Check your A/C line for intercooler hose clamp interference NOW before this...

kaleb · 08-23-2011, 01:49 AM

My A/C stopped working this weekend, and I discovered the same issue referenced in this thread.

Close up of gradual wear on A/C pressure line that caused pinhole leak

BMW changed the part number of this A/C line twice, the new line I picked up today has different bends, and they have wrapped this interference area with a ridged plastic sleeve, like a thick shrink-wrap. I don't believe it's strong enough to withstand rubbing from a stainless steel t-clamp, but it's better than bare metal.

BMW added a plastic sleeve at the problem area, leading me to believe this is an issue with factory intercoolers and charge pipes. I think it's still a good idea to wrap your clamp with tape or silicone hose here anyway.

New line installed, black plastic shrink-wrap is visible. I cannot say the area of interference has changed, it's still in the same place. This is a CP-E charge pipe.

Although I am under BMW CPO warranty, I decided to do this repair myself because of the risk they would deny the claim based on the fact I have aftermarket intercooler piping. I have heard of factory piping causing this as well, and that is supported by this updated part. This line runs from the air compresser (located under the alternator, under the intake box) around the front of the engine to the condenser connection (close to passenger headlamp).

I hope you will all double check to make sure you don't have interference.

ianbiz · 08-23-2011, 02:32 AM

my brother had his AC go out his 335 last week, his issue was the blower motor. $53.25 and a trip to my fav. tech and it was all set.

Joshboody · 08-23-2011, 10:25 AM

yep, going to see more issues with this. I noticed mine was slightly worn, so I added a silicone hose around the clamp... I was being lazy, but plan to add rubber hose zip tied around the AC line.

bimmertt · 08-23-2011, 11:20 AM

any way you can circle the part in the second picture? I am having a hard time pinpointing the part.

bigdaddycane · 08-23-2011, 12:13 PM

I've seen wear on my line as well even prior to the CP-e intercooler install. Thanks for the heads up post!

SiR · 08-23-2011, 01:48 PM

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

Tronner · 08-24-2011, 01:40 PM

Wow, wish I'd seen this about 1 day ago. Just took my car in today because the AC quit working. Not sure if my issue is the aftermarket intercooler or the blower motor - should know soon, but I hope they don't deny me repair because of this.

M3 Eater · 08-24-2011, 01:46 PM

Its easy to fix that your self. I had the same thing happen, and used a patch. It worked for a while but I need a line.

smellfish · 08-24-2011, 10:25 PM

Shit. This is probably what happened to mine. Haven't seen the repair yet but it's costing me $760 after recharge.

Rotorocious · 08-24-2011, 10:59 PM

How much was the line?

kaleb · 08-25-2011, 01:30 PM

The line is $194 retail but you can do better than that.

Tronner · 08-25-2011, 01:33 PM

I just got the call from my dealer. Same thing. They want $860 or something like that for the leakdown test, part, install and recharge.

They are going to charge me $210 for the part, $250 for the leakdown test they performed (which pisses me off a little because I'm sure they would have seen the issue if they'd just looked at the damn line before the test), and recharge. So I'm in for $250 plus whatever I can source the part for no matter what.

Does anyone know what that part number is, or the description? I found a few AC lines on www.getbmwparts.com but there are no part numbers, only descriptions and I'm not sure which one it is?

There is a condenser to compressor pressure hose, an evaporator to compressor pressure hose, and suction hose?

kaleb · 08-25-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tronner

I just got the call from my dealer. Same thing. They want $860 or something like that for the leakdown test, part, install and recharge.

They are going to charge me $210 for the part, $250 for the leakdown test they performed (which pisses me off a little because I'm sure they would have seen the issue if they'd just looked at the damn line before the test), and recharge. So I'm in for $250 plus whatever I can source the part for no matter what.

Does anyone know what that part number is, or the description? I found a few AC lines on www.getbmwparts.com but there are no part numbers, only descriptions and I'm not sure which one it is?

There is a condenser to compressor pressure hose, an evaporator to compressor pressure hose, and suction hose?

