How much refrigerant should be added to the BMW 523 air conditioning?
2 Answers
The BMW 523 air conditioning normally requires about 4 to 5 cans of R134A refrigerant. Imported brands: DuPont; domestic brands: Jinleng. These are considered reliable. Introduction to automotive refrigerant: Automotive refrigerant, also known as automotive coolant, commonly referred to as Freon, is divided into environmentally friendly R134a and non-environmentally friendly R12. Due to R12's severe damage to the atmospheric ozone layer and its contribution to the greenhouse effect, which endangers the environment on which humans rely, it has been restricted and banned. Nowadays, most automotive air conditioning systems are environmentally friendly and use R134a refrigerant. Refrigerant filling precautions: Adding automotive refrigerant requires a measured approach—too much is not good, and too little won't achieve the desired effect. Whether adding or discharging refrigerant, professional tools and certain skills are required. It is recommended to go to a professional repair shop or 4S store for such operations, as they are more professional and safer.
Regarding the BMW 523 refrigerant refill, having run a car repair shop for over a decade, my experience suggests adding around 800 grams of R134a. The exact amount depends on the model year—older models might need 750 grams, while newer ones could require up to 850 grams. Before refilling, it's crucial to use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture; otherwise, contaminants can damage the compressor. Use a professional machine with a scale during refilling—don’t eyeball it. Too little refrigerant leads to poor cooling and noisy AC, while too much causes excessive pressure and oil leaks in the pipes. I recall a customer who overfilled it once, resulting in a complete system failure and costly repairs. After refilling, test the air outlet temperature—ideally around 8°C in summer to meet standards. For safety, always check the manual or the labeled capacity before proceeding, and inspect for leaks every two years.
