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Anyone had to recharge the aircon yet?

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Guys,

My Dec 2019 M3 doesn’t seem as fast to cool. Used to be instant - now it seems hard to encourage to get going on Auto. I seem to have to set the temp lower too. Does it in the end ultimately.

I was thinking “another SW update stuff-up’ - but it might be a more conventional recharge is needed.

Anyone found they’ve had to do it yet? I thought it was only 10% p.a normally lost.
 
The the main reason car AC leaks and needs re-gassing is because the compressor runs from a pulley wheel on the auxiliary drive belt so there is always a leak path on the rotating shaft which are notoriously hard to seal. A fridge on the other hand has the whole motor and compressor sealed in a single unit so there is no leak path hence why you don't re-gas your fridge every couple of years
I imagine an EV ac runs like a fridge with the whole compressor and motor sealed in a single unit so there should be no need for regular re-gassing. I am not saying you are wrong but if yours does need re-gassing it would be more indicative of a fault than routine.
 
Thanks guys - if anyone else needs the links - here is the Tesla how-to for the DIY filter replacement:


...and the parts (you need x2 @ £15 each):


Anyone who has done it: I'm guessing they haven't flipped it - and in the UK the access is on the driver's side? Do you still have that second panel with the light and speaker clips to remove access the screw? Obvs I should get off my butt and check - but it's dark right now.

I'll try and use an iPhone spudger as a pry-tool for that first panel.

I saw some chap on YouTube talking about a third party Amazon kit with a pry-tool - UK reviews of such kits indicate "ropey" even if they have 70% 5*'s overall - so swerving.
 
Guys,

My Dec 2019 M3 doesn’t seem as fast to cool. Used to be instant - now it seems hard to encourage to get going on Auto. I seem to have to set the temp lower too. Does it in the end ultimately.

I was thinking “another SW update stuff-up’ - but it might be a more conventional recharge is needed.

Anyone found they’ve had to do it yet? I thought it was only 10% p.a normally lost.
Out of interest how many miles have you done?
 
Might help some: A few hot days ago there was a clicking noise whilst it was running post drive. Feeling a Ranger visit pending - I thought I would open the bonnet, pop the plastic cover (the one with the US fireman’s helmet label sticking out from under/surrounding the washer fluid hatch) - and see if I could find the bit of cardboard in the spokes.

There was an air intake - and looking down inside - the surface area half-blocked with leaves + plus what I think was the clicker-leaf stuck in the drain hole. Pulling them out got rid of the noise and, I might be imagining it, but I think the aircon is now loulder/faster/cooler.

A d’oh moment and an easy fix.
 
I changed my cabin filters simply cos after three years it was about time. didn't notice a huge improvement in AC performance but I can tell you that it's a fairly simple job to do. Takes about 15-20 mins. and a pry tool is highly recommended.
 
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