Air Con Query

[northernlight]

Hi guys,

In my quest to find the 'right' X5 for me, i looked at a half decent 56 plate 3.0d Sport last week. Overall car looked tidy at 63k miles, but when i tried to get the air-con working, there was nothing doing. I couldn't hear any noticeable clutch engagement when i switch on, it just continued to blow out ambient temperatue air in the coldest setting.

My question is, on the balance of experience is it most likley just in need of a re-gas or is it often more serious?

The seller was unwilling to fix as needed a quick sale and i wouldn't know how much to discount an offer by to make it a worthwhile risk.

Thanks

[Bargain Bucket]

If it needs gas in the system then you have to ask where the existing gas has gone. OK, so it does leak a tiny bit every year and it is possible that you might get away with just a re-gas. But there is a significant chance that there is a leak in the system that needs repairing. The most common failure point in the condenser (heat exchanger thing at the front of the engine bay that looks like a radiator). They pick up all the road salt and corrode. Factor in a few hundred quid to have that replaced. There could be other leaks/faults but the condenser is the most likely failure point.

[northernlight]

Thanks for the advice. Might try bartering with the seller on that basis 

[X5Sport]

The air con will lose 10-15% of its gas volume every year (depending upon what info you read on the Web) and if not used regularly then the seals dry out and the 'loss rate' increases.

I used mine most of the time - just left it on 'Auto' - and after 4 years it took a full recharge cylinder from Halfrauds to refill it.  Cost £50.

New a/c hardware is expensive (especially the compressor) - so well worth bartering...

Richard

[Steamyrotter]

Could be something simple..

The clutch plate had fallen off my 5 series when i got it..

It is worth noting that you may not hear the clutch operating on these anyway.
Mine has always been quiet.