We are in South Dakota and the AC unit only blows hot air and I have not been able to find where the unit is located to check refrigerant and also check for leaks. There are no BMW dealers anywhere close let alone mini dealers. Does any know where the compressor is located. I suspect a leak and I would like to add refrigerant and see if that is the issue!

 

Those are the test ports for the AC system in between the headlight and the engine cover. With a proper set of AC gauges, and shop can test the system operation, doesn’t have to be a dealer. I would suspect a puncture in the condenser, since it’s out in front of the car….

 

Will add that often the valves (Schrader) at those two connections will leak. A sign of a leak is a bit of oil flim. Just a light film of oil. This is compressor oil. SOP is to when servicing an A/C to replace the valves. The A/C machine will be used to evacuate the system and check for leaks but if the valves are leaking they most likely represent a small leak and the machine may not detect this.

 

Yep, hook up a gauge from a local auto parts shop and test it. You will need a can or two of that R1234yf also. Bet its low. I think the new GP3 takes that new R1234yf stuff and it leaks on the hondas all the time. Its a smaller molecule gas. Hondas have a recall for the seals on the A/C pump for cars that have that stuff. Possible it leaked out those top valves.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=64_2045

 

Thanks,

We were touring in the badlands when this happened and there were no shops that could help, so we simply drove with the windows down and sweltered, but we are home now and hope to have it done in a week or so.

 

Thank you we just drove with the windows down and toughed it out. We will take care of it when we have everything back in order here.