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- Elgrand
- E50
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This is not necessarily a common problem, but it happens more than it should.
The problem hear is that the Aluminium Aircon Pipes that run to the rear evaporator corrode over time. This might not seem like such a big deal, but when you take into account that replacement pipes are £1000 PLUS, then you have cost of labour to fit them etc... even if the problem is not a common one, prevention is better than cure.
This also adds to the "underseal" thread, also in this section.
On the E51 isa box underneath the vehicle, at the rear on the passenger side. Inside this box you can see the air con pipes. When you get the car undersealed, ENSURE that whoever is doing the work opens this box and coats the pipes thoroughly with underseal. Also, ensure that the inside and outside of this box are thoroughly coated as well.
The box provides the outer protection for the pipes, so looking after that is one part of the problem. But also coating the pipes will act as a secondary level of security to this issue.
it is not the be all and end all of everything if you lose the air con, but we all know how nice it is on a hot day to whack it on and drive in comfort, after all, why pay for a luxury car that you have to drive sweaty and clammy.
For anyone who has had this issue already, or for any E51 owners that find their aircon does not work. Check this area first. If it's broken, there are two options:
1 - blank off the rear air con. This means you'll still be able to use the aircon up front, but you won't get any cold air through the rear vents. If the system is gassed correctly though, the fronts should be enough to help cool the WHOLE interior down, albeit it will take a little longer.
2 - replace the pipe, which as mentioned above, can cost well over £1000 to repair.
Please see below link to see pictures of the affected area, the pipe that needs replacing, and screenshots of purchase price for replacement parts.
https://flickr.com/photos/9778891@N04/sets/72157659861402231
EDIT: Thanks @Phil for correcting the side the box is on . And thanks @MrRob_in for the images linked, this will be extremely helpful to future members
The problem hear is that the Aluminium Aircon Pipes that run to the rear evaporator corrode over time. This might not seem like such a big deal, but when you take into account that replacement pipes are £1000 PLUS, then you have cost of labour to fit them etc... even if the problem is not a common one, prevention is better than cure.
This also adds to the "underseal" thread, also in this section.
On the E51 isa box underneath the vehicle, at the rear on the passenger side. Inside this box you can see the air con pipes. When you get the car undersealed, ENSURE that whoever is doing the work opens this box and coats the pipes thoroughly with underseal. Also, ensure that the inside and outside of this box are thoroughly coated as well.
The box provides the outer protection for the pipes, so looking after that is one part of the problem. But also coating the pipes will act as a secondary level of security to this issue.
it is not the be all and end all of everything if you lose the air con, but we all know how nice it is on a hot day to whack it on and drive in comfort, after all, why pay for a luxury car that you have to drive sweaty and clammy.
For anyone who has had this issue already, or for any E51 owners that find their aircon does not work. Check this area first. If it's broken, there are two options:
1 - blank off the rear air con. This means you'll still be able to use the aircon up front, but you won't get any cold air through the rear vents. If the system is gassed correctly though, the fronts should be enough to help cool the WHOLE interior down, albeit it will take a little longer.
2 - replace the pipe, which as mentioned above, can cost well over £1000 to repair.
Please see below link to see pictures of the affected area, the pipe that needs replacing, and screenshots of purchase price for replacement parts.
https://flickr.com/photos/9778891@N04/sets/72157659861402231
EDIT: Thanks @Phil for correcting the side the box is on . And thanks @MrRob_in for the images linked, this will be extremely helpful to future members
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