BMW 128i 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 128i Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $352 with $134 for parts and $218 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2012 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$693.44Shop/Dealer Price$840.93 - $1192.85
2008 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$486.18Shop/Dealer Price$593.43 - $824.45
2011 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$647.44Shop/Dealer Price$795.00 - $1146.96
2013 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$647.44Shop/Dealer Price$794.91 - $1146.80
2009 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$486.18Shop/Dealer Price$593.49 - $824.55
2010 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$647.44Shop/Dealer Price$795.00 - $1146.96
Show example BMW 128i 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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Rating Summary
85
4
1
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85
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Carlos

28 years of experience
502 reviews
Carlos
28 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Air Filter - Fontana, California
Carlos was very informative and professional. He's awesome

Chris

22 years of experience
2229 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection - Huntington Beach, California
Chris is very knowledgeable & came prepared to work through some very difficult issues with my car. Appreciate his efforts & patience in resolving them. Very highly recommended. Thank you!

Darnell

19 years of experience
21 reviews
Darnell
19 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Alternator - Santa Monica, California
Darnell was awesome. Super knowledge and a pleasure to interact with.

Andy

15 years of experience
12 reviews
Andy
15 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Valve Cover - San Francisco, California
Absolutely incredible mechanic. He did what was right by me, even though yourmechanic was being noncommital and alienating! Thank you so much Andy for going WAY, WAY beyond what anyone else would have done.

Excellent Rating

(91)

Rating Summary
85
4
1
0
1
85
4
1
0
1
Number of BMW 128i services completed
1001+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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