When you turn the dial on your BMW’s A/C, the last thing you want to feel is hot air. So what’s the deal?
There are typically three reasons that your A/C isn’t performing as it should.
Compressor is Worn Out
A vehicle’s A/C system is nothing without its compressor – many mechanics refer to the compressor as the ‘heart’ of the A/C system.
The compressor works to circulate the refrigerant throughout your A/C, allowing it to remove heat from the inside of your BMW. But as with many auto parts, the compressor falls victim to time, contamination, and wear and tear.
As an owner, the best step that you can take to prolong the life of your A/C’s compressor is to run it for about 10 minutes once a month during seasons when it otherwise wouldn’t be used. In the colder months, this means simply using the defroster in your BMW.
If you want to be sure that everything works as it should, take your BMW in for A/C repair, where it will efficiently find the source to the issue.
Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant used in your BMW’s A/C is circulated throughout the system, which means that it passes by several points where a leak can occur. If you notice that your BMW’s A/C is blowing hot air, look for leaks in your A/C unit’s hose connections. If the leak is small, a sealant is an option for fixing the issue, but the hardest part might be actually finding such a small leak in the first place.
Our team of mechanics are specialized in European and German vehicles, which means that they are well-equipped to search for much less obvious signs of leaks in your BMW’s A/C system. For example, one of our technicians can find an oily residue on or around the A/C hose units or connections, a residue that is often quite hard to spot.
Faulty Cooling Fans
A BMW A/C system relies on a number of parts to function as you expect it would, which includes the cooling fans. If you suspect this might be the case or the other areas of your A/C as listed in this article seem fine, visually inspect the system to see if the cooling fans are faulty or in good condition.
Cracks in the cooling fans can be caused simply by debris on the road. Really, the only way to fix this issue is to replace the faulty cooling fans.
A/C Condenser
Blowing hot air? Your BMW’s condenser might be broken or blocked.
Once your refrigerant is compressed, the condenser in your A/C is intended to cool hot air back down again. Since the condenser if in the front end of your vehicle, debris from the road can block airflow to the condenser, making it unable to effectively cool the refrigerant that is now warm or hot.
If you can’t visibly spot any debris or blockage on your compressor, it might be that your compressor is simply not working anymore. That means, yes, you will need to have your BMW/’s A/C condenser replaced.
Electrical System Issues
Wires, relays, pressure switches, and fuses.
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electrical systems that contain a variety of parts – and this includes your heating and cooling system in your BMW. Unfortunately, time, faulty parts and age can all lead to a malfunction in the A/C system in a BMW.
Sometimes an electrical issue can be solved with a little bit of electrical tape, but other times more parts and knowledge are involved. Before you get to find the solution, however, the source of the issue must first be found. Unfortunately, these issues are hard to diagnose without the necessary diagnostic equipment and the expert knowledge, never mind fixing the issue, meaning that solving electrical problems at home is very difficult for the typical BMW owner. If you’re having issues with your BMW’s A/C, your best bet is to take your BMW for A/C repair at a trusted auto service shop.
Top-Quality Air Conditioning A/C Service
Maintenance is important, but so is having an enjoyable experience on the road, which includes your car’s climate control. For more information about what could be happening with your BMW’s A/C system, check out our service page here.
Ready to get your BMW A/C system sorted? Schedule your appointment at one of our three locations today! Contact us online here.