How often to get aircon services/regassed?

Sunnyb11 · 03-13-2019, 09:31 AM

the 3 series is coming up to 3 years old now - when should the aircon be serviced(anti bacterial clean) or regassed?

any rule of thumb, or how often do people recommend?

Ridg · 03-13-2019, 09:52 AM

general rule of thumb is when the cold stops coming out cold

Isow · 03-13-2019, 09:56 AM

My 328i was 7years 2 months old when I sold it. I never had it regassed in all that time and it was still working well when I sold it.

Jim23k · 03-13-2019, 12:44 PM

Prior to Aug 2016 (ish) cars came with the older (vastly cheaper) refrigerant.

If you did want to get it flushed/re-gassed, many dealerships will do it for around £85 if using the older R134a gas. For cars on the newer R1234yf refrigerant the costs for the same service increases to several hundreds of pounds!

Take a look under the bonnet and it should state the gas type on a label somewhere. From experience, I've had to point out that my car uses R134a after being quoted extortionate prices for an AC service, at which point the cost was hugely cut...

Personally I get mine done every 2-3 years.

Malone · 03-13-2019, 12:47 PM

Air con system is sealed - if it’s lost gas and needs recharging, it’s got a leak!
Do you regularly have your fridge regassed?

Soul_Glo · 03-13-2019, 01:53 PM

I have had mine on auto with a/c on for three years and can still get nice cold air on max cool. Heavy use in summer too. I think it will be due soon. If you don't use it often it will last longer.

You can buy a gauge to check the level if you want to.

Carjack · 03-13-2019, 02:03 PM

My Ford Mondeos used to be clamped out after about 3 years my current 320d is now nearly 7 years old with no problems.

SW6Steve · 03-13-2019, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

If you don't use it often it will last longer.

Not sure about that.

Aircon should be used regularly as it contains a lubricant in the gas to keep seals supple. With a system not used very often, the seals can dry out and then you loose coolant.

Soul_Glo · 03-13-2019, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW6Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

If you don't use it often it will last longer.

Not sure about that.

Aircon should be used regularly as it contains a lubricant in the gas to keep seals supple. With a system not used very often, the seals can dry out and then you loose coolant.

Meant as in not a heavy user like me but yes even the manual says it should be run a minimum of once a month.

Edinburra · 03-13-2019, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW6Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

If you don't use it often it will last longer.

Not sure about that.

Aircon should be used regularly as it contains a lubricant in the gas to keep seals supple. With a system not used very often, the seals can dry out and then you loose coolant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW6Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

If you don't use it often it will last longer.

Not sure about that.

Aircon should be used regularly as it contains a lubricant in the gas to keep seals supple. With a system not used very often, the seals can dry out and then you loose coolant.

Thank you for that, try and tell some folks that and you get the funniest looks.

Pequin · 03-13-2019, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edinburra

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW6Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

If you don't use it often it will last longer.

Not sure about that.

Aircon should be used regularly as it contains a lubricant in the gas to keep seals supple. With a system not used very often, the seals can dry out and then you loose coolant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW6Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelsea_Tractor

If you don't use it often it will last longer.

Not sure about that.

Aircon should be used regularly as it contains a lubricant in the gas to keep seals supple. With a system not used very often, the seals can dry out and then you loose coolant.

Thank you for that, try and tell some folks that and you get the funniest looks.

I've always been told the same by successive, Audi, BMW and Merc technicians, so many times that I believe them.

RENT-A-GOAT · 03-14-2019, 07:30 AM

I always have my aircon switched on in hot or cold weather as even when it's cold the climate control uses the cooler aircon air to regulate temps which in turn keeps the seals lubricated.

Due to having the dogs in the back even with cleaning & hovering out the boot each week I use the BMW vent air freshener and every 12mths take out the cabin filters put the aircon on its coldest setting in recirculation mode & place an aircon bomb to clean out any nasties & freshen the cabin up.

Touch wood never had an issue with any of my cars this way and only had to have my Passat B6 regassed thanks to a badly designed VW hose splitting and leaking out.

