64 50... Air Conditioner Test (R134a)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before A/C efficiency test, satisfy following conditions:

Provide a MoDiC or DIS. Safeguard electrical system integrity by checking the fault memory (no faults in the fault memory).
Provide a thermometer with separate gauge.
Perform the test in a suitable work bay with an ambient temperature between 20°C and 30°C.

Re 1:

Connect MoDiC or DIS to car and display evaporator temperature.

Re 2:

Position a thermometer with a separate gauge approx. 5 cm below the roof liner at the height of the B-pillar. Lay gauge outwards out of vehicle interior.

Re 3:

Heating up vehicle interior:

A/C button is not activated during heating up.
Close all windows and doors.
Set recirculated air mode.
On vehicles with CID: In A/C menu (CID) in Air distribution index tab: select 100 % footwell for driver and front passenger and 100 % defrosting for driver (this applies here to driver and front passenger)
Select air distribution mode for footwell and defrosting.
Maximum temperature setting.
Maximum fan stage.
Start engine

Cool down passenger compartment:

Turn on air conditioning compressor with "A/C button" at a vehicle interior temperature of 45 °C (measured at the head restraint).

On vehicles with MAX-AC button : Activation of MAX-AC (= maximum cooling power)

On vehicles without MAX-AC button:

Set maximum cooling power by means of following steps:

Setting minimum temperature
Blower setting maximum
Stratification maximum cold (4 blue bars)
Only ventilation open
Close remaining flaps (air outlet only from center fresh air grille, left and right)

After 5 minutes measure both ventilation temperatures with a thermometer at the same time (fresh air grille center, left and right). The measured temperature must be = 16° C and the difference between right and left may not be greater than 2° C.

Draw off A/C system if this temperature is not reached. See 64 50 009 Drawing Off, Evacuating And Filling A/C System (R134a) . Measure amount of refrigerant drawn off.

If one or both temperature specifications is not reached drain off heating and air conditioning system. Measure amount of refrigerant drawn off.