A/C - Blows Hot
GROUP 64Heating and Air Conditioning
Bulletin Number
64 03 99
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 1999
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
A/C Condenser Leak: E36(3 Series) with Automatic Transmission
MODEL:
E36 - 3 Series with automatic transmission.
Situation:
Customer complaint of air conditioning blowing hot.
Cause:
The A/C condenser may rub on the transmission cooler, causing a refrigerant leak.
Correction:
Modify the condenser spacers and attaching bolts to increase the clearance between the condenser and transmission cooler.
Procedure:
To increase the clearance between the condenser and transmission cooler:
Note:
If the A/C condenser is being replaced, proceed to step 7.
1. Remove the attaching screws (2) to remove the left and right cover(1).
2. Remove the four screws (2) and the center cover (1).
3. Inspect the condenser for contact/rubbing at the oil lines (3) and the cooler thermostat (2).
4. If the cooler is in contact with the condenser, the spacers and screws must be modified.
5. To modify the spacers, remove the condenser attaching screws(1). (Note: 318 is illustrated here with out the fan shroud.)
6. If the vehicle is equipped with a shroud (2), remove the two lower shroud screws on the left and right side of the shroud to gain access to the spacers.
7. The spacers are located inside the rubber grommet. Remove the condenser spacers(1) using a screwdriver or suitable tool. It is not necessary to remove the grommets.
8. The spacers (2) and screws (3) must be modified by removing 4 mm (A,B).
A = 4 mm
B = 4 mm
9. Insert the modified spacers (4) into the grommets(1).
10. Align the shroud (5) (if equipped) and insert the modified screws (1) into the grommet (3).
11. Before tightening the screws, visually locate the right side (passenger) condenser tube directly behind the screw (arrow). Slowly tighten the right side (passenger) screw while watching the screw tip to condenser tube clearance. If the screw is not modified, the condenser tube will be punctured.
12. Tighten the screws until there is approximately 3 - 4 mm clearance between the transmission cooler and the condensator.
Warranty Information:
Parts and Labor are reimbursable under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
Note:
Only one labor operation can be claimed.
Under no circumstances should more than one labor operation number be claimed. Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim processing and payment.