So, lets start with me getting coil overs about a month+ ago... They got installed. I drove fine for about a month. After I put on new wheels, the front was a bit higher, so I lowered it a bit more... the end on story of suspension.

Two days ago, my AC stopped working so I took it to the dealer today. They then informed me:
"Low pressure line has a hole worn from axle shaft due to lowered ride height. Function tested and verified A/C does not blow cold. Performed vehicle test to pull faults. Noted upon inspection there is a pag oil trail on the right front lower control arm. Found worn through it due to lowered ride height. Right axle is contacting the hose and rubbing. recommend new hose, AC received drier, and recharge, and modification to hose routing."
Basically, that the axle cut into a part of the AC lines due to lowered ride.

Now, the people who installed my coils, did not see any other lines than brake lines near the coils, which were safely fastened after installation. But I also, did not tell them to show me this damage (I will be going back and asking them with friends). Since I'm not familiar with this part of my car, can anyone tell me whether this is possible? I'm worried they are trying to push me around since I'm a girl and I don't know anything about this stuff. They quoted me a 1.9k repair fix, and I really don't want to pay (who does? lol).

I drove fine for about a month with the coils installed, i don't know whether lowering is .5 inches MORE later on, would've really cased this accident. Any type of advice or anything will be appreciated.

If indeed you believe this is the suspension's fault, I will have to get it fixed, but would prefer not to do it with MINI since they're prices are probably higher than a normal shop. Any advice on this too? Where to go (if popular chain), how much it would cost, etc? Parts from mini was quoted for ~$800. He said I can only use mini parts to replace these parts.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

Assuming it is the coils, if I put my stock suspension back on, and take it to another dealer, would they know I already brought my car to this dealer, since they use the key to keep track of stuff?

Or if I raise it back up, and it doesn't touch anymore, would they fix the car after they cannot show me that its the axle's fault?

 

I had the same thing happen when I put coilovers on my r56. The axle hits the bottom of the ac hose when you compress the shocks. It wears a hole in the ac line. I purchased a new line for around $100 from dealer put it in my self then had the ac recharged. It cost less than 250. To keep it from doing it again you can put some ties to hold that part of the line a way from the axle so it does not rub. There are some other posts on this same problem. I hope this helps and good luck.

 

Sounds like they are trying to get over like usual.

 

It does not sound like a manufacturers problem where warranty would come to play. Unfortunately a modification had the car perform out of spec and something broke. Trying another dealer with stock suspension would be fraud.

 

I think they've got you pretty much dead to rights. Time to put tail between legs, fix on your own dime and figure out how to make sure it doesn't repeat.

- Mark

 

Yep, the repair is on you. But as sir5150 noted, you can get it done much cheaper. Even paying an inde shop, if you choose not to do it yourself.

 

How low we're you to make this happen? I've had coilovers for something like 38k miles of my current 43k miles and I havent had any issues. Pics of how slammed you are!

 

I have read about this happening before LINK. Happens on some cars doesn't happen on others. There must be some variation in how the hard lines for the AC are run on the R56

 

Thanks for the response guys. I was tripping about it being so expensive. I have done searches on this, but didn't find much! Make me feel a lot better knowing it won't be 2k to fix. Ill try doing this soon and see if itll fix it. I'll post pictures later on today too. Thanks!!

 

Yes, once your MINI goes into a shop, they make a permanant record of it. It would be morally wrong to try to go to another dealer and pretend like you don't know what's up.

 

The line is easy to replace a bolt at each end. You pull the right front wheel and can get to it from underneath. My R56 was lowered about 1.5 inches and it took about 40,000 to wear thru. Maybe some lines hang just a little lower than others is why some have the issue when they lower them and some don't. It only takes a second to look to see if it is rubbing or not. The most expensive part is recharging the system and they make kits that you can do that yourself if you want to save more money.

 

Just replacing the line and refilling it will get you subpar performance from thr ac....
It needs to be fixed, and the drier needs to be replaced..moisture in an ac system is very bad...and then a vacume must be pulled on the system to get all air out....then refilled. Having air in then system when recharging it can cause issues...
..
it can be done cheaper than at a dealer, but you still should do it right, ir you will not be happy with the results.

 

I just went an looked at mine and i only have about an inch and a half of clearence and i'm at stock ride height...guess i'll be zip tying them when the coils go on haha

 

^^ same thing here, My MCS is slammed(almost 3in drop static) and havent seen any issues (knocks on wood)

Hope everything is gets fixed and you save of $$$

 

I only drove maybe 1000 miles on the new suspension. Could this happen even with such low mileage? Also, are you having any problems with AC since? That one guy mentioned it wouldn't perform as before.

 

Thanks! I hope everyone who has dropped before checks! This sucks lol. I'm dropped all the way on BC coils so I'm assuming it's a lot? Haha never knew how many inches.

 

Oh yeah, does anyone know the part name or number for the line? Will I need to buy anything other than this line? In that other thread about this same problem, someone got his from Penske with rings for about $70. Do I need these rings too?

 

And here is a picture of my car. it's the only one i have actually, haha havent gotten around to taking nicer pictures yet.

 

Here is a link to the hose assemblies associated with your r56's A/C system. http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...40&hg=64&fg=60. I'm pretty sure it's pictured as item 1 in the drawing (low pressure line).

You will need to buy the line plus the o-rings for sealing purposes as well as pay for the extraction and addition of refrigerant into your system. Any reputable shop that is trained to work on air conditioning systems should be able to do this job at a reasonable price. Just do some research for an independent shop. $1900 is ridiculous for this service.

I would also recommend that you have the technician secure the new line out of harms way in order to prevent repeating the failure.

Good luck with fix, it should be pretty straightforward.

PS. The car looks awesome! Post up some more pics!

 

Thanks jrrazo! I see there are two part numbers to #1. That means I buy both right, ones the line, others the rings?

 

No... It means BMW has altered the part sometime in the R56 lifetime. Usually, you can only buy the newest part as the older parts are no longer manufactured.

 

Ahh that means it'll still fit cOrrect? Sorry for all the questions guys-.- lol

 

Hmmm... so if the AC plumbing can be damaged by a lowered suspension, who's to say it can't happen under full compression of the standard suspension?

Just a thought,

Spridget

 

From that diagram it should be item #3. It wears a hole in the steel part of that tube. My dealer quoted me $1200 but would cut me wreak and do it for $800 was still way too high.