Refrigerant capacity? (engine bay label)

tlake · Post by **tlake** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 5:00 am

Just to see how the system changed over the years, what refrigerant capacity (R12) does it say on the label of your car

Assuming the label is still there, lol

My 1976 car says 2.2 lbs, so I would assume a 1980 or 1981 would be greater than that

Lenny D. · Post by **Lenny D.** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:48 pm

Nope, owner's manual for a 1980 528i says 2.2lb.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 3:32 pm

No, it's not how much you have, it's what you do with it.

528i's in particular had a significantly better condenser and aux fan so they were able to discharge the heat better. Perhaps a larger blower than 76 but I'm not sure if the evaporator was any bigger. But none of those things require more refrigerant.

tlake · Post by **tlake** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 6:40 am

Mike W. wrote:No, it's not how much you have, it's what you do with it. 528i's in particular had a significantly better condenser and aux fan so they were able to discharge the heat better. Perhaps a larger blower than 76 but I'm not sure if the evaporator was any bigger. But none of those things require more refrigerant.

Wow, still 2.2 lbs

The difference must all be in the condenser/fan because the evap cores and blowers look pretty similