04 325ci a/c not cold

[andrewforrest4]

I have a 2004 325ci and the a/c is not blowing very cold, and even hotter on the passenger side? Was thinking recharge and see if that makes any difference, any ideas?

[jclausen]

Charge it

[MIKYZZ4]

Just be careful and don't blindly add refrigerant. BMW AC system refrigerant capacity is 1~1.5lbs(16~24oz) canister.
Use gauges if available, saves the added expense of blown AC components, seals. BMW compressors are overpressure sensitive.

[efreeno]

Evap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andrewforrest4]

I've ordered a recharge kit with a gauge and everything I need with it. I'll let you know how it goes, cheers guys.

[dhurley34]

Recharge kits do more harm than good. BMW allows for a tolerance of +- 2oz of deviation from the total capacity of refrigerant for the system to work properly. This is the case with most vehicles nowadays. Its impossible to judge how much to add if you don't know how much is left in the system. Under fill the system and it will probably freeze the condenser. Overfill and it will more than likely blow a hose or the compressor.

The entire system needs to be evacuated and have vacuum drawn to at least -27hg for 20 min to ensure moisture and all the old 134a is removed from the system. This also allows the new refrigerant to be drawn in to the system. Then the correct amount of 134a should slowly be added. Its not very hard with a cheap vacuum pump and guages, but the order of steps are very important for success.

[andrewforrest4]

Got an ac recharge kit off Amazon for around 30$ and it made a real difference. A/C is just cold enough when hot in the middle of the day, and too cold to have all the way cold at night.