[Bmw1939]

What are everyone's thoughts/experiences on charging the AC system? I have heard many different things. Is something like a AC PRO bad? Do you have to vacuum pump the system? High/low pressure... Etc

[MidWillamette335d]

Funny, just recharged my system 2 days ago with AC Pro form Napa, 37 bucks...it's been darn near 100* here. Tested the system first with the the gauge not attached to the can (the fitting attaches to the correct valve as the high and low are different sizes) it was low on refrigerant. Put about 15-25 seconds worth of charge in it, blows super cold, very pleased with the results for the money and effort. I wouldn't bother with a vacuum pump, gauges, etc unless you had to open the lines to swap out part of the system...

[Mike K]

My AC was a little less cold this spring so I opted for a full evac, pressure check, and recharge at an AC shop I trust. It works perfectly now and was only about $125.00 with refrigerant.

I do all my own DIY work but with AC, I leave it to the folks with experience. Just my two cents as others have had luck with the AC DIY kits I realize. YMMV

[Captain Buumer]

I take it to the shop that does it with dedicated machine.
35€ ... about 35$ was couple days ago the price when i had it done.

Dedicated machine empties the system - also removing moisture.
This is something you want to be done to prolong AC pump life.

They did also pressure test to see if systems holds.

I didn't understand the correlation between refrigerant and lubricant while the AC machine added it back to the car.

AC PRO looks like vastly lesser method that i would not do. Unless you can diy the dedicated machine processes yourself.

We let shop refill AC in our cars after every 2 years and don't recall having any problems related to AC.