740 air conditioning

First thing is to put a thermometer probe into one of the dash vents with the AC cranked up to maximum. Run the car at a fast idle for 5 or 10 minutes. What does the thermometer say?

Never trust the dealer. I have been in circles with the BMW dealer and they can't ever give you an exact answer, plus BIG $$$$$

Talk to a shop that works on them everyday and make sure they specialize in just BMW's and/ or Mercedes. I have been doing that recently and is helping a lot more.

just a tip.

Bic

My 98 740iL was the same way. I bought one of those AC recharger kits from Pepboys for about $25. The AC now blows colder than it ever has since I've owned the car.

Kyle.

I'll have to try - the dealer says the air coming out is 45 degrees, what it is supposed to be.

I would love to but AFAIK there is no such shop anywhere near me. Is there any online directory of independent BMW specialists?

How difficult is the kit to use? I have about as much mechanical skill as a hamster.

Maybe better to go to an aircon specialist than a BMW (and/or mercedes) specialist.

On my 740 there are arms of a sort under the hood that open vents when the hood is closed. One of these is broken and I guess could affect aircon performance.

For sure. My wife's former X5's A/C unit would barely blow cold air from one of the ducts. One day I noticed that the other ducts were blowing hot air. Turned out to be a faulty air damper controller. BMW had to remove the dash to replace it.

Eisboch

If you have outgassed this should fill it up and insert fresh oil (for sealing).

What I wnat to know is where can one get this in the UK - google just turns up kits for Samsung at £££.

I also have a 98 749IL. If you have not changed the underdash recirculation filters (see e38.org for DIY write up), you have to do this as a first step. Mine were black at 43Kmi and I have heard many people say that they were astonished at the difference it makes.

Larger Halfords sell AC top up kits.