E30]

Thanks. My compressor is'nt bad so thats staying. I kind of knew the hoses and the drier would be easy. It was the condensor I was worried about. If I have to remove the radiator how do I go about making sure I get all the air bubbles out of the cooling system?

ABE

[ryan_george]

Thanks. My compressor is'nt bad so thats staying. I kind of knew the hoses and the drier would be easy. It was the condensor I was worried about. If I have to remove the radiator how do I go about making sure I get all the air bubbles out of the cooling system?

ABE

It's not a big problem at all. Just fill up the cooling system, turn the heater to full, and let the car idle. The coolant level will probably go down after a bit, then just keep it topped off. Once you think it's full, there's a bleed screw on top of the thermostat housing that you can undo, and it should release all of the air (if any).

[NORCAL/E30]

Thanks. I'm gonna do this!!! With the money I save I think I'll but a header and a new cat. 8)

ABE