AC conversion

["ONeill, William" <William_ONeill@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm no expert on A/C, but I successfully retrofit my former E30 M3 with R134
a few years ago and it worked fine.  Took it to a specialist in AC.  He
informed me that the incompatibility is in the lubricants, not the gas per
se.  The conversion requires very complete evacuation of all lubricant from
the old R12 system, replacement of O-rings, switches and possibly the dryer.
The cost of my conversion was only about $140, and it worked fine.

A bigger issue for me is, why do the compressors rob so much power from
BMWs?  The drain is very noticeable, even on cars with big motors (e.g. E34
535i).  When I drive other vehicles with AC (e.g., a very underpowered Saab
900s, or my wifes Subaru 3.0L) the power drain is much less noticeable.

*************************************
Bill O'Neill
Chair, Driving School Committee
Genesee Valley Chapter
BMW CCA

Phone: (585) 275-4023
FAX: (585) 756-5334
Mobile: (716) 747-4419
email: william_oneill@domain.elided
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