M3 AC test

[Peter Cain <cain@xxxxxx>]

Hi Stuart,
    I run my AC periodically in the winter (I'm in Canada) to keep the
seals lubed. I get the heat going in the car till its good and warm,
then shut the heat off and turn the AC on with the recirculate button
set to recirculate. It should blow cold within about 15-20 seconds. If
not something's wrong. First check if it does not blow cold is to look
under the hood and see if the compressor clutch engages and turns the
compressor. My car has no sight glass so for me the next step would be
to hook up a set of guages and check the pressures. If the AC doesn't
work in the cars you look at you could just use that as a bargaining
point on price--assuming the compressor turns and there are no $$$
noises while it's turning.
Good luck.
Peter Cain
London, Ontario

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