E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post your E12 technical questions and comments here. Please, no off-topic posts.

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Robert Bondi
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by Robert Bondi »

Still slowly collecting parts for this project....

I acquired an E28 blower box from a 528e and took pictures of it next to the E12/earlyE24 blower box.
The units are essentially the same from the outside, so the main difference, as discussed, is really just the
different fittings for interfacing with the rest of the AC system.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/robertbon ... 0297675328

BTW, as far as AC systems, a guy over on the E28 board has started a company selling AC conversion kits basically targeting R134a conversions and all the components in the engine bay. I bought a Sanden compressor
and their bracket for the M30 engine. The just added an E30 kit.....they indicated that an E12 kit is also in the works.

https://www.acsolutions.co/

Robert
Robert
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77 Euro 528
tlake
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by tlake »

Thanks for the heads up Robert :!: 8)
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by 0257 »

I’m posting on this thread because it was immensely helpful, and partly addresses an issue I’m currently facing with my newly acquired (and otherwise nearly showroom) ‘81 528i as I revive its A/C system. I am interested in knowing if anyone has (1) successfully installed an e28 evaporator in an e12 528i, (2) had an e12 528i evaporator re-cored to greater capacity (as per HackMechanic’s e9) or (3) found a higher output blower motor that is a direct fit into the e12 528i.

Also interested in knowing the largest parllel flow condensor anyone has installed in an e12 528i and any installation hacks of note.

In the absence of concrete answers, I’d appreciate a push in the direction of a shop that specializes in these kinds of mods. I’m in southwest FL (thus the need to make every improvement possible), but don’t really expect to find this resource near me.

Thanks in advance for any further insights.

Ken
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528i-1981
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by 528i-1981 »

Hi Ken -

Welcome. The 14x20 Vintage Air condenser (03261-VUC) fit for me using short-drop 90-degree fittings for the hoses. The mounting takes a little engineering but isn't that difficult. The factory top mounting tabs work. In my install, I used SPAL 30130011 mounting brackets which are long and extend past the bottom edge of the condenser, providing a place to secure the assembly to the sheet metal. I would be surprised if you could fit anything bigger in there.

Cheers,
Eric
(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by 0257 »

Thanks, Eric. i’ll explore that item, sounds about the right size. Attachment tips a welcome bonus.
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Robert Bondi
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by Robert Bondi »

FWIW, I found my 2006 posts talking about some of these parts. I don't recall if Eric had referenced the same stuff for his work, but we both used that same parallel flow condensor. The SPAL elec fan P/N looks different, but that also means they both work as options. I'll look for my photos from this project as well....far enough back I think it's an actual stack of photgraphs that I need to digitize.

Vintage Air Condensor
https://www.firstfives.org/wb/msgs/8728.html

SPAL aux fan replacement
https://www.firstfives.org/wb/msgs/19468.html

Ken: You might also consider the duct work as a possible part of the inefficiency of the E12 AC/ventilation system. I have the central part of the duct work very visible now in my restoration car without AC (different thread)....unless there are other parts missing, it really seems like some of the passages for air or more of guidance than direct, dedicated duct work.

I'll work on getting more pictures...my new E28 evap core next to the E12 evap core might be useful....
Robert
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HB528i
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by HB528i »

Be sure your Spal fan has curved blades or it will sound like an F-16.
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528i-1981
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by 528i-1981 »

I used a Spal 30102030 with curved blades. It's quieter than the OEM fan but by no means silent. The Spal p/n referenced above is for the mounting brackets.

(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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Mike W.
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Re: E28 Evaporator core vs. E12

Post by Mike W. »

The key to noise or the lack of it is to keep the factory's 2 speed operation. I don't even recall being able to hear the factory 528i fan running on low speed with the A/C on. High speed yeah, that sounds like a plane getting ready to take off, but low speed is all that's required for the A/C.
Mike W.



1980 528i, 3.5 euro, 5 speed conversion
1981 528i, 3.6, Recaros and more. Project
1998 328is, quick and efficient, but not satisfying
2000 528iit, Vacation mobile/wife's grocery getter
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