BMW 318ti Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement at your home or office.

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Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement Service

How much does a Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 318ti Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $469 with $165 for parts and $304 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1998 BMW 318tiL4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$698.31Shop/Dealer Price$836.90 - $1126.66
1996 BMW 318tiL4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$710.30Shop/Dealer Price$863.02 - $1163.38
1995 BMW 318tiL4-1.8LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$653.31Shop/Dealer Price$795.50 - $1087.95
1999 BMW 318tiL4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$662.81Shop/Dealer Price$806.61 - $1100.28
1997 BMW 318tiL4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$634.31Shop/Dealer Price$773.08 - $1062.98
Show example BMW 318ti Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement prices

What is the Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) all about?

The air conditioning system in your vehicle depends on the refrigerant that circulates in the A/C system. In particular, the evaporator core inside the passenger compartment requires a specific, metered amount of refrigerant in order to efficiently cool the interior. The expansion valve, also known as an orifice tube in some designs, regulates the pressure of refrigerant that enters the evaporator. The tube is also where liquid refrigerant under pressure converts to a gaseous form. The gaseous refrigerant absorbs heat from air passing through the evaporator core and carries it to the condenser where the heat is removed.

In a situation where the orifice tube is either blocked or stuck open, the air conditioning will not cool properly. Too much refrigerant will cause frost on the core and prevent air from passing through to cool the air temperature. Too little refrigerant passing through the evaporator means not enough heat is absorbed and the interior is insufficiently cooled. In either situation, you may need to replace the expansion valve/orifice tube.

Keep in mind:

  • Air conditioning work needs to be completed by a trained and licensed professional in nearly all circumstances because refrigerants are regulated substances.
  • It is possible for the expansion valve to become blocked by excessive moisture in the air conditioning system, which would indicate a receiver/drier problem.

How it's done:

  • The AC refrigerant is removed from the system
  • The defective expansion valve is removed
  • The new expansion valve is installed
  • The a/c system is recharged with refrigerant
  • The a/c system is tested for leaks and proper operation

Our recommendation:

Whenever air conditioning repairs or refrigerant recharges are performed, have the expansion valve inspected for proper operation. If the expansion valve is not opening or closing properly, you may need one of our expert technicians to replace the expansion valve or orifice tube.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube)?

  • Air conditioning doesn’t cool sufficiently
  • Air conditioning expansion valve is frosty but the air conditioning isn’t blowing cold air

How important is this service?

Air conditioning is a comfort item in a vehicle, not a safety issue. However, the air conditioning also removes moisture in the air for the defrost setting to clear your windows. If the air conditioning is not working properly, your vision may be impaired in humid or very cold weather.

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Casime

12 years of experience
56 reviews
Casime
12 years of experience
BMW 318ti L4-1.9L - Car Starter Repair - Clementon, New Jersey
very efficient and thorough with his work. He had lots of patience while fixing my car which shows professionalism. Satisfied with the work done. Thank you.

Steven

14 years of experience
425 reviews
Steven
14 years of experience
BMW 318ti L4-1.9L - Oil Change - Glendale, Arizona
I tried this service through an amazon coupon offer and was very impressed with it.

Trevor

22 years of experience
185 reviews
Trevor
22 years of experience
BMW 318ti L4-1.9L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - San Marcos, California
Trevor was honest and very helpful. I highly recommend him.

Robert

31 years of experience
641 reviews
Robert
31 years of experience
BMW 318ti L4-1.9L - Oil Change - Los Gatos, California
Great mechanic

Excellent Rating

(7)

Rating Summary
5
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5
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Number of BMW 318ti services completed
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