Air Condition not cold - pressure switch?

My wife's 2001 X5 (E53) air condition does not blow cold air. When I turned on the A/C switch, it does not feel that the AC compressor engaged. Based on some discussions on the A/C problem, it seemed I could have the following problem areas:

1. A/C pressure switch
2. Low refrigerant
3. bad compressor

I wonder if someone can point me to a good article on how to diagnose the issue for the A/C pressure switch. Also, I wonder if replacing the A/C pressure switch can be done without recharging the system.

Take it to an A/C shop and have it checked as it will work out cheaper than you throwing parts at the vehicle and possible destroying something in the process. I had my lo/hi seals replaced ($11.00 per seal.) and a complete evac/recharge done by an indy for $95 about 4 years ago.

One of my friends has an 01 x5 3.0i and he just put $1000 into the cooling system

Originally Posted by x5alpine

One of my friends has an 01 x5 3.0i and he just put $1000 into the cooling system

Not that hard to do if you need any major parts and /or use the $tealor for servicing. What exactly was the problem with your friend's AC?