A/C Reharge question

[roush611]

Where the heck is the AC unit in a 1993 325i? I went and bought the R134a but I have no idea where the unit is to refill it. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

[Hammdy]

Well 93 was the year that they started converting from R-12 to R-134a, so you may have an R-12 system which has different fittings. Either way they're on the passenger side, either on the firewall or down by the headlight, I can't remember. You can convert to R-134a if you do have R-12.

Oh yeah that stuff in the can isn't going to work very well either. You need to get the AC system evacuated and refilled.

[qidm67]

larger diamater tubing>passenger side>near firewall>open black cap and begin

[dmurray14]

Well 93 was the year that they started converting from R-12 to R-134a, so you may have an R-12 system which has different fittings. Either way they're on the passenger side, either on the firewall or down by the headlight, I can't remember. You can convert to R-134a if you do have R-12.

Oh yeah that stuff in the can isn't going to work very well either. You need to get the AC system evacuated and refilled.

Why? It worked fine for me...

[Jdizzle318]

Well 93 was the year that they started converting from R-12 to R-134a, so you may have an R-12 system which has different fittings. Either way they're on the passenger side, either on the firewall or down by the headlight, I can't remember. You can convert to R-134a if you do have R-12.

Oh yeah that stuff in the can isn't going to work very well either. You need to get the AC system evacuated and refilled.


R-12 has the treads on the outside while the R-134a have the clamp on fittings. make sure you know wich one is tha high presure and the low

[Steve530]

Yep, R12 uses a Scraeder valve (like a tire). R134a systems have quick disconnect fittings. As I recall, the R134a fittings are different sizes, so you can't put the charging fitting on the high side.

[choffa]

Should be a sticker on the right front inner fender well or just behind right headlight that identifirs the refrigerant used. If R-12 you'll need to take it to a shop (R-12 can't be purchased without a license).

As stated, charging ports are on the right firewall, two hard lines connected to hoses, block that goes through firewall contains the charging ports. R-134 connections should have red & blue caps over port (blue low side, red high side). Low side hard line & hose will be larger diameter, and connect directly to the compressor suction side. Charge only through this port, can may rupture if connected to high side.

When you connect hose to the port, check gauge before charging, if gauge reads zero, you've likely lost the charge. To do it correctly, you'll need to find leak, repair, evacuate & charge. You may get away with charging if entire charge hasn't been lost (allowing air to enter system). Give it a shot.

[My Style]

Oh yeah that stuff in the can isn't going to work very well either. You need to get the AC system evacuated and refilled.

Actually from what I have read, and correct me if I am wrong, the can works just fine (did for me) unless the system is COMPLETELY empty. I have noticed that I have a hard time keeping my psi's up in the system which tells me that I do have a leak somewhere, but it is not big enough that I can't just charge it up with a r134a can to get me through the summer and call it a day. Before I used the can my system was so low on refrigerant that my compressor wasn't even kicking in, since I wasn't trying to drop the cash on a new compressor I went ahead and gave it a shot recharging the system myself, and what do you know! Ice cold air! Hasn't changed at all in about a month now.

[GoNz0]

low side is the large diameter pipe.

[IdriveBMW]

the stuff in the can, which is currently available in the store, is 134a. you can purchase it with compressor oil or without. It WILL work in an R-12 system for a while as far as cooling but will eventually damage your seals because the oil is not compatible with the R-12 components(mainly compressor seals)