A/C R12 -- > R134a - Where did you buy your retrofit parts?

[stilljester]

Any good prices out there? I see BavAuto has a kit for $189.
Thanks!

[shogun]

What do you want to change? The compressor is probably o.k.
Check here at Autohaus
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/group.aspx?sid=tdfbz545bezncr2bkvg1uf45&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1012059@525I&year=1992&cid=24@AC%20%26%20Heat%20-%20Climate%20Control

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

http://www.emotors.ca/articles/197.aspx

[stilljester]

Compressor is fine - I'm guessing I'll need all new seals and a new dryer. Can you think of anything else?

[shogun]

Can you think of anything else?
Yes, I bought this, now on sale at Harborfreight :)
A/C MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
Complete diagnostic and service gauge set for use on air conditioning systems with R134A freon.
Sight glass
Quick-connect fittings
High pressure safety valve
Color-coding on gauges, valves and hoses



ITEM 92649-7VGA
regular price $62.99
NOW: $34.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/92600-92699/92649.gif

[stilljester]

Yes, I bought this, now on sale at Harborfreight :)
A/C MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
Complete diagnostic and service gauge set for use on air conditioning systems with R134A freon.
Sight glass
Quick-connect fittings
High pressure safety valve
Color-coding on gauges, valves and hoses



ITEM 92649-7VGA
regular price $62.99
NOW: $34.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/92600-92699/92649.gif

Come one you've got to give me more credit then that....I'll ready have it and the vacuum pump ready to go.

[Tiger]

Vacuum pump can be had for free at Autozone... free rental. The cheapest kit I have seen is at Walmart... like $30... Pep boys should have something like that too.

If your system is not leaking, then don't bother with seals... no need. If you do want to change all your seals... then buy all the seals at Autohausaz.com. Don't bother with generic kit. Adapter kit is nice too put on too... again can be obtained everywhere cheaply.

Now as I have recently went scouting on R134a stuff... I see the new R134a with synthetic blend that makes it colder... Actic stuff... I was contemplating that for R12 system, that would be great whereas for native R134a system would benefit just as well but R12 system would benefit much more.

As for testing whether your system is tight or not... draw a vacuum for 5 minutes... and let it sit for 5 minutes... did you go below 22" vacuum? If no, then system is pretty tight... if keep falling, then you got a leak. When you let it sit... close your hood partially so the sun doesn't affect the vacuum hoses.

Make sure you put in oil too... most kit will give you 2.5oz oil... some blended oil into the refrigerant bottle... whatever it is... make sure you add oil

[shogun]

David Cecil made it with the 30 $ kit in 2005, still works till now, I recently asked him
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/77998