Top 5 Reasons Your BMW 328i Air Conditioner Is Not Working
The air conditioning system has become necessary in all aspects of our lives. It literally can save a person’s life by keeping his vehicle’s cabin temperature cool in the scorching summer heat. In this article, we will discuss some of the most obvious reasons why your BMW 328i AC can fail prematurely. But first, let’s converse about what an AC system is made up of.
What parts make up a car’s AC unit?
The AC unit of your BMW 328i is a very complex system comprised of several parts, including the compressor, condenser, thermal expansion valve or orifice tube, evaporator, and receiver. They all work together in close coordination to keep the cabin temperature cool and moisture-free.
Unfortunately, the AC unit of your BMW 328i is not immune to problems and can go out prematurely. There are numerous reasons why your BMW 328i AC unit may fail. To help you out, we have put together some of the most common reasons why your BMW 328i AC unit can break down. So, please read on.
What causes your BMW 328i’s AC to stop working?
Malfunctioning compressor
Of all the reasons that can cause AC failure in your BMW 328i- a defective compressor tops the list. This is because the compressor is the heart of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. It is tasked with the job of pressurizing and pumping the refrigerant in a very controlled manner. A properly working compressor is necessary for smooth AC operation. If it breaks down due to some reason, your BMW 328i AC will cease to work properly.
Defective condenser
Among the most common causes of AC failure in your BMW 328i, there is also a spot for a failing condenser. The condenser is a kind of heat exchanger that is responsible for condensing the refrigerant vapor. Mounted at the front end of your car, the condenser facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant inside and the air outside. However, a clogged-up or damaged AC condenser won’t be able to do its job properly, as a result of which your BMW 328i AC may fail.
Refrigerant leak
Another common cause of AC system malfunction in your BMW 328i is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s AC unit. It essentially circulates throughout the system and changes its form from liquid to gas in a very controlled manner so that heat can be transformed. Some of the widely used refrigerants are- R-134A, R-1234YF, and R-12 or Freon. Running low on refrigerant due to leaks in the system can paralyze your AC system. Therefore, if you’re noticing signs of a refrigerant leak in your BMW 328i, get it tested by a car mechanic right away. And, top-up the refrigerant level from time to time.
Faulty AC controller
Flaws with the controller can also result in AC failure in your BMW 328i. The control system essentially acts as an interface between the AC unit and the driver. It allows the driver to control different aspects of AC system operation. If there’s something wrong with the control system, your BMW 328i AC unit will not work properly. Therefore, if your BMW 328i AC is not working, the first thing you should do is to check its control system. And, if you are finding any kinds of deformities, call a car mechanic right away.
Electrical issues
Without a steady and continual supply of electric power, your BMW 328i AC unit will not operate. Interruption in the power supply to the AC unit due to a blown fuse, malfunctioning control module, damaged wires, or similar other problems can result in AC unit failure in your car. Therefore, if your BMW 328i AC is not working properly, get it checked out by a reliable mechanic before it leads to bigger problems.
Wrapping up
AC unit malfunction in your BMW 328i has all sorts of reasons and could mean anything from a refrigerant leak to serious issues like a defective controller. Anyway, if you have an impression that your AC unit is failing and you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, take your vehicle to a local car service center so that the exact issue can be diagnosed and taken care of.
