M5POST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   M5POST - BMW M5 Forum > F10 M5 Forum > BMW M5 (F10) General Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-29-2016, 02:08 PM   #1
alex91
Private
United_States
35
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

AC recharge

Guys,

I've already searched the web, but still can't find where the low pressure AC recharge valve is on 2013 m5. Nothing in the manual or under the hood. The one valve that I thought it would be, under the left cover next to the front headlamp, but the gage to measure the pressure doesn't fit it. Can someone show me on a picture?

Thanks
Appreciate 0
      07-29-2016, 03:29 PM   #2
momos750
Captain
momos750's Avatar
143
Rep
715
Posts

Drives: 2015 M5, 2011 750Li
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Usually on the same side near the dryer or accumulator. Maybe under the air intake box? Good question!
The port under the passenger side headlight cover is def the high side port. You can charge through the high side also but with liquid only, no gas. You should not attempt that unless you know what you are doing.
__________________
2015 M5 - Singapore Grey Metallic - Silverstone Full Merino Interior - Executive Pack - Drivers Assist Pack -Comp Pack -
Appreciate 0
      07-29-2016, 04:14 PM   #3
LI-M5
Lieutenant
95
Rep
587
Posts

Drives: 2016 M5
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by momos750 View Post
U You should not attempt that unless you know what you are doing.
^^^^ wat he said , im no mech but im no idiot either have attempted 2 x's on diff cars and f--k'd em both up ! do it urself kits from pep boy's w gauge ended up at dealer or auto mechanics 2xs lol ..

$80-100 get you done professionally evac and charge only way to do properly imo..

Neil
Appreciate 0
      07-29-2016, 04:43 PM   #4
momos750
Captain
momos750's Avatar
143
Rep
715
Posts

Drives: 2015 M5, 2011 750Li
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

The problem with DIY kits is that you are charging based upon pressure (low side).

All AC units whether it be a home unit or automobile need to be charged by weight (pounds/ounces) of refrigerant, based on manufactures specs.

You can DIY charge and be within the right pressures but it may be under charged or overcharged.
__________________
2015 M5 - Singapore Grey Metallic - Silverstone Full Merino Interior - Executive Pack - Drivers Assist Pack -Comp Pack -
Appreciate 0
      07-29-2016, 09:34 PM   #5
ur20v
Captain
184
Rep
788
Posts

Drives: F10 M5
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: WA Australia

iTrader: (0)

I believe they are under the left hand airbox lower.
Appreciate 0
      08-01-2016, 06:45 PM   #6
lanab
Enlisted Member
39
Rep
40
Posts

Drives: M5 F10 MY12
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ur20v View Post
I believe they are under the left hand airbox lower.
Nah...you should not touch that when refilling, only the other one in the front is enough according to BMW manual in Rheingold.

I changed my condenser two weeks ago, it was leaking everywhere due to stones hitting it and it started to crack.....

Problem is that the opening grilles are so big compared to previous generations, it really needs some mesh protection behind it or it will happen again, Porsche 991/992 owners have the same problems and they are even worse, this is a real pain problem to have as it's not only F10 M5 that's affected but also other BMW series.

DIY charge kits are a waste and makes things worse in the long run as you also need to apply oil to the AC compressor which the DIY kit doesn't supply, the only thing you do is making the AC compressor running dry on oil until it stops, just let a real AC guy make the refill or change the condenser as that is probably 99% your problem.

Last edited by lanab; 08-01-2016 at 06:53 PM..
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2016, 08:11 AM   #7
Bowser330
Lieutenant Colonel
289
Rep
1,575
Posts

Drives: i3 REX
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Socal

iTrader: (0)

Filling to manufacturer specs is very important, I had an Indy shop overfill the ac system in my f30 335i and the ac would blow hot air when on the coldest setting! I took it back to the shop, they used another neighboring shops ac recharge system and got it filled correctly to mfg spec. After that it started blowing ice cold. I think It's something about having enough room in the system for expansion of the fluid. It's worth going to an Indy shop to use a professional system just make sure they are refilling to mfg specs for your car.
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2016, 08:20 AM   #8
alex91
Private
United_States
35
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for your replies.

