Questions and Answers

BMW A/C Problem Q. Vince, I have a problem with my A/C. My car is a 1996 BMW 328I, automatic transmission. I brought in to an independent BMW repair shop, he diagnosed that it is the electronic climate control that is at fault, so I ordered one. It took three weeks before the new climate control arrive, but after he put the new one, still my A/C won't blow cold air.

He then told me that my A/C does blows air after he bypassed the A/C relay, and told me its the DME this time and he wants me to order this too. The problem is they don't refund cash and they only give you credit for your money that you can use for future repairs. I feel bad about this because I feel like I was locked in to their shop with my money.

I did not buy the DME yet because it is expensive and I'm afraid my DME is okay too, because if it is I can't get my money back.

I really need help with this because I am thinking of doing this myself. Is it really the DME that's controlling the output of the climate control or is the climate control works like alone, I will appreciate your help, and God Bless.

Thank you in advance.
Jojo

A. The heating and air conditioning system in your car is a little complicated. And for me to tell you the Digital Engine Electronics (DME) module is bad is impossible in this venue. It could be, but it could also be the A/C relay or System relay.

There is a connector under the hood where BMW can connect their diagnostic system to pinpoint the problem. The thing is, independent repair shops don't have this highly specialized equipment.

As for your options at this point, you can do this; Take it to a BMW dealer and let them do the diagnostic on it and they will tell you what is wrong. Explain the problem but don't mention the previous repair attempt. Once they tell you what is wrong, you will have a better idea on how to proceed. If it is a bad DME, then they can replace it. If not, then you could have the dealer do the repair and keep copies of the repair documentation. Then you can seek recourse through small claims court.

One thing you must keep in mind about "Specialty" shops. Most are owned by former dealership technicians. That's like me working at a Nissan dealership for a couple of years and then open a shop specializing in Nissans. While the technician may have the knowledge, he does not have the equipment and resources to be a true specialist. Use your case as an example, if he had the proper equipment he would have been able to pinpoint the problem and avoided the purchase of an expensive part that did not fix the problem.