A/C!

[pghosh1741]

Does anyone know a shop specializing in making A/C on older e12s, 75/76 work well? The question is, can an older e12s a/c running r12 be retooled made to work well, with new parts, e.g. radiotor, condensor fan, and is there a shop that has done it before.

Any insights appreciated!

[Lenny D.]

'Older' E12s, i.e., 530i models had a smaller capacity A/C system, Google the story of the BMW reps who were in Dallas in the 70s and forced to ride in the Texas heat in a black sedan with the window switches deactivated by the dealer to prove the point to the engineers that the A/C system was inadequate for the US market!
Subsequent 528i models have adequate capacity for the southern US heat if everything is up to original spec. for the system, and yes, a competent A/C shop can restore such a system.
Your hunt.

[Mike W.]

Lenny, good to see you, it's been a while!

Back on topic, late E12s really did have pretty good A/C if in top working condition. But I think everything but the compressor was different on early 530s and not for the better. Check Realoem, but I think the blower was even smaller. You may have to swap the A/C box itself in the console to get good A/C out of an early car. And use R12, at least without a parallel flow condenser R134 isn't going to cut it at all.

[Jeff Dennis]

I'm running R134 in my 1977 and get 50F at the dash vents.

[Mike W.]

I'm running R134 in my 1977 and get 50F at the dash vents.

That's what I mean, I ran R12 and could get 41 in the desert with the compressor cycling and the temp set midway in a 79 528i.