MY10.5 R36 intermittent Aircon - Sanden PXE16 RCV Fixed!

[R36VW]

I have a MY10.5 R36 48k kms that the dealer just replaced my RCV on after I diagnosed and ordered the part from polarbear in the US. Mines a pxe16 Sanden compressor. I had intermittent to no cooling and only 9-11bar in VCDS no matter what the temperature or load. The service guys were sceptical but it worked straightaway after an evacuation, RCV change and regas. Vent temp was at best 17c previously but is now back down to around 4c with no delay on cooling. There was a small amount of swarf and muck on the old RCV filter so it may play up again in the future at which time I'll do a full warranty job on it. Owned since new, this first real issue fixed for $80 part and a couple hours goodwill labour.
PS. RCV = refrigerant control valve. It's a variable displacment compressor, instead of a clutch, this valve controls the amount of cooling load to put on the compressor, mine was stuck closed most of the time due to tiny swarf particles. The ideal fix is a RCV, TX, drier and condenser change with a chemical flush but this is a good quick and cheap short to medium term solution. Or a complete system replacement including compressor for around 2.5k if your out of warranty. Disclaimer; The RCV won't fix everyone's A/C problems.