Air conditioning servicing

[Smeeagain]

I phoned my local dealership to enquire about oil service for my X5 E53 2004 (£179 if you're interested). The lady dealing with the booking asked if I'd had the aircon done in the last two years. I asked her to tell me more

She said they drain the system, flush out any bacteria (is this a real problem?), re-gas it and then in her words 'they detonate a type of bomb inside the car to deodorise it' ! - cost is £125

So questions - do I really need this doing as the aircon seems fine to me? Do they really clean out bacteria? Presumably it can be done elsewhere for sigificantly less money? What is the'bomb' all about?

Thanks

Smee

[dirtymonkey29]

If air con has an odd smell then it is usually bacteria in the condenser. You can have a degass flush and recharge done by a specialist cheaper. The bomb is just a special aerosol that is like an air freshner. One you click the spray nozzle down it locks in place and empties itself. You let the aerosol off while aircon is running on recirculation for 5-10 mins which deodorises. You get get them for £6.99 in halfords. So if your aircon is not very cold or smells then get it done by a specialist and DIY the deodorising

[Denis O]

Apart from the aerosol freshner all those other things your dealer will do are taken care of by connecting a machine and pressing a button, The macnine does the rest automatically,

The machines are made by BOSCH and this time last year BOSCH centres were doing an air con service for £50 all in. Takes about 45 mins and you come out with cool air con. Once done run it at least once a week throughout the year and it will last much longer. On all my cars I run the climate all year round to ensure all the seals are kept lubricated.

Should have a re-charge evey 5 to 7 years.

[X5Sport]

Halfords do it too, and provide the DIY kits to top up your gas as well. Again, about £50. Changing the gas won't clear the smell as the bacteria are on the outside of the system. You can change the microfilter at the same time of you wish.

That's a very valid point about running the system regularly as the fluid is also a lubricant and keeps the seals in good nick. If you don't use the system much then you risk having a leak and needing a more expensive overhaul. Run it at least once a month for a reasonable time. I run mine all year round and have never suffered from any odd 'pongs' either.. Mine lost about 1/2 its gas in 5 years on the E53.