[Jim_B]

The car is a 2009 BMW 328i and I'm looking to replace the receiver/drier. The top of the tube on the side of the condenser appears to be welded. (It's in an awkward spot, so it's tough to get a really good look at it.) Would the RD normally drop out the bottom? The parts places all listed the RD as fitting "to 01/09" and the car was made in 01/09. Does this look like the type that's not replaceable? I'll put the car up on jacks tomorrow and have a better look. (It's getting late and I don't feel like screwing around with it tonight.) The bigger black round piece isn't just a cap that can be removed, correct? (This is a picture of the bottom of the R/D.)

[EnintyToo]

It's not replaceable after 12/08 production. See note in the TIS:

[Jim_B]

Great info - THANKS!

I guess the description on the parts websites should read "to 12/08" instead of "to 01/09". What a great idea BMW had: "Let's take a fairly easy, fairly inexpensive job and make it much more difficult and much more expensive."

Stupid question, but what's the TIS? Seems like that's got some good info. I have the Bentley manual and, aside from a basic system diagram, it has essentially no information regarding the A/C.

[EnintyToo]

Originally Posted by Jim_B

Great info - THANKS!

I guess the description on the parts websites should read "to 12/08" instead of "to 01/09". What a great idea BMW had: "Let's take a fairly easy, fairly inexpensive job and make it much more difficult and much more expensive."

Stupid question, but what's the TIS? Seems like that's got some good info. I have the Bentley manual and, aside from a basic system diagram, it has essentially no information regarding the A/C.

The TIS is BMW Technical Information Service. It's were Realoem is based out of. If you go to the DIY section you can find a link to it for free. It used to cost money to open a 24-hour session. I have the Bentley too and figured you may have been referencing it. The condenser is available on line for $133.00 from ECP Euro. I just bought one for my '06 325i E90. The dealer price is $600. Mine was damaged in a deer accident, which is why I'm buying a new one. 12 years ago, the AC compressor seized and I replaced just the drier when I had the compressor replaced.

Good luck with it.

[MParallel]

So it this really 'non-replaceable' or just made it to be that way?

Anyone tried to replace their non-replaceable version?

[mainbearing]

That is the problem when bean counters started designing cars.

Fortunately, most aftermarket condenser pictures still show an unpainted (cap?) in their pictures. You can verify with the manufacturer just in case.

[Jim_B]

Originally Posted by MParallel

So it this really 'non-replaceable' or just made it to be that way?

See post #2.

[MParallel]

Originally Posted by Jim_B

See post #2.

Yes seen.

Just because they say, doesn’t always mean it’s not physically possible.

Hence my question.

[zsteve]

I have an 09 335i with a 10/08 production date. It should have a condenser with a removable end cap per the TIS, but it has a welded on end cap just like the one in the first post picture. Also not mentioned, but you definitely have to drop the intercooler to get to the point where you can see the bottom of the condenser to find that out.