[MikeMinh]

Towards the summer I see plenty of offers for service of the AirCon.

UK dealers offer typically (for £75 each)

• BMW AIR CONDITIONING REFRESH.
• BMW AIR CONDITIONING RECHARGE.

How often is this really necessary? In my previous 3 series I never had this service carried out (unless it was included in the regular inspections). All I ever did was to change of the microfilter. This was dead easy to access in an E46. A cheap part, 5 mins max and job done.

With my F34 you now need torx screw drivers to remove interior trim before you can get to it.

What do you guys do? Do you have AirCon service beyond the plain exchange of the microfilter? Why could draining the refrigerant, and recharging the refrigerant and lubricant be necessary?

[Billfitz]

There's no specific interval for AC recharging, it's something that's checked as part of regular maintenance and filled if it needs it.