Weird issue. My fill valve on the driver side on my 11/2011 build date LCI R56 MCS is leaking,

The fitting does not have a cap, and is crusty. I'm not sure I want to roll the dice on replacing just the valve at $300 per AC fill.

Problem is, RealOEM shows this configuration:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=64_1540


which matches other hits on the internet for LCI R56 MCS:

and that matches all the pictures I can find from parts suppliers like FCP, Rockauto, etc.

However, my car is different:


As are others I've seen (MiniManAdam for example):



So does anyone have the real part number for this line?

I've been through the R56 and R58 of various years and they seem to all show the same wrong setup.

 

Answered my own question from a random ebay hit with a part number:

64532758222 Double Aluminum Pipe

Now with the part number it shows up on all the parts sites lol

 

R134a is relatively cheap, about $13 per 12 oz can in my area. You only need ~15 oz to fill a completely empty MINI A/C system.

Have a local shop recover the R134a from your Mini. Call around because they may do it free as you will be giving them free refrigerant. Then, you just need a R134a manifold gauge set and a vacuum pump, which you may be able to rent free somewhere like AutoZone. If you go this route, fill the system with R134a by weight using a scale.

Just an FYI: The "fill valve" on the driver side is not a fill valve. It's the high pressure side of the A/C system. Refrigerant is added/filled only to the low pressure side, never the high pressure side. The high pressure side valve is only used to monitor the pressure on the high pressure side of the A/C system.

 

Yep the new R1234yf stuff is expensive, only newer MINIs run that stuff and it tends to leak. Had a honda leak it twice and they recalled to a better seal.

 

Yeah unfortunately since the ban, it's not legal to buy R134a as a consumer, and what's on the part store shelves (FrostyCool, duracool, etc.) are Propane/isobutane based replacements that doesn't work quite the same.

Between that and not owning a vacuum pump, gauges, additive, and whatever else, I decided to just bring it somewhere and have it tested/charged. The shop reported no leaks, and installed dye, but it obviously leaks from exactly where I said it did, so I'm hoping for some sort of discount if I bring it back soon...

With labour/dye, the total was $285.

Yeah I don't know much about automotive AC besides basic working components and refrigeration cycle/basic principles, so not surprised the terminology is wrong.

 

The ban you speak of must be a Canada thing. I topped off my MINI A/C with R134a last week.

U.S. stores:

 

EPA website

 

Ah I saw that same page and only and skimmed before my previous. It made it sound about the same as up here, and I just assumed it was.