BMW 545i 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 545i Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $499 with $195 for parts and $304 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 BMW 545iV8-4.4LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$757.99Shop/Dealer Price$911.50 - $1246.02
2005 BMW 545iV8-4.4LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$693.99Shop/Dealer Price$847.60 - $1182.20
Show example BMW 545i 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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Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

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Excellent Rating

(37)

Rating Summary
33
3
1
0
0
33
3
1
0
0

Jay

23 years of experience
151 reviews
Jay
23 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Adjust Parking Brake Cable - Buffalo Grove, Illinois
I was hopeful he would be able to adjust parking brake but was unable to do so due to a locked up star adjusting nut. Will have to get towed to a shop to have fixed.

Carlos

16 years of experience
362 reviews
Carlos
16 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Oil Cooler Hose (Automatic Transmission) Replacement - Fort Worth, Texas
It was not an easy process but Carlos stuck with the job and got it done. Now the car is leak free thanks to Carlos.

Manuel

12 years of experience
83 reviews
Manuel
12 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Alternator - Lehigh Acres, Florida
Manuel, showed great professionalism and dedication to his work, was very informative and curtious. Very highly recommend. Thank you much for your visit.

Maxwell

18 years of experience
390 reviews
Maxwell
18 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Houston, Texas
Maxwell was extremely knowledgeable about everything and knew how to explain everything very clearly. I will definitely be booking him in the future for any work I need done on my car. Arrived on time and took his time making sure everything he was doing was done properly, something I'm sure most everyone on YourMechanic would appreciate. Perfect service thank you.

Excellent Rating

(37)

Rating Summary
33
3
1
0
0
33
3
1
0
0
Number of BMW 545i services completed
407+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
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