AC compressor R134 compatible or not ?

[Claude]

I am schedule at my BMW dealer for a retrofit of my AC system (from R12 to R134) in their cost estimation of the job they will keep the existing compressor, will just replace the condensor, the dryer, change some connections and refill with R134.

I just read the following note on the E34 web site that bother me:

''If your compressor is not R134 compliant you will have to change it.''

Question:
I suppose the BMW dealer know what is doing and i don't seek for more expense, but my car (535i-89) was produce in 03/1989:
- Could we say for sure that the compressor is or not R134 compliant ?
- How could i check that ?

[Bill R.]

find more info about it
(http://www.koalamotorsport.com/article-airconditioning.asp)



I am schedule at my BMW dealer for a retrofit of my AC system (from R12 to R134) in their cost estimation of the job they will keep the existing compressor, will just replace the condensor, the dryer, change some connections and refill with R134.

I just read the following note on the E34 web site that bother me:

''If your compressor is not R134 compliant you will have to change it.''

Question:
I suppose the BMW dealer know what is doing and i don't seek for more expense, but my car (535i-89) was produce in 03/1989:
- Could we say for sure that the compressor is or not R134 compliant ?
- How could i check that ?

[shogun]

http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/aircon_R134a/aircon_R134a.html

[Claude]

Thanks both of you guys, this answer my questions and reassure me.

Regards

[winfred]

dump the old oil out and refill with 5-6 oz of ester and it will be fine, i've done dozens

[Alexlind123]

Why are you switching to R134a? As far as i know, R12 is actually colder...

[DaveVoorhis]

Production of R12 has ended. It will only get more expensive over time. Therefore, it makes better long-term financial sense to convert to R134a at today's costs, rather than at some future higher cost when R12 is no longer available, probably after multiple expensive and increasingly costly R12 recharges.

In some countries, it is now illegal to use R12. Here in the UK, when an R12 A/C system needs to be repaired, it must be converted to a non-R12 refrigerant.

[winfred]

e32/34s actually can blow as cold on 134 as they do on 12 with a healthy system


Why are you switching to R134a? As far as i know, R12 is actually colder...

[Claude]

Why are you switching to R134a? As far as i know, R12 is actually colder...


Because my A/C system is broken (seem that condensor was perforate, so freon gone out, protective device on the compressor unable it to run) and the fact that R12 is no longer legal here also (Canada).