BMW E92 335i A/C refrigerant loss after condenser replacement
retrofast described cooling that faded after 10–12 days despite a new condenser. His photographs prompted a correction about an oily hose, while another refrigerant-line possibility remained a question.
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Cooling faded again after a new condenser
Bimmerpost member retrofast described an E92 335i whose air conditioning gradually stopped blowing cold as its charge was lost. An independent BMW specialist and a second air-conditioning specialist suspected the condenser after no dye trace was found. He had the condenser replaced, but said a recharge still gave only about 10–12 days of cooling. He asked whether oil around a nearby hose connection could explain the problem.
The oily hose was identified as a power-steering line
Serf27 and F31B48 corrected that interpretation: they identified the oily pipe in the photograph as the line to the power-steering oil cooler, rather than an air-conditioning condenser line. retrofast accepted the correction and said he would have its O-ring addressed on a later visit. That exchange does not locate or confirm the A/C refrigerant leak.
The owner compared the connection and nearby line area
In his follow-up photographs, retrofast compared the oily connection before and after the condenser change and asked about a groove in its plastic connector. He also photographed an area he believed contained the A/C pressure switch, commenting that its grime appeared undisturbed. These were the owner’s questions and observations, rather than proof that a particular connection or sensor caused the refrigerant loss.
A different refrigerant line was suggested
Commenter oVeRdOsE. described corrosion near the pressure sensor on a liquid line in his own regional experience. retrofast said a local A/C expert had also suggested checking that line, but at that point he had not inspected it or taken the car to that expert. He posted a separate annotated line illustration to ask where the suggested area lay; oVeRdOsE. pointed to the region near the sensor between its marked points 3 and 4. The illustration is a discussion reference, not a removed part from retrofast’s car or verified replacement fitment. No leak location or completed A/C repair is established by this exchange.
Source reply ↗ · oVeRdOsE.
Source reply ↗ · retrofast