Hi all,
I am a DIY enthusiast but when it comes to AC, I am a complete novice.
The car in question is a 2001 BMW E46 330i Manual, with 250 000Kms.
Upon receiving the car, I noticed that the AC only blew slightly cold on the passenger side (left hand side) while the drivers side would only blow ambient temperature air.
I checked out a couple forums, mostly in the States regarding the subject matter, which indicated to me that my AC system could possibly be low on R134a Freon gas, and subsequently requires a re-gas/re-charge.
I bought a 1KG can of R134a, adapters for the low-pressure and high-pressure side, a pressure reading gauge and the corresponding hoses.
As I understand it, I need to re-charge my AC system to a certain pressure. Now according to this diagram, and at 18 degrees celcius, I need 25-35psi on the low side.
![[Image: image.jpg]]()
Now, obviously I was hoping my system would be somewhere on the low side, such as 20-25psi. So I did a pressure test with the AC on full blast, and the gauge read 30psi![Cry]( "Cry")
That number is smack in the middle of the suggested acceptable pressure levels.
I've also noticed that the AC has deteriorated slightly, since acquired about a month ago, in that the AC is barely existent on the passenger side now.
Is there an E46 specific pressure for the low side that I am not aware of?
Any advice regarding further troubleshooting?
FYI: The AC was tested with three blue dots on the vent control, the blower set to max fan speed and 16 degrees Celsius. The compressor also seems to be operational as it has a distinct kick and sound when activated via the snowflake button.
I am a DIY enthusiast but when it comes to AC, I am a complete novice.
The car in question is a 2001 BMW E46 330i Manual, with 250 000Kms.
Upon receiving the car, I noticed that the AC only blew slightly cold on the passenger side (left hand side) while the drivers side would only blow ambient temperature air.
I checked out a couple forums, mostly in the States regarding the subject matter, which indicated to me that my AC system could possibly be low on R134a Freon gas, and subsequently requires a re-gas/re-charge.
I bought a 1KG can of R134a, adapters for the low-pressure and high-pressure side, a pressure reading gauge and the corresponding hoses.
As I understand it, I need to re-charge my AC system to a certain pressure. Now according to this diagram, and at 18 degrees celcius, I need 25-35psi on the low side.
![[Image: image.jpg]](http://s12.postimg.org/e9yqj1mrt/image.jpg)
Now, obviously I was hoping my system would be somewhere on the low side, such as 20-25psi. So I did a pressure test with the AC on full blast, and the gauge read 30psi
That number is smack in the middle of the suggested acceptable pressure levels.
I've also noticed that the AC has deteriorated slightly, since acquired about a month ago, in that the AC is barely existent on the passenger side now.
Is there an E46 specific pressure for the low side that I am not aware of?
Any advice regarding further troubleshooting?
FYI: The AC was tested with three blue dots on the vent control, the blower set to max fan speed and 16 degrees Celsius. The compressor also seems to be operational as it has a distinct kick and sound when activated via the snowflake button.