All I wanted to do is to check if my pressure was low. Between then and now, I've brought my car to the dealer and asked them to take a look. The driver side vents were blowing slightly warmer air vs the passenger side; that's in addition to the overall less than ice cold AC, even when on the max setting. Turns out something is not right and the shop is checking for leaks and anything else that could contribute to the issue. They confirmed that the pressure was too low. Let's see what they find out. I should hear back today.

Alex
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2016, 01:54 PM   #9
alex91
Private
United_States
35
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

It turned out to be a leak. The dealer is replacing one of the lines/hoses.
Appreciate 0
      08-06-2016, 06:51 PM   #10
lanab
Enlisted Member
39
Rep
40
Posts

Drives: M5 F10 MY12
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowser330 View Post
Filling to manufacturer specs is very important, I had an Indy shop overfill the ac system in my f30 335i and the ac would blow hot air when on the coldest setting! I took it back to the shop, they used another neighboring shops ac recharge system and got it filled correctly to mfg spec. After that it started blowing ice cold. I think It's something about having enough room in the system for expansion of the fluid. It's worth going to an Indy shop to use a professional system just make sure they are refilling to mfg specs for your car.
Yes filling to manufacturer spec is important, the M5 should have 850mg.
Appreciate 0
      08-07-2016, 09:06 AM   #11
alex91
Private
United_States
35
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

A quick update for those who might be experiencing the same issue. The SA told me that this kind of problem is not common. Don't know if that's bs or not, but here is the write up from my paperwork.

"Replaced AC pipe"
"Found 0.62 lbs refrigerant in the system, charged system, add dye in the system, checked for leak, verified leak from suction pipe, recover AC system, replaced suction pipe, vacuum and recharge AC system with spwc 1.60 lbs refrigerant, add dye, rechecked for leak, no leak found".

The AC is running strong now.
Appreciate 0
      08-30-2016, 11:36 AM   #12
Fast400
Major
Fast400's Avatar
Germany
679
Rep
1,117
Posts

Drives: iX M60
Join Date: May 2014
Location: ...

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by alex91 View Post
Thanks for your replies.

All I wanted to do is to check if my pressure was low. Between then and now, I've brought my car to the dealer and asked them to take a look. The driver side vents were blowing slightly warmer air vs the passenger side; that's in addition to the overall less than ice cold AC, even when on the max setting. Turns out something is not right and the shop is checking for leaks and anything else that could contribute to the issue. They confirmed that the pressure was too low. Let's see what they find out. I should hear back today.

Alex
Do you still have the driver side blowing slightly warmer?
Appreciate 0
      08-30-2016, 12:48 PM   #13
mister2d
Captain
156
Rep
598
Posts

Drives: F10 M5
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by alex91 View Post
A quick update for those who might be experiencing the same issue. The SA told me that this kind of problem is not common. Don't know if that's bs or not, but here is the write up from my paperwork.

"Replaced AC pipe"
"Found 0.62 lbs refrigerant in the system, charged system, add dye in the system, checked for leak, verified leak from suction pipe, recover AC system, replaced suction pipe, vacuum and recharge AC system with spwc 1.60 lbs refrigerant, add dye, rechecked for leak, no leak found".

The AC is running strong now.
Was this a warranty repair?
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2016, 11:07 AM   #14
alex91
Private
United_States
35
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Dallas

iTrader: (0)

The AC runs strong from all vents and I can't feel any difference between the vents.
The job was covered under warranty.
Appreciate 0
      09-06-2016, 02:31 PM   #15
mister2d
Captain
156
Rep
598
Posts

Drives: F10 M5
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by alex91 View Post
The AC runs strong from all vents and I can't feel any difference between the vents.
The job was covered under warranty.
Thanks. I just had mine serviced due to no cold air at all. The dealer found no leaks so they drained it, re-oiled and recharged my system with dye. Charged me the rate for AC service. If it does leak this time it will leave residue. Mine wasn't covered under warranty. Bummer.
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2017, 05:15 PM   #16
jgugalde
New Member
jgugalde's Avatar
United_States
3
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 M5
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Greensboro, NC US

iTrader: (0)

