<E36> A/C Recharge

[Anup Lakare <alakare@xxxxxxxx>]

Hello Group,

I am new to the automotive air-conditioning system world and thought will
ask this to the experts out there.  My car is 1994 318i with 77k on it, when
my A/C is running on idle, I can see some bubbles in the small watch window
along with the green colored refrigerant liquid.  A gentleman on the list
suggested that this may indicate low refrigerant and can cause harm to the
compressor if not taken care of.  As of today the car cools fine and the
temperature control works great.

I also called the local BMW dealers to get their view.  They said that as
long as the car is cooling fine there should not be any problem. And that
the car has a closed system so there should not be any leak, if there is one
then it calls for change of parts.  One also suggested that I can test the
system by running the A/C and if the air temperature at the central vent if
about 30-40 F then the system is fine, if its higher then its got a problem.
They said that if the refrigerant level goes below certain quantity then the
pressure switch will automatically turn off the system.

What I don't know is that is it normal for a 8 year old car to loose some
refrigerant and if I should get the system inspected for leaks?  Also, if
you have done inspection / change of refrigerant and seals, would like to
know how much it would cost.

Thanks in advance.

Anup

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