Kermit · 03-14-2019, 07:53 AM

^^ Me too. Demists the windows and dries the carpets in winter when its wet

ian332isport · 03-14-2019, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kermit

^^ Me too. Demists the windows and dries the carpets in winter when its wet

Me three. I assumed everyone did this.

999rigger · 03-14-2019, 08:15 AM

Aircon systems in cars are sealed but the flexible pipes become porous after time if not kept lubricated by using the system. Kwikfit do a re-gas offer and its always half price in the winter months!

Squintstream · 03-14-2019, 05:12 PM

My AC is on all the time in auto. Cools the car in summer and acts as a dehumidifier in winter.

spansar · 03-15-2019, 12:08 PM

hmmm, when I had my first service, I was told I would be needing an Air Conditioning Service on my 2nd service.. They also had a Orange Advisory on my Vehicle Health Check with the date 03.2019.. My car had done 19500 miles at the time..

I think they mentioned approx £150 to do but from reading this post I am not sure it is needed? I do put it in auto mode and use it in winter too. Can anyone advise whether I should get it done next service (2nd service due in approx 6000 miles)?

Squintstream · 03-15-2019, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spansar

Can anyone advise whether I should get it done next service (2nd service due in approx 6000 miles)?

I'd tell them to go and fuck themselves! Unless they can fully justify why it's required.

In my book, it's a simple test... If it cools the car in hot weather, it works

spansar · 03-15-2019, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squintstream

I'd tell them to go and fuck themselves! Unless they can fully justify why it's required.

In my book, it's a simple test... If it cools the car in hot weather, it works

So its a no then!

CajunBMW · 03-15-2019, 01:39 PM

I also keep my AC on year round; have done so for both of my 3 series - new and old. Admittedly in Louisiana, I use the AC function a lot.

Hooded · 03-15-2019, 06:33 PM

When it stops keeping you cool in the hot weather it's time for a re-gas. Otherwise keep your money in your pocket!

Weshymynna · 11-10-2021, 03:13 PM

It depends on the model and brand. For example mine air conditioning let down only one time seriously(problem with fuses, it almost burnt my house down, lol), but the rest has been just a dusty filter, so I can say that it's 70% only dusty filters. If you understand that the problem is not in dusty filter you should call special service . Guys solved the problem, but the problem was in leaking from. Also, you should do simple technical service twice a year, preferably like changing filters and other stuff.

