i've seen r134 recharge kit for sale and as my ac is'nt really doing much thought this is the most probable quick fix.reading the instructions on the can i see i need to use the low pressure side to recharge the system.where is this in the engine bay(pics would be great) is it an easy job or best taken to an ac specialist and risk them trying to overcharge me for parts i might not need!

Why don't you ask your trusted indy to fill up and add dye to determine the leak?
Adil

There are two A/C service fittings, a high pressure and low pressure. You will always charge the system from the Low pressure side. Turn the car on with the A/C on max and add a bottle of R134 to the system.

The fittings for the low & high side of the AC system are located on the passenger side (right side) of the car under the hood.

The high side fitting on the V8 is up front by the radiator. You can see it in the pic below...the line loops around the radiator's mfg label and you can see the cap to the fitting sitting right on top:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/E38%20Radiator%20Label.jpg

The low side fitting is further back and can be located between the DSC or ASC+T module and the air filter housing. You can see the cap to the fitting in the pic below in the very far right corner just above the air filter housing:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Ext%20Color%20Label-sticker%20E38.jpg

If you have a leak, you could also have air in the system. You can attempt to recharge, but without a set of gauges, you'll have no idea how much refrigerant is in there. With the possiblity of air in the system, that means moisture and moisture is the enemy. Best thing to do is spend a little money and have an indy check it out. He'll put a vacuum on the system and recover any refrigerant left in there. If it holds a vacuum for an hour or so, you probably don't have a big leak and you can recharge. If it doesn't, you need to find the leak and fix it. There is nothing special about BMW A/C. So any reputable shop will do.

thanks for the info.think ill give it to the pro's and watch em carefully!!! i dont trust any garage unfortunatley. hopefully it wont be anything serious.