Hi all

Recently, my air conditioning system failed. Went to drive the car one day and the air just came out warm (same as outside temperature) and not cool. Seeing as I live in the middle east and the summer is coming up, I took it to the dealer straightaway. I was informed the "tube" is leaking and the cost of the part and labour would total to QR4423 which is equal to around £780. The tube itself was QR1950 (£344)! Apparently in the UK the part is around £160+VAT!

However...
They took pictures for me so I could see exactly what was leaking. I realised a few days later (with help from the old man!) that actually one of the ports was leaking, not the actual tube. So then I asked if I could replace just the port not the whole assembly to save time and money. Apparently this is not possible on my 2008 LR2, but only on European models and the new 2013 LR2. For them to change just the port, they would need to weld a new one on and they are not prepared to do that.
My questions are... Why is there such a markup on parts out here in the middle east? Can't all be shipping costs can it? Secondly, surely all LR2's are the same under the bonnet? Do they make cars specially for the middle east for the heat etc?
I'm not sure really what to do, I don't really want to pay that large sum of money for something I regard as a potentially simple fix.
Any advice would be great!

Thanks in advance

Dan

if you know what part is required, why not speak to sponsors Dan@duckworths LR parts and have them ship the part too you and either replace it yourself or supply the cheaper part to your dealer Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Woodan wrote:

My questions are... Why is there such a markup on parts out here in the middle east?
Dan

They are thinking youre all "Sheik your money" types thats why

The ac systems are the same regardless of region, the only thing yours will have extra is a auto gearbox cooler for the ATF, post the pictures of the part you mean so we can have a look

Sorry, been away from the lappy longer than intended.

I've (hopefully) attached to this post actual pictures the technicians took of the leaking part. I've also attached a schematic I was sent to explain which part I need. In this diagram, they say I need part 19A834 which is the whole assembly. However, from looking at the pictures I think I only need to replace either parts 19E762A or 19E762B (the ports). Apparently these ports can be replaced on cars in the UK but not here in the middle east...?

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

my inclination would be to have a pipe repair, just cut the extension down and fit a repair pipe with new valve. Most AC experts can do this. I used to carry out AC pipe repairs and have the experience of just what can be done.

In fact I have replaced a leaking valve on a mondeo before where I went to a scrap yard and cut a section of pipe that had the valve in it and just fitted in on the vehicle

I can remember pipes that dealers were quoting 4-500 quid to replace I used to cut and add a section for around 70-80 Quid.

Thanks for the advice!

Now to find a trustworthy "AC repairer" in Qatar...

Did you find a solution to your problem?