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I updated my A/C in 2006 to R134a. Everything outside the firewall was replaced; nothing under the dash was touched. On the compressor, BMP at the time sold a compressor kit for M30 engines - it included a custom aluminum bracket and a Seltec compressor, IIRC. I installed an increased capacity Al c...

I don't like the wing cell compressors in 84 and newer cars, they're rough, noisy and always seem to leak at the compressor seal. But with either compressor, they're not the limiting factor with 134a, the condenser is. Agree on all counts, which is why I’d like to use a newer style compressor when ...

The bosses in the block where the a/c compressor bracket mounts are the same throughout the years on the m30; its the bracket itself that has changed. What this means is all you have to do to use a later style compressor is use the later brackets, meaning almost anything with an m30 after ‘82 or so...

I've been reading the Hack Mechanic's series in the weekly Roundel about adding A/C to an early E24 and it got me thinking that I should start planning ahead for my E12. One of my E30s needs a new compressor and the adapter brackets to use a Sanden compressor on the M20 are NLA. In the Roundel serie...

Duh! It was user error as I suspected. The small end of the hose clamp that's under the worm gear was hanging up on the hose and preventing it from rotating all the way. Once I got it rotated as far as possible, the cover would fit. Car is finally back on the road. Took first drive since June. Aweso...

I was referring to the worm gear oriented on the low side, opposite of the cover. Have you measured the height of the fittings on the old tank vs. the new one? I guess you could shim where the tank bolts to the frame with a thick washer if it's off by just a few millimeters. Now I understand! Thank...

I know this is a simple suggestion, but have you rotated the engagement side of the clamp to the low side? Are you installing the cover upside down? Thank you. No offense taken! When you're knee-deep in a problem, sometimes it's hard to see the big picture and simple things get missed. I'm definite...

Trying to finish up the gas tank replacement on my '77 530i and ran into a snag. When reinstalling the tank, the hose clamp on the supply line is sticking up high enough so that I can't install the cover plate. I've rotated it as far as possible both ways and nothing helps. These are the same hose c...

Probably wishful thinking, but if the gas tank is not rusty it may be worth keeping. It's NLA from BMW and there are no aftermarket options.

Thanks for the replies! I hadn't thought about the change in the sender, so that info is extremely helpful. I don't want to hack the wiring or change to a different sender/pre-pump. The tank is leaking from the top, on the right side (facing the fill tube). Probably rust. The entire underside of the...

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I'm still relatively new to E12s and don't want to make an expensive mistake. I need to replace the fuel tank on my 530i. I've read several threads, and am fairly sure I need the later tank. Here are the details of my car. 6/77 production fuel filler on the right rear...

...the charcoal canister plumbed differently in a 2002? Cory Yes. That scenario is specific to the 2002 because of the way the system is plumbed, so what happens is what I mentioned about the expansion tank would have to be filled, then forward to the canister. In the 2002, it is a perfect storm si...

Ok, hold on, this is completely wrong. Interesting coincidence - Mike Miller answered a question about fuel smell in a 2002 this month in Roundel. Here is the text. If the smell is raw gasoline: That probably originates under the hood. Does your 1972 2002tii have the evaporative emission control sy...

RonDwyer wrote:Gotta resign to do it correctly.

For sure! Nothing gets "rigged" on my Bimmers. Plan to take this to a body shop and get it fixed correctly.

Philip - did you figure this out? My AC fan is chirping, so I'll eventually be dealing with the same dilemma.

Cory