insomvamp

Greetings all,

2007 e60 530XI

My air con will work for approximately 5 minutes before fading out and you get that smell that it has given up the ghost. You can hear the compressor short cycling, and I recharged it just this spring. It wasn't dead low, but not exactly where I wanted it to be either. I took it to my indy shop for diagnosis, and they couldn't really find anything. They said that the sensor that detects when you're sitting in traffic and changes the recirc is no longer functioning, but it should not be causing my problem. They suggested a possible blockage in the system, and replacing about half of the A/C system for the paltry sum of $1700 and that *should* give me back my a/c functionality. I just had to get a set of tires for my other vehicle, and just put that money into the bimmer already just a month ago for the ccv and driveshaft flex disc, but I digress.

Point being, do you think this diagnosis to be reasonable, or should I get a second opinion?
FYI: If I run with max A/C but have the windows down, the air stays cold. However, if I roll the windows up, it will go warm in a few minutes.

Thanks in advance for your time and responses everyone!

seanjordan20

What are your pressures? I think you need to figure out why you had to add freon and fix that issue also. It would be hard to tell and since it seems you do not do your own work I assume you don't have INPA or ISTA to see what messages the car is giving you.

You say your car gets cold with windows down and not when up makes no sense. The windows have nothing to do with cooling. I would pay attention to stopping and going if the temp changes. If your compressor is cycling on and off at fast short intervals I would definitely check my pressures first. If you have a manifold it will tell you if there's a block in the system if you know how to read one correctly. I'm surprised your INDY couldn't diagnose a simple a/c issue with the correct tools

insomvamp

I agree, I had a manifold years ago. I realize that the windows down and the air coming from the vents staying cold makes no sense, but I wondered if it had something to do with the recirc.

Unfortunately I do not have inpa or ista. I have an OBD to USB cord I brought shortly after buying this a couple years ago, but I read that a lot of well, everything is in German, and I figured it would probably be best to not hassle with it and end up changing things that ought not be changed. Funnily enough, I will mess with the fuel injection on my other car, but it is 30 years old and it's just fuel injection.

The freon add was minimal. I have owned the vehicle for around 4 years now, and that was the first time I have had to.

seanjordan20

My recirculating sensor had been out for 6 years and I just got around replacing it a couple month ago so that definitely has nothing to do with it. I would suggest you take it to a shop that knows how to diagnose a/c systems because the INDY to guess means they have no clue what to do or don't have manifolds your test the system. These cars take a while to cool down anyway (longer than most). I have a 05 530i and 17 X6 and by far my 530 takes longer in mid day. Not knowing your pressures I can only suggest evacuation and fill to see if it fixed your issue. Without know if you sensors are working or pressures it's hard to tell you where to start.

donpb

Yes get a second opinion preferably from an indy who specializes in BMWs.

scottalexander

Regarding the windows down and the AC blows cold.

There must be a cabin sensor that is identifying the cabin is warm and then triggers the AC to blow cold air at that point.

The internal cabin sensor is malfunctioning.

seanjordan20

The a/c is controlled temp wise by your outside temp sensor, AUC, and pressure sensor. Those 3 would be the only things that would not let your a/c run at optimum. If the car has an internal sensor that is only used to adjust temp once the car gets to what you set the temp at (don't think the E60 has one).

1. Is your outside temp reading correctly if not replace the outside temp sensor.
2. Check your pressure sensor. (Should be working since you say the clutch is engaging)
3. AUC sensor is bad so do not put your a/c on auto it will not cool as expected.
4. Ensure heater control valve is not malfunctioning by checking the exit hoses and making sure the are not hot with the a/c on.
5.If you do not find fault on previous something is wrong with your system and it needs to be diagnosed further. A half decent a/c tech should be able to figure it out.