Hello!
I hope someone can help me.
I have an 07 Mini that I took in for a routine check up and my AC wasn't blowing cold air (about 16,000 miles on my car)
The dealer said I must have hit something while driving and it made a small whole in my condensor and now all my freon has leaked out.
The dealer said I had to replace it because eventually my car will overheat - this to the tune of $1100.

My trusted independent second opinion said I don't need to fix it unless I want AC. It won't affect my engine or have anything to do with overheating.

Can someone shed light on which opinion is more accurate? I will spend the money to keep my car up, but I don't use AC at all.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

Wow, hit something while driving...that's a new one to me

You can drive without the freon in the compressor...I've posted more than a million miles in junkers where the air did not work. I will state this though...the longer you go without it, the more costly the repair will be. Once the compressor seals dry out...you will be replacing more than just freon and a line.

Now, with 16K on the car, I find it odd that they would not fix this under warranty; however, if it was truly something you hit, I would think it would be considered vehicle damage and your insurance company would cover it.

I'd really like to know what the heck you hit that made its way up the engine bay and cracked the A/C line though...

 

Thanks so much Joey! Warranty doesn't cover it and my insurance will but then it will go up and so that's not worth it. I have no idea what I hit. I didn't even know anything happened.

 

NO the condenser won't ever cause the car to overheat.

Condenser's are expensive, that is prob most of the cost. If you need we can ship you one, they aren't too hard to replace, pulling off the bumper is the hardest part.

 

I'm not sure about that...it's not an accident and you're not talking tens of thousands of dollars. I blew out a few tires and rims one time on a pot hole, came in at about $2000 in damage. Ran it through the insurance (paid the deductable) and never saw an increase. Talk to your rep...see what they can do for you. I'd hate to see a $1000 bill turn into a $5000 bill down the line. Of course...with the top down, does anyone really use the air in these things?

 

I've had rocks crack radiators before, so its not uncommon. And the condenser is right in front on the Mini's. I would fight with the dealer, it should be a warranty item due to the mileage. If there is no other signs of damage(scratches or dents where a stone hit) it should be covered. If not contact usedminicooperparts.com to get a used one and have someone install it for you.