64 51... Leak-testing condenser

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Risk of injury!
Refrigerant circuit is under high pressure!
Follow safety instructions for HANDLING REFRIGERANT
Comply with the standard national safety instructions and precautions on handling nitrogen.
Ensure that employees are advised of how to handle pressurized vessels and nitrogen correctly (danger of asphyxiation). For this purpose, follow the notes and instructions in the technical safety specifications available from the gas supplier.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Drain off AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Detach refrigerant lines from condenser

Tightening torque 64 53 6AZ .

E70 only:

Tightening torque 64 53 3AZ, see 64 53 REFRIGERANT LINES AND EXPANSION VALVE

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Special tool 64 5 122 and special tool 64 5 123 have different diameters (A, B) at the seal plugs!
Ensure correct connection assignment on condenser.

Fig 1: Identifying Seal Plugs And Special Tools (64 5 122 And 64 5 123)

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Fit and secure sealing adapter to connection of low-pressure line.

Fit and secure test adapter 64 5 122 to connection of high-pressure line.

Tightening torque 64 53 6AZ.

E70 only:

Tightening torque 64 53 3AZ, see 64 53 REFRIGERANT LINES AND EXPANSION VALVE

Fig 2: Identifying Adapters (64 5 123 And 64 5 121)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect special tool 64 5 122 to special tool 64 5 121 HOSE .

Fig 3: Connecting Special Tool 64 5 122 To Special Tool 64 5 121

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage: Use only nitrogen pressure bottles with pressure reducers for leak-testing.
Pressurize condenser to 10 bar slowly only. Excessively fast pressurization and pressures in excess of 20 bar may cause damage to the condenser.

Connect nitrogen pressure bottle with pressure reducer to pressure gauge and then connect to special tool 64 5 121 HOSE (connecting hose).

NOTE:

Testing apparatus must be leakproof.
Ambient temperature and temperature of vehicle must not change during the test procedure.
Do not move the vehicle during this period

Apply test pressure of 10 bar slowly and close nitrogen pressure bottle.

Check leak-tightness of testing apparatus and of connection to refrigerant line.

Set test pressure of 10 bar is only permitted to drop by 2 bar to 8.5 bar over a test period of 1.5 hours.

If the pressure loss is greater than 1.5 bar, this indicates that there is a leak in the condenser unit.

WARNING: After leak-testing, unscrew special tool 64 5 121 HOSEslowly from special tool 64 5 122 to reduce pressure.

After leak-testing

Replace sealing rings. Use special tool 00 9 030 WEDGE to mount sealing rings without damaging them.
Assemble A/C system
Evacuate and fill A/C system