Part number is 64504239966. This is the newer part number (the old one supersedes). It's the compressor to condenser hose. DEMAND a lower price on the part. $250 is too much for a leak-down test. Gosh I hate dealership prices.

i2iSTUDIOS · 08-25-2011, 01:49 PM

Can we check the line with all OEM parts still attached? or do I need to remove airbox, etc? Also, is the driver side or passenger side?

thx for the heads up!

kaleb · 08-25-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i2iSTUDIOS

Can we check the line with all OEM parts still attached? or do I need to remove airbox, etc? Also, is the driver side or passenger side?

thx for the heads up!

Honestly it's hard to see it when the charge pipe is all connected. I'm not sure if you could wiggle the factory pipe around enough to see it. I think you can get your fingers back there to check the interference, though.

Tronner · 08-25-2011, 02:06 PM

Is there anything special that needs to be done to recharge the system? Seems like it's as simple as replacing the hose and then recharge with a kit you can get at Autozone or something like that. Is that correct?

The part is $122 on getbmwparts.com

i2iSTUDIOS · 08-25-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaleb

Honestly it's hard to see it when the charge pipe is all connected. I'm not sure if you could wiggle the factory pipe around enough to see it. I think you can get your fingers back there to check the interference, though.

Oh, that sucks... I'll feel around and see if i can feel anything. I have a 2007 E92 as well so i'm concerned.

Nice list of cosmetic mods, I'm quite jealous.

JunkStory · 08-25-2011, 03:52 PM

Thanks very very much for bringing this to our attention. I am out of warranty and ALWAYS CONSTANTLY checking these forums to lookout for such potential problems and prevent costly repairs.

Just to be sure, the area of problem is where I have highlighted in red, correct?

I think that when the pipe gets very hot, it expands a little bit. Adding that with motion of the car causes wear overtime.

JunkStory · 08-25-2011, 04:39 PM

I could not check visually for any wear, so I just put my right hand in there and used my pinky to try and feel if there's any wearing or carving. So far so good. Mine's a stock 2007 E92 335i with factory pipes, so if there's any wearing it should be apparent by now. However, there is indeed very little clearance between so I see how this would be a problem with aftermarket piping.

kaleb · 08-26-2011, 10:32 AM

Yeah you got it, JunkStory

Streetluger06 · 08-26-2011, 10:43 AM

I also have an 07 E92 and about a month ago my A/C quit working. I haven't looked into it since I don't use it much but now that you mention it I think its time.

Thanks for the heads up, I would have wasted money trying to recharge it with a not so obvious leak, I'm pretty sure this is what is causing my issue.

sidekick96 · 08-26-2011, 10:44 AM

curious, when you say stopped working, do you mean loss of power? or its not blowing cold when its on max cool temp?

