DIY: AC Repair - Replace Compressor, Condensor, Expansion Valve, and Drier

rg1220 · 09-19-2019, 09:27 PM

Hey everyone! I searched the forums for a while before working on my AC and the one hangup I was having was replacing the condenser. I didn't want to mess with the cooling system and I've seen multiple posts asking if you can replace the condenser without draining any coolant. After enough research I realized you can "simply" take off the front end. You can see that entire process in the 2nd video below.

If I've done anything wrong, incorrect, incomplete, unsafe, etc, please let me know! I haven't been working on cars for too long so I'm still learning

But I wanted to share what I've done as it would have helped me if I saw it before I started.

Tools and Parts:

Replace expansion valve, condenser, compressor, and drier:

Purge and Refill:

_a_

rg1220 · 09-27-2019, 11:56 AM

[post reserved for future images]

Dev · 10-14-2019, 09:02 PM

Thanks a lot for this. I'm trying to diagnose my own A/C issue. I might go ahead and do all of this as well.

09-19-2019, 09:27 PM	#1
rg1220 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Catonsville, MD Posts: 14 My Ride: 2001 BMW 325i Transmission: 5 Speed Manual View My Garage	DIY: AC Repair - Replace Compressor, Condensor, Expansion Valve, and Drier Hey everyone! I searched the forums for a while before working on my AC and the one hangup I was having was replacing the condenser. I didn't want to mess with the cooling system and I've seen multiple posts asking if you can replace the condenser without draining any coolant. After enough research I realized you can "simply" take off the front end. You can see that entire process in the 2nd video below. If I've done anything wrong, incorrect, incomplete, unsafe, etc, please let me know! I haven't been working on cars for too long so I'm still learning But I wanted to share what I've done as it would have helped me if I saw it before I started. Tools and Parts: Replace expansion valve, condenser, compressor, and drier: Purge and Refill: _a_

10-14-2019, 09:02 PM	#3
Dev PSHOPWERKS Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: E46Fanatics.com Posts: 4,579 My Ride: Yellow Porsche GT2 View My Garage	Thanks a lot for this. I'm trying to diagnose my own A/C issue. I might go ahead and do all of this as well. __________________ PSHOPWERKS Mods: 1 Inch Nail in Tire \| Purple painted calipers (you know you like Purple calipers) Current Hate Level: 10 \| Previous Hate Level: 9 The hatin' level on the E46Fanatics.com board.

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09-27-2019, 11:56 AM	#2
rg1220 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Catonsville, MD Posts: 14 My Ride: 2001 BMW 325i Transmission: 5 Speed Manual View My Garage	[post reserved for future images]