BMW 328Ci 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 328Ci Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $488 with $156 for parts and $332 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2000 BMW 328CiL6-2.8LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$714.21Shop/Dealer Price$853.40 - $1133.15
Show example BMW 328Ci 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

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

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Rating Summary
6,192
205
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6,192
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142

Robert

31 years of experience
641 reviews
Robert
31 years of experience
BMW 328Ci L6-2.8L - Service Light is on - San Jose, California
Robert is an excellent and expert mechanic . His knowledge of vehicles as well as his extremely professional manner make him a great choice to work on your vehicle . He goes above and beyond . I have used him on two jobs, he has always called the night before to touch base, and then is always prompt and courteous. He is awesome . Not only is he a great and master mechanic but also a great person . We are lucky to have him work and repair our vehicles .

Adam

29 years of experience
95 reviews
Adam
29 years of experience
BMW Z3 L6-2.5L - Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) - San Antonio, Texas
Adam is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to A/C's. My car was previously taken to a different repair shop and misdiagnosed with needing a new compressor and after seeing the cost associated with this repair, we decided to wait to fix it. Adam ran a diagnostic on the A/C and determined the compressor was still functioning and we only needed a few parts replaced, saving us almost $1300! My car is comfortable again as the air is super cold and running well. Thanks to Adam, I actually look forward to driving my car again!

Christopher

16 years of experience
54 reviews
Christopher
16 years of experience
BMW 328i L6-3.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Houston, Texas
Good

Mathew

24 years of experience
93 reviews
Mathew
24 years of experience
BMW 750Li V8-4.8L - Heater Blower Motor - Jacksonville, Florida
Matthew was very professional and fixed the issue in a timely manner..I will definitely use him again.

Excellent Rating

(6,643)

Rating Summary
6,192
205
60
44
142
6,192
205
60
44
142
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