Hello All, Newer owner not had much time to post or much yet due to working schedule... Anyway... My AC has died and I'm looking for a shop, preferably in South Denver... I live work in DTC and would appreciate any insight of a good shop. Hoping for good prices too. (But a good shop is better).

R53 Dark Silver (to be named)

 

Might be a good idea to give Schomp a go. Get an estimate before you commit to the work. They are good, about standard on hourly rate.

If you want to go out West a bit, try Peak Eurosport, they might be farther than you want to drive.

Perhaps a good general air-conditioning shop in the South.

Someone from down in the South Side want to chime in?

 

Been lucky so far making our own fixes but haven't had any a/c issues. What year your MINI? I'm assuming it's more than just needing a recharge.

 

2004 R53, Haven't ran the A/C this season and the other day... just dead. I'm going to check/fill (if needed). Just want to have the info in case I do need to visit a shop.

Done so far
A/C button is not blinking, so I don't think its low.
I turned on the A/C and checked under the hood and its spinning, I dont think the low fan is turning on, so that could be a possibility. I don't know nor understand enough about the a/c clutch engaging so unsure about that part.

I'm "relatively" mechanically inclined but A/C is one of those things you can really FUBAR if not careful.

Thanks to all who look and reply!

 

Okay... I'm irritated right now but feel I should post this. I call Ralph Shomp earlier this week in order to schedule an appt to have the a/c looked at. They give me an appt for 4:30pm on friday (today). I showed up this morning as I had errands to run and didn't want to deal with traffic around 4 pm getting there. I call at 6:00pm no update, so I call again at 7:20, and am told... "The mechanic is pulling your car in now"... I asked "isn't that why I scheduled the appt, was to have someone take a look at the car at 4:30, not 7:30... Then it is explained to me that this is normal and the appt is to talk to a service advisor??? I've never taken a car in for an appt to have the mechanic pull my car in 3 hours later. It is now 8:09 pm and am on the east side of I25 so no way I can pick up my car tonight unless they call before 8:30... This is not cool... Anyone else have this experience? I'm also told they have one tech at night and is just the way it is... So that is my fault?

 

Okay, I spoke with another person and everything was resolved. there were a couple of issues found that I need a little feedback on...
I've searched the internet and can't find much information on the Boost Tube Gasket... Does anyone have pictures or know where/how to replace?
The other thing found is a leak from the Oil Pan Gasket, evidently from reading not a fun job... May have them do both a little later this year.

 

# 2. Goes between the S/C and the boost tube, behind the radiator.

 

Awesome, I appreciate that... I at least know a location So, on to the next thing, I know that for both it sounds like the front needs to come off, and from reading on the forums, there are other items that could be done at the same time such as the belt. I know the supercharger is still the original and was thinking about picking up new one (later this year) and at least a 17% pulley. If I do this, should I take the opportunity to upgrade other components? Fuel injectors etc? Thoughts/Ideas on what else I should do at that time? I would prefer to "pull the trigger" on a number of things at the same time.. should save a little money on labor...

Thanks!