Any Solutions? [Extreme Vegas Heat + ESS VT1-550 = No A/C]

[shirakiphoto]

Hey guys, researched this for hour and just got off the phone with ESS and looking for other options.

What// 2011 e92 m3 with VT1-550 kit

Problem// In 108+ degree weather car begins to get heat soaked and air conditioning starts blowing hot air.

ESS Solution// Cough up $2k + $1.3k core charge and upgrade to intercooled VT2 kit. But I'm happy with my current power/boost levels bc its my daily. There has to be more economical solutions.

M3Post Solution// So years ago, people were talking about a misting kit from ESC Tuning that sprays the radiator but they stopped selling it and I couldn't find more info on this.

Any Other Solutions// I can't be the only one driving a VT1 kit in these states with extreme heat. Just curious to know what others have been doing.

Thanks in advanced guys!

[sA x sKy]

Originally Posted by shirakiphoto

Hey guys, researched this for hour and just got off the phone with ESS and looking for other options.

What// 2011 e92 m3 with VT1-550 kit

Problem// In 108+ degree weather car begins to get heat soaked and air conditioning starts blowing hot air.

ESS Solution// Cough up $2k + $1.3k core charge and upgrade to intercooled VT2 kit. But I'm happy with my current power/boost levels bc its my daily. There has to be more economical solutions.

M3Post Solution// So years ago, people were talking about a misting kit from ESC Tuning that sprays the radiator but they stopped selling it and I couldn't find more info on this.

Any Other Solutions// I can't be the only one driving a VT1 kit in these states with extreme heat. Just curious to know what others have been doing.

Thanks in advanced guys!

Wish I could help you but just wanted to say I love your photos Jordan. I instantly recognized your username. I'm a photographer myself but my post processing skills aren't as good as yours lol

[jbl16]

Originally Posted by shirakiphoto

Hey guys, researched this for hour and just got off the phone with ESS and looking for other options.

What// 2011 e92 m3 with VT1-550 kit

Problem// In 108+ degree weather car begins to get heat soaked and air conditioning starts blowing hot air.

ESS Solution// Cough up $2k + $1.3k core charge and upgrade to intercooled VT2 kit. But I'm happy with my current power/boost levels bc its my daily. There has to be more economical solutions.

M3Post Solution// So years ago, people were talking about a misting kit from ESC Tuning that sprays the radiator but they stopped selling it and I couldn't find more info on this.

Any Other Solutions// I can't be the only one driving a VT1 kit in these states with extreme heat. Just curious to know what others have been doing.

Thanks in advanced guys!

Meth?

[BPMSport]

The AC blowing hot is a separate not related issue. Whether the engine air intake temperatures are high or not, it should still blow cold if the AC system is properly working. I suggest getting the AC system checked for leaks and proper operation.

[pbonsalb]

Maybe new receiver dryer. Or electric fan not coming on with compressor due to wiring issue

[jcolley]

Would have to agree with Mike, absolutely no relation to the AC system for your ESS Kit.

[admranger]

Sounds like AC is low on freon or the aux fan is dying on you.

See if the guys at Sin City BMW can take a look at it for you. http://www.sincitybmw.com

[shirakiphoto]

Originally Posted by sA x sKy

Wish I could help you but just wanted to say I love your photos Jordan. I instantly recognized your username. I'm a photographer myself but my post processing skills aren't as good as yours lol

Haha thanks man! I'll be in your area in Nov and arranging a big Lambo gathering with my buddies. You should def come and hang out!

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

The AC blowing hot is a separate not related issue. Whether the engine air intake temperatures are high or not, it should still blow cold if the AC system is properly working. I suggest getting the AC system checked for leaks and proper operation.

Thanks Mike for the reply, had a PPI done at BMW a few weeks back and everything checked out.
After doing a bit more research with people experiencing similar problems, they all seemed to have issues with their evaporator. I'll have that checked out.

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Maybe new receiver dryer. Or electric fan not coming on with compressor due to wiring issue

Wiring is good, fan comes on, and even stays on after I turn it off I guess to help cool down the temps.

Originally Posted by admranger

Sounds like AC is low on freon or the aux fan is dying on you.

I'll throw it up on the racks at BMW and check the condenser, evap, and coolant levels. Are there a lot of M3 guys out here in Vegas? Do you guys ever meet up?


Thanks everyone for the prompt replies. Really appreciate the help!

[WhatsADSM]

The two are unrelated

[admranger]

Originally Posted by shirakiphoto

Are there a lot of M3 guys out here in Vegas? Do you guys ever meet up?

There are a number of M3's in Vegas. Not too much of a social aspect though. More DIY'ing or time at the track!

[roastbeef]

take the grommet out of your passenger side hood vent. might help a smidge.

[JEllis]

Ran the same setup in Yuma, AZ... one of the hottest places on Earth. You have an AC issue.

[shirakiphoto]

Originally Posted by JEllis

Ran the same setup in Yuma, AZ... one of the hottest places on Earth. You have an AC issue.

This makes me feel better. I think people might underestimate the DeathValley/Vegas/AZ temps we have to endure. I'll be taking my car in this week.

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

[6ixSpd]

Your AC system is messed up. Have it leak tested. My money is on the evap core (extremely common on all 2006-2012 E series BMWs). My 2012 had a leaking evap core at 15k miles...

[JEllis]

Originally Posted by shirakiphoto

This makes me feel better. I think people might underestimate the DeathValley/Vegas/AZ temps we have to endure. I'll be taking my car in this week.

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Let us know how it turns out! I am sure you won't be the last to experience the issue.

[shirakiphoto]

Originally Posted by the6M3

Your AC system is messed up. Have it leak tested. My money is on the evap core (extremely common on all 2006-2012 E series BMWs). My 2012 had a leaking evap core at 15k miles...

Originally Posted by JEllis

Let us know how it turns out! I am sure you won't be the last to experience the issue.

Update // Freon level/pressure was really low (0.41) I think it was supposed to be at 1.2? Not quite sure on the numbers but we did leak tests and everythign was fine. Tested the AC all yesterday in 109 degree heat with stop and go traffic and the AC was ice cold all day

Thanks everyone for the speedy feedback I really appreciate all your input!

[6ixSpd]

Nice! Keep an eye on it. I'd leak/pressure test it again in a few days. Freon levels shouldn't just drop like that - there's a reason it escaped the closed loop AC system.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by shirakiphoto

Update // Freon level/pressure was really low (0.41) I think it was supposed to be at 1.2? Not quite sure on the numbers but we did leak tests and everythign was fine. Tested the AC all yesterday in 109 degree heat with stop and go traffic and the AC was ice cold all day

Thanks everyone for the speedy feedback I really appreciate all your input!

Glad you got it sorted out.

[pbonsalb]

I doubt its sorted. Needs a new condenser and receivee dryer to be sorted. It is justca leaking system with moisture and more r134a added.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I doubt its sorted. Needs a new condenser and receivee dryer to be sorted. It is just a leaking system with moisture and more r134a added.

Moisture. In Vegas? My dessicated body disagrees.

I know what you mean but if he leak checked the system (I assume they pulled a vacuum on it, if not, nevermind...), then I wouldn't be too worried about it.

FWIW my 2005 X5 got low on R134a at one point and all I did was pull my gauge set out and add more (w/UV dye added) into the system. That was 5 years/50k miles ago and no issues or trace of the dye since. Perhaps it was leaking out one of the valves? Dunno and don't care (until it fails again).