03-13-2019, 09:31 AM	#1
Sunnyb11 Private 26 Rep 82 Posts Drives: bmw 335d xdrive Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Ldn iTrader: (0)	How often to get aircon services/regassed? the 3 series is coming up to 3 years old now - when should the aircon be serviced(anti bacterial clean) or regassed? any rule of thumb, or how often do people recommend?
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03-13-2019, 09:52 AM	#2
Ridg Lieutenant 205 Rep 404 Posts Drives: F31 330d Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	general rule of thumb is when the cold stops coming out cold
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03-13-2019, 09:56 AM	#3
Isow Major 319 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: G20 330i MSport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	My 328i was 7years 2 months old when I sold it. I never had it regassed in all that time and it was still working well when I sold it.
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03-13-2019, 12:44 PM	#4
Jim23k Private First Class 58 Rep 115 Posts Drives: F31 340i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	Prior to Aug 2016 (ish) cars came with the older (vastly cheaper) refrigerant. If you did want to get it flushed/re-gassed, many dealerships will do it for around £85 if using the older R134a gas. For cars on the newer R1234yf refrigerant the costs for the same service increases to several hundreds of pounds! Take a look under the bonnet and it should state the gas type on a label somewhere. From experience, I've had to point out that my car uses R134a after being quoted extortionate prices for an AC service, at which point the cost was hugely cut... Personally I get mine done every 2-3 years.
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03-13-2019, 12:47 PM	#5
Malone Captain 290 Rep 702 Posts Drives: 340i Touring Shadow Ed. MPPSK Join Date: May 2017 Location: West Sussex iTrader: (0)	Air con system is sealed - if it’s lost gas and needs recharging, it’s got a leak! Do you regularly have your fridge regassed? __________________ Current: 340i Touring Shadow Edition MPPSK Previous (Noteworthy!): M135i, F20 125i, Smart Brabus ForFour, Mitsi Evo 4, Honda Integra Type R DC2
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03-13-2019, 01:53 PM	#6
Soul_Glo Major General 13347 Rep 7,484 Posts Drives: G20 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Manhattan, NYC iTrader: (1)	I have had mine on auto with a/c on for three years and can still get nice cold air on max cool. Heavy use in summer too. I think it will be due soon. If you don't use it often it will last longer. You can buy a gauge to check the level if you want to.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2019, 02:03 PM	#7
Carjack Stormtrooper 170 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 330i G20 M-Sport Portimao Blue Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	My Ford Mondeos used to be clamped out after about 3 years my current 320d is now nearly 7 years old with no problems.
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03-14-2019, 07:30 AM	#12
RENT-A-GOAT Major 463 Rep 1,049 Posts Drives: F31 320D Xdrive Msport+ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Warwickshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW F31 320D X ... [0.00]	I always have my aircon switched on in hot or cold weather as even when it's cold the climate control uses the cooler aircon air to regulate temps which in turn keeps the seals lubricated. Due to having the dogs in the back even with cleaning & hovering out the boot each week I use the BMW vent air freshener and every 12mths take out the cabin filters put the aircon on its coldest setting in recirculation mode & place an aircon bomb to clean out any nasties & freshen the cabin up. Touch wood never had an issue with any of my cars this way and only had to have my Passat B6 regassed thanks to a badly designed VW hose splitting and leaking out. __________________ [url=https://www.deutschespeed.com/threads/the-bimmerpost-refugee-thread.561/]Click here for the Bimmerpost UK Refugees - Censorship Sucks![/url]
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03-14-2019, 07:53 AM	#13
Kermit Second Lieutenant 125 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 335d xDrive Shadow Edition Join Date: May 2014 Location: Hampshire, UK iTrader: (0)	^^ Me too. Demists the windows and dries the carpets in winter when its wet
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03-14-2019, 08:15 AM	#15
999rigger First Lieutenant 88 Rep 314 Posts Drives: F33 4 Series Convertible Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Sheffield iTrader: (0)	Aircon systems in cars are sealed but the flexible pipes become porous after time if not kept lubricated by using the system. Kwikfit do a re-gas offer and its always half price in the winter months!
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03-14-2019, 05:12 PM	#16
Squintstream Captain 141 Rep 736 Posts Drives: F32 435i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Derby iTrader: (14)	My AC is on all the time in auto. Cools the car in summer and acts as a dehumidifier in winter.
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03-15-2019, 12:08 PM	#17
spansar Private First Class 52 Rep 131 Posts Drives: F30 M320d, CANCELLED G42 M240i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: North Somerset iTrader: (0)	hmmm, when I had my first service, I was told I would be needing an Air Conditioning Service on my 2nd service.. They also had a Orange Advisory on my Vehicle Health Check with the date 03.2019.. My car had done 19500 miles at the time.. I think they mentioned approx £150 to do but from reading this post I am not sure it is needed? I do put it in auto mode and use it in winter too. Can anyone advise whether I should get it done next service (2nd service due in approx 6000 miles)?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-15-2019, 01:39 PM	#20
CajunBMW Lieutenant Colonel 1289 Rep 1,641 Posts Drives: BMW 340i and X1, Chrysler Van Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Shreveport, LA iTrader: (0)	I also keep my AC on year round; have done so for both of my 3 series - new and old. Admittedly in Louisiana, I use the AC function a lot.
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03-15-2019, 06:33 PM	#21
Hooded Banned 1669 Rep 3,967 Posts Drives: F30 330d M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: England iTrader: (0)	When it stops keeping you cool in the hot weather it's time for a re-gas. Otherwise keep your money in your pocket!
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11-10-2021, 03:13 PM	#22
Weshymynna Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW X6 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	It depends on the model and brand. For example mine air conditioning let down only one time seriously(problem with fuses, it almost burnt my house down, lol), but the rest has been just a dusty filter, so I can say that it's 70% only dusty filters. If you understand that the problem is not in dusty filter you should call special service . Guys solved the problem, but the problem was in leaking from. Also, you should do simple technical service twice a year, preferably like changing filters and other stuff.
	Appreciate 0 Quote