Can anyone Tell me where to locate the low side charge port on a 2013 f10 M5?
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2017, 07:45 PM   #17
HussainM5
Private
Kuwait
37
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: M5 f10
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Kuwait

iTrader: (0)

recharge A/C location
under passenger side air box
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2017, 09:07 PM   #18
TrevorM3
Banned
3318
Rep
8,083
Posts

Drives: 6.3 AMG
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

car looks good with red calipers
Appreciate 0
      08-01-2017, 10:49 PM   #19
jgugalde
New Member
jgugalde's Avatar
United_States
3
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 M5
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Greensboro, NC US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by HussainM5 View Post
recharge A/C location
under passenger side air box
Thank you so much for the information! I checked both low and high pressure sides and they were both a bit low compared to the R134a pressure chart. I added a can an 1/2 of R134a with PAG oil to get the Low and High pressure side to spec and now the AC is cooling much better.

I will check it again one of these days to see if it is a leak. I don't suspect is a leak as it was cooling but would take some time for the cold air to get going inside the cabin.

Thanks Again for the help!
__________________
2010 E90 N54 335xi/ JB4 G5 ISO/ BMS CP/ VRSF 7" FMIC/ Forge Motorsports DV/ Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
2013 F30 N55 335xi Waiting to be Tuned
2013 F10 M5 BMS ChargePipe Custom Intake
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2017, 08:29 PM   #20
BMWM5NYC
Captain
BMWM5NYC's Avatar
496
Rep
812
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 Monte Carlo Blue M5
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jgugalde View Post
Thank you so much for the information! I checked both low and high pressure sides and they were both a bit low compared to the R134a pressure chart. I added a can an 1/2 of R134a with PAG oil to get the Low and High pressure side to spec and now the AC is cooling much better.

I will check it again one of these days to see if it is a leak. I don't suspect is a leak as it was cooling but would take some time for the cold air to get going inside the cabin.

Thanks Again for the help!
I work in the HVAC field. Your system is a sealed system, the only way it was low on refrigerant is if A. Someone let some out, or B. There is a leak. That is the only way you would be low on refrigerant.
__________________
Formally known as BMWM3NYC
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2017, 10:12 AM   #21
DHUBM5
Private First Class
30
Rep
167
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5
Join Date: May 2017
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by alex91 View Post
A quick update for those who might be experiencing the same issue. The SA told me that this kind of problem is not common. Don't know if that's bs or not, but here is the write up from my paperwork.

"Replaced AC pipe"
"Found 0.62 lbs refrigerant in the system, charged system, add dye in the system, checked for leak, verified leak from suction pipe, recover AC system, replaced suction pipe, vacuum and recharge AC system with spwc 1.60 lbs refrigerant, add dye, rechecked for leak, no leak found".

The AC is running strong now.
I had the same thing happen to me, just they replaced the condenser as well (all under warranty). Like you, they told me this isn't common but I'm starting to think otherwise...
__________________
2014 BMW M5 Comp Singapore Grey Metallic
Modifications: Gintani tune (91 and VP110 (724 rwhp)), MSR intakes, Akrapovic EVO exhaust, HRE S101, Evolve Catless Downpipes, Michelin PS4S, Vorsteiner Rear Diffuser, RW Carbon front lip and rear spoiler, M Perf Alcantara Steering Wheel, IND paint matched front and rear reflectors, Rayno nano carbon ceramic tint (40%), Hardwired Escort 9500ix
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2017, 11:38 PM   #22
jgugalde
New Member
jgugalde's Avatar
United_States
3
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 M5
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Greensboro, NC US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWM5NYC View Post
I work in the HVAC field. Your system is a sealed system, the only way it was low on refrigerant is if A. Someone let some out, or B. There is a leak. That is the only way you would be low on refrigerant.
Hi, it did not look like it was a leak because it still cooled down but took some time. After adding R134a to required pressure, the system is holding up. No apparent leak. I don't know if it came that way from factory. So far so good.
__________________
2010 E90 N54 335xi/ JB4 G5 ISO/ BMS CP/ VRSF 7" FMIC/ Forge Motorsports DV/ Borla Cat-Back Exhaust
2013 F30 N55 335xi Waiting to be Tuned
2013 F10 M5 BMS ChargePipe Custom Intake
Appreciate 1
BMWM5NYC496.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:58 AM.




m5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST