A/C Evaporator

crl8474 · 03-08-2012, 03:37 PM

The a/c evaporator is located in the dash of our cars so I'm curious how the dealer diagnosis such a failure/leak without physically seeing it?

I recently took my 335i to the dealer for service and was informed that the evaporator needed replacing due to a leak at a cost of $2,800, which is mostly labor for removal and reinstallation of the dash. Given that replacement of the unit it so labor intensive, I'm confused as to how this issue could be diagnosed without removal of the dash which makes me very skeptical about agreeing to pay for the repair.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

wobbles1 · 03-08-2012, 03:59 PM

[QUOTE=crl8474;11505252]The a/c evaporator is located in the dash of our cars so I'm curious how the dealer diagnosis such a failure/leak without physically seeing it?

Because they hook up a adapter at the expansion valve and pump it full of nitrogen to 15 bar. Then they let it sit for an hour and if the pressure drops
by 1 bar or more you get a new evap

or you can use a a/c leak sniffer tool at the vents.

wins76 · 03-08-2012, 11:50 PM

if i am you, i just trade in the car or sell it. 2800 is like a down payment.

applecello · 03-09-2012, 01:48 AM

Or have an independent shop do it for half that.

crl8474 · 03-09-2012, 07:18 AM

Received quotes from 2 indy shops both of which came back within $100 of the dealer. A 3rd shop didn't want to take the job since it involved removal of the dash and they hadn't done it before.

I also looked to trade the car but I put a ton of mileage on it so I was getting killed on trade value. Now I'm between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Time to kiss $2,800 goodbye.

03-08-2012, 03:37 PM	#1
crl8474 Second Lieutenant 48 Rep 207 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Prosper, Tx iTrader: (1)	A/C Evaporator The a/c evaporator is located in the dash of our cars so I'm curious how the dealer diagnosis such a failure/leak without physically seeing it? I recently took my 335i to the dealer for service and was informed that the evaporator needed replacing due to a leak at a cost of $2,800, which is mostly labor for removal and reinstallation of the dash. Given that replacement of the unit it so labor intensive, I'm confused as to how this issue could be diagnosed without removal of the dash which makes me very skeptical about agreeing to pay for the repair. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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03-08-2012, 03:59 PM	#2
wobbles1 Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 299 Posts Drives: 2011 AW 1M #541 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (4)	[QUOTE=crl8474;11505252]The a/c evaporator is located in the dash of our cars so I'm curious how the dealer diagnosis such a failure/leak without physically seeing it? Because they hook up a adapter at the expansion valve and pump it full of nitrogen to 15 bar. Then they let it sit for an hour and if the pressure drops by 1 bar or more you get a new evap or you can use a a/c leak sniffer tool at the vents.
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03-08-2012, 11:50 PM	#3
wins76 Private First Class 27 Rep 172 Posts Drives: BMW 335 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	if i am you, i just trade in the car or sell it. 2800 is like a down payment.
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03-09-2012, 01:48 AM	#4
applecello New Member 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: Sold my BMW's for now... Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So MD iTrader: (0)	Or have an independent shop do it for half that.
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03-09-2012, 07:18 AM	#5
crl8474 Second Lieutenant 48 Rep 207 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Prosper, Tx iTrader: (1)	Received quotes from 2 indy shops both of which came back within $100 of the dealer. A 3rd shop didn't want to take the job since it involved removal of the dash and they hadn't done it before. I also looked to trade the car but I put a ton of mileage on it so I was getting killed on trade value. Now I'm between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Time to kiss $2,800 goodbye.
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