[PTinVT]

Putting this in OT since it's E46, not E9x
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Anyone have any experience with these? I have an '02 325ci with 70K miles, and 0 cold air, but I've owned it since 2006 and have only put 10K miles on it in the last 10 years. I honestly can't remember when the A/C last worked well, since I only drive it on nice days (and store it in the winter so I never need the defroster either).

I'm wondering, those kits on TV that look so easy and plug and play... has anyone used them, and what is your experience with them?

I tried to search here but all I've seen is advice that they may not work, or may even do damage. I'm willing to gamble $50 that it might get me cold air, or at worse do nothing. I was having intermittent fan but had my indy replace the FSR which seems to have fixed that. I think that's just coincidence. I've never heard any strange noises from the HVAC.

What's the advice for someone with minimal mechanical skills?

[csu87]

yes they work, and are very easy to use. If you can read and follow instructions, youll be fine.

[PINeely]

It's pretty straightforward, just follow the directions on the canister and you should be fine. Make sure to get one with a gauge so you can pay attention to the pressures. If you fill it and the AC still doesn't get cold it's possible that you've overfilled the system. If the pressure is too high it won't work, so you'll need to let some refrigerant out in that case. And don't breathe that stuff.

[overcoil]

A little primer

[#Tee]

realistically the first place that goes faulty in a AC system would be the seal on the compressor. most of the time ppl dont cycle the AC during long spans like winter and ends up drying the seal on the compressor. when they do that seal has no lube and ends up cracking and slowly leak refrigerant.

scenario 1 would be to do the diy kits, install it correctly, youll get cold AC for 1-8 weeks pending how often its turned on or how large the leak is.

scenario 2 take it to a shop have them do a vac pull for 30 mins to see if the system is sealed and have them pump a dye + pag oil + r134. if there is a leak the system would run dry of r134 you or the shop can run a black light to trace the leak. fix accordingly and refill the system.

Just keep in mind its a closed system if it goes dry theres a leak, adding r134 and crossing fingers might get you buy for a month or so.

You might want to yt and get a set of manifold gauges(harbor frieght). itll give you a reading on the high side. youll want to put in the exact amount of r134 or the compressor would cycle repeatedly and fail.

[csu87]

$20 for a can that lasts the summer isnt a bad deal though compared to shop prices and what it could cost to fix a leak if there is one.

[NEFARIOUS]

Scenario 2 is a lot more viable... I read that our car's AC system is incredibly finicky.

[Dackelone]

I've used this diy ac recharge kit on my e39 with great results. I would recommend it to anyone.

[Buddy628]

Ditto they work well just do they research on where to plug it in on your specific vehicle model. It also seals any leaks which is an added benefit.