03-25-2022, 04:17 PM | #1 |
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Advice on condenser replacement
Hi all,
Production date Nov 2013, I have a slow ac leak and assuming it is probably condenser. BMW NZ not interested in replacing at their cost. I have a replacement condenser from FCP and intend to do myself, including correct recovery, system vacuum, etc. Is it correct that looking through the grill I am looking at the ac condenser (i.e. it is the front-most radiator)? The transmission cooler is directly on top of it and also has to come out? Is the main charge cooler directly behind these two? Or is the charge cooler that is out in front on the M5? Does anyone have the instructions for replacement procedure that they can share? I haven't been able to find instructions online. Appreciate your help guys. |
03-28-2022, 03:45 PM | #4 |
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Follow the piping leaving the compressor. Discharge pipe ( Smaller of 2 pipes leaving compressor) will go into the Condensor.
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04-09-2022, 03:15 PM | #5 |
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Confirmed the charge cooler is out front with the transmission cooler on top. The condenser is in the middle with steering cooler on top.
I pulled apart enough to check the manufacture date of the condenser and found it was 2 weeks later than the change to the better one. Can't see or detect a leak there or at compressor or pressure switch. With my budget leak detector, I can detect leaks at both shrader valves with port caps off. Not sure if that it significant because can't detect with caps on. |
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04-15-2022, 07:53 AM | #6 |
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Try injecting dye into it to confirm for sure. I have a 2013 and mines also stopped blowing cold, I thought was condenser as well. Took it to shop, they ran tests with the machine, it held vacuum just fine, and injected dye when recharged, and was not a leak. Been about 4 weeks now and its back to ice cold. Not sure what caused it, maybe just Freon evaporating over 10 years but i have not had to go back to recheck for the leak.
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05-26-2022, 09:53 AM | #7 |
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F10 condenser leaks are common, and usually manifest themselves as very slow leaks over time. Generally, the o-ring on the desiccant bag plug, on the bottom of the condenser is the cause of the slow leak. This can get worse over time allowing compressor oil to leak out as well, accelerating compressor wear. I've replaced a hundred or so f10 condensers for this failure. ( this failure point is also very common on the f15/16, the f30/31/33, f25, and the e84.) You can purchase the desiccant bag and plug kit separately, condenser removal is still required to replace it.
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10-19-2022, 09:38 AM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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10-24-2022, 07:24 AM | #9 |
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Looking at doing this as well on our 550. Do any of you know what the high and low side pressure is supposed to read?
Thank you in advance
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air conditioning, diy, f10 m5, instructions |
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