[JRJ1970]

Question to those who truly know about BMW A/C's:

From reading here and there, I am finding that the AC output should blow 45 degrees once the car has been running a few minutes. This holds true in my case, however, it takes a while to get there maybe say 10 minutes of fast driving. When I'm stopped at light or not going fast, it goes up to 52 degrees. Is this normal?

Just wondering if I should take my car in to get the A/C system checked.

Comments or input welcome.

Thanks,

Jay

[AddictedToBavarian]

How are you taking this temperature?

[CHR1S H4NSEN]

If it's belt driven, sitting will increase temperature since the compressor isn't turning as fast. (new to BMW so someone else can chime in)

[JRJ1970]

Originally Posted by AddictedToBavarian

How are you taking this temperature?

Don't laugh but I'm using a "stick" like gauge that I use to froth milk for my cappucinos. It's basically a long stick with a round gauge at top that goes from 40 to 220 degrees. It's stuck inside the AC output vent now. I wish I had a laser type one but don't have access to one.

[Castle]

Originally Posted by CHR1S H4NSEN

If it's belt driven, sitting will increase temperature since the compressor isn't turning as fast. (new to BMW so someone else can chime in)

This, or the the system needs a little gas. A fast-turning compressor compensates for drops in the overall pressure of the system, but an idling compressor cannot and you feel it in the temperature of the air it blows.

Oh, and I consider myself very far from someone who "truly knows about BMW A/C's", so feel free to dismiss my post ;-)

[Dickson]

I had a similar issue. My A/C was taking a very long time to get cold, but when it did, it would be ok. Took it to the dealer and they found a leaky evaporator. Fixed under warranty.

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by jrjinsa

Question to those who truly know about BMW A/C's:

From reading here and there, I am finding that the AC output should blow 45 degrees once the car has been running a few minutes. This holds true in my case, however, it takes a while to get there maybe say 10 minutes of fast driving. When I'm stopped at light or not going fast, it goes up to 52 degrees. Is this normal?

Just wondering if I should take my car in to get the A/C system checked.

Comments or input welcome.

Thanks,

Jay

Remember that it's also going to be trying to maintain your set point temperature too, not just blowing ice cold air all the time. If you use the MAX button the air won't get as cold since the fan is on so high. You'd need really good airflow over the condenser coils (at the radiator) and good revs - like highway cruising - to get vent temp <40F at the MAX setting.

Check your thermometer against ice water (32F) too.

Check your vent temperature with the set point at minimum, recirc on, fan speed at minimum and blend wheel all the way to blue. From there, the more load you put on the system (insufficient cooling at the condenser, higher fan speeds in the interior, higher temperature and humidity in the interior) your temp will start to go up as soon as the system can't keep up any more.

If it's truly horrid you could always get it checked.

[NvTwist]

I was having the same issue in my 335is here in Vegas. Temps in the triple digits everyday and just thought it was the outside temp causing the slow cool down. Turns out it was a clogged up cabin filter that was causing the prob, BMW replaced it and wow, blows hard and cold again even sitting at a light or in the drive way.

[whilechukwuzout]

My AC sucks ass. It doesnt blow cold at all, and if the inside of the car is the least bit hot, it takes forrreeeevvvverrrr to cool off. My Z4 AC was 10X better.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by whilechukwuzout

My AC sucks ass. It doesnt blow cold at all, and if the inside of the car is the least bit hot, it takes forrreeeevvvverrrr to cool off. My Z4 AC was 10X better.

Then why don't you have it serviced?

Tom

[whilechukwuzout]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Then why don't you have it serviced?

Tom

Cuz then Id have nothing to complain about

Nah im planning to take my car in next week to have the hpfp and turbos done, and im gonna have them examine the ac

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by whilechukwuzout

Cuz then Id have nothing to complain about

Nah im planning to take my car in next week to have the hpfp and turbos done, and im gonna have them examine the ac

Good idea. BMWs are quite sensitive to the amount of charge in the system. The slightest leak can result in warm air.

Tom

[dassub]

Mine blows cold after a good 10 seconds just after I start my car.. I'd get it checked out. I've never had my a/c serviced before, but I do change my cabin air filter myself once a year.

[JRJ1970]

OP here. Checked out at the dealer and all systems normal. It's cold from the start at 45 degrees and then lowers to 41 degees when driving fast. It just takes a while to feel it in the car..... I need to invest in window tint and park this 'vert in the shade. I don't think the black leather interior and living in TX helps either....

Thanks all for your input.