08-23-2011, 01:49 AM	#1
kaleb Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 294 Posts Drives: '12 X5 35d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Check your A/C line for intercooler hose clamp interference NOW before this... My A/C stopped working this weekend, and I discovered the same issue referenced in this thread. Close up of gradual wear on A/C pressure line that caused pinhole leak BMW changed the part number of this A/C line twice, the new line I picked up today has different bends, and they have wrapped this interference area with a ridged plastic sleeve, like a thick shrink-wrap. I don't believe it's strong enough to withstand rubbing from a stainless steel t-clamp, but it's better than bare metal. BMW added a plastic sleeve at the problem area, leading me to believe this is an issue with factory intercoolers and charge pipes. I think it's still a good idea to wrap your clamp with tape or silicone hose here anyway. New line installed, black plastic shrink-wrap is visible. I cannot say the area of interference has changed, it's still in the same place. This is a CP-E charge pipe. Although I am under BMW CPO warranty, I decided to do this repair myself because of the risk they would deny the claim based on the fact I have aftermarket intercooler piping. I have heard of factory piping causing this as well, and that is supported by this updated part. This line runs from the air compresser (located under the alternator, under the intake box) around the front of the engine to the condenser connection (close to passenger headlamp). I hope you will all double check to make sure you don't have interference. __________________ 2012 X5 35D - Platinum Gray / Cinnamon Options: Sport, Tech, Cold Weather, comfort seats, leather dash, high beam assist, lane-departure warning, soft-close doors, two-row, self-leveling suspension, hi-fi stereo Tracks driven (in any car): Nürburgring Nordschleife (05/2011), LeMans (ok, just the public part), Eagles Canyon Raceway, MotorSport Ranch Cresson, COTA Austin
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08-23-2011, 02:32 AM	#2
ianbiz Back in a BMW 205 Rep 5,208 Posts Drives: 2015 335i Msport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (8)	my brother had his AC go out his 335 last week, his issue was the blower motor. $53.25 and a trip to my fav. tech and it was all set. __________________ Ian
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08-23-2011, 10:25 AM	#3
Joshboody Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,708 Posts Drives: pickemuptruck Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (7)	yep, going to see more issues with this. I noticed mine was slightly worn, so I added a silicone hose around the clamp... I was being lazy, but plan to add rubber hose zip tied around the AC line.
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08-23-2011, 11:20 AM	#4
bimmertt Lieutenant Colonel 93 Rep 1,794 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	any way you can circle the part in the second picture? I am having a hard time pinpointing the part.
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08-23-2011, 12:13 PM	#5
bigdaddycane I even mod my cereal 246 Rep 3,441 Posts Drives: 11 ZCP DCT M3 14 328d 21 GT4 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northern Va iTrader: (53) Garage List 2021 Porsche GT4 [0.00] 2014 BMW 328d Xdriv ... [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	I've seen wear on my line as well even prior to the CP-e intercooler install. Thanks for the heads up post! __________________ 2011 Mineral White M3 ZCP - Opticoat, Ventureshield, some CF, B&B exhaust, AFE Intake Vorsteiner VFF 101s Ohlins 2014 Mineral White 328d Xdrive Wagon - Opticoat, Ventureshield, B8s, H&R, Apex SM-10s Hawk Pads 2021 718 Cayman GT4 - Fire extinguiser
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08-23-2011, 01:48 PM	#6
SiR Private First Class 1 Rep 145 Posts Drives: E34 525i, E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (1)	Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
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08-24-2011, 01:40 PM	#7
Tronner Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Edwards, CO iTrader: (2)	Wow, wish I'd seen this about 1 day ago. Just took my car in today because the AC quit working. Not sure if my issue is the aftermarket intercooler or the blower motor - should know soon, but I hope they don't deny me repair because of this.
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08-24-2011, 01:46 PM	#8
M3 Eater Major 36 Rep 1,054 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: May 2010 Location: Unknown iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Its easy to fix that your self. I had the same thing happen, and used a patch. It worked for a while but I need a line. __________________ JB4 beta 15 ohms FSB,AEM inline filter/ CM 10, ETS fmic, ER custom made charge pipe,TSW Donnington 18's,Simitumo HTRZ3, Injen DCI, AR DPs, Forge DVs, AA SLD, Koni FSD, ZSP springs.
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08-24-2011, 10:25 PM	#9
smellfish No one on the corner has stagger like us 50 Rep 343 Posts Drives: '11 AW E90 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: COS iTrader: (2)	Shit. This is probably what happened to mine. Haven't seen the repair yet but it's costing me $760 after recharge. __________________
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08-24-2011, 10:59 PM	#10
Rotorocious Lieutenant Colonel 103 Rep 1,520 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (3)	How much was the line?
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08-25-2011, 01:30 PM	#11
kaleb Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 294 Posts Drives: '12 X5 35d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	The line is $194 retail but you can do better than that. __________________ 2012 X5 35D - Platinum Gray / Cinnamon Options: Sport, Tech, Cold Weather, comfort seats, leather dash, high beam assist, lane-departure warning, soft-close doors, two-row, self-leveling suspension, hi-fi stereo Tracks driven (in any car): Nürburgring Nordschleife (05/2011), LeMans (ok, just the public part), Eagles Canyon Raceway, MotorSport Ranch Cresson, COTA Austin
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08-25-2011, 01:33 PM	#12
Tronner Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Edwards, CO iTrader: (2)	I just got the call from my dealer. Same thing. They want $860 or something like that for the leakdown test, part, install and recharge. They are going to charge me $210 for the part, $250 for the leakdown test they performed (which pisses me off a little because I'm sure they would have seen the issue if they'd just looked at the damn line before the test), and recharge. So I'm in for $250 plus whatever I can source the part for no matter what. Does anyone know what that part number is, or the description? I found a few AC lines on www.getbmwparts.com but there are no part numbers, only descriptions and I'm not sure which one it is? There is a condenser to compressor pressure hose, an evaporator to compressor pressure hose, and suction hose?
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08-25-2011, 01:49 PM	#14
i2iSTUDIOS Captain 88 Rep 870 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (1)	Can we check the line with all OEM parts still attached? or do I need to remove airbox, etc? Also, is the driver side or passenger side? thx for the heads up! __________________ 2007 E92 335i / 6MT / Monaco Blue Metallic / Gray Dakota Leather / Comfort Assist / Premium / Sport / Heated Seats / Navi / Active Steering / Active Cruise Control / Park Distance Control / Rear Sunshade / Sirius MODS PicoTray / M3 Steering Wheel / Front OEM Aero Lip / Bimmian Aluminum Pedals / CDV / Ram Air Scoops / Painted Reflectors / HID 5000k / LED Angels / M Perf. Shifter / Euro Light Switch / 8500 x50 / Center Armrest Pouch / JB4 / BT
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08-25-2011, 02:06 PM	#16
Tronner Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Edwards, CO iTrader: (2)	Is there anything special that needs to be done to recharge the system? Seems like it's as simple as replacing the hose and then recharge with a kit you can get at Autozone or something like that. Is that correct? The part is $122 on getbmwparts.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-25-2011, 03:52 PM	#18
JunkStory Major 160 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: E92 M3, 8V RS3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: 98230 iTrader: (3)	Thanks very very much for bringing this to our attention. I am out of warranty and ALWAYS CONSTANTLY checking these forums to lookout for such potential problems and prevent costly repairs. Just to be sure, the area of problem is where I have highlighted in red, correct? I think that when the pipe gets very hot, it expands a little bit. Adding that with motion of the car causes wear overtime.
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08-25-2011, 04:39 PM	#19
JunkStory Major 160 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: E92 M3, 8V RS3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: 98230 iTrader: (3)	I could not check visually for any wear, so I just put my right hand in there and used my pinky to try and feel if there's any wearing or carving. So far so good. Mine's a stock 2007 E92 335i with factory pipes, so if there's any wearing it should be apparent by now. However, there is indeed very little clearance between so I see how this would be a problem with aftermarket piping.
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08-26-2011, 10:32 AM	#20
kaleb Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 294 Posts Drives: '12 X5 35d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Yeah you got it, JunkStory __________________ 2012 X5 35D - Platinum Gray / Cinnamon Options: Sport, Tech, Cold Weather, comfort seats, leather dash, high beam assist, lane-departure warning, soft-close doors, two-row, self-leveling suspension, hi-fi stereo Tracks driven (in any car): Nürburgring Nordschleife (05/2011), LeMans (ok, just the public part), Eagles Canyon Raceway, MotorSport Ranch Cresson, COTA Austin
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08-26-2011, 10:43 AM	#21
Streetluger06 Private First Class 11 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	I also have an 07 E92 and about a month ago my A/C quit working. I haven't looked into it since I don't use it much but now that you mention it I think its time. Thanks for the heads up, I would have wasted money trying to recharge it with a not so obvious leak, I'm pretty sure this is what is causing my issue.
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08-26-2011, 10:44 AM	#22
sidekick96 Private First Class 20 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: U S of A iTrader: (2)	curious, when you say stopped working, do you mean loss of power? or its not blowing cold when its on max cool temp?
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