AC advice desired

[graphicjoe]

I have an ’87 325iS which I love dearly and which is an excellent car in all ways save one: the AC does not work. I plan to keep the car for a long time, so I am willing to do what is needed to achieve a good repair. The system appears to be completely stock. It blows fuses. The compressor clutch engages and the compressor turns if voltage is supplied, but the current draw is highly excessive. My next step is clearly to have an AC shop do a complete diagnosis.

Assuming that the compressor is the problem I have a lot of choices:
Stay with R12 and replace the compressor with a new or rebuilt one. Be reconciled to the on?going cost of replacing lost R12.

Get a kit and convert the car to R-134a, requiring a costly and time consuming replacement of all seals, and possibly, installing a new evaporator. Lots of dollars up front, but what should be a good long term repair.

Stay with R12, but use an R12 replacement gas rather than true R12. I’ve heard good and bad about this solution.

These are the ideas I’m aware of. Does anyone know of other approaches? Can anyone give me advice based on their experience? I’d rather take advantage of someone else’s bitter—or sweet—experience rather than make my own costly mistakes.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers,

Joe

[jjskibinski]

when I purchased my 318i, the a/c was inoperative. The clutch on the compressor moved forward and aft ( perpendicular to rotation), had to be replaced. Found a wholesale dealer in Calif. and purchased a 'Sanden' (if my memory serves correctly) rotary compressor. Bought a package deal from them, all parts I needed. I Replaced the dryer, exp. valve, and 'O' rings. total cost was $600 plus a days labor (I took my time, had many interruptions). Rotary compressor weighs less, subtracts less horsepower from engine. I used R-134a to recharge system after drawing a vaccum and adding R-134a oil. Kit came with parts listed above plus the attach bracket. Only problem I had, was my cat trying to 'help' while I was attaching bracket with compressor on it, and cat's paw comes down from above and dislodges one of the bolts which fell and hit me right between the eyes. "Kitty Mechanic"! OK though, he keeps the rodent population away from autos.
I couldn't be happier with the set-up, very cool air in a hurry, probably would cool a larger car. A/C switch is bad, purchasing new one from Pelican.
hope this helps,
Jan

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

In my case, my compressor still worked, so I opted to refill with R-12. I had a tank of it laying around. I think that you'll probably be better off using R-12 provided that your system has no leaks and the c ompressor works. Should be about $100 to fill the system. I filled mine about 2 years ago, havent had a problem since, blows ice cold.

[Dub-Dub]

Has anyone worked up a check list for diagnosing A/C problems? I've lived without mine for 5 years, but I'd love to tackle it this summer.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Check this out....

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/JF-Tech/AC_Recharging.htm

[jjskibinski]

super article Jared, I should have asked for help before "discovering" how to do this on my own!
Thanks, Jan

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

No problem. Just remeber, it's a good idea to have the system pressure checked and evacuated prior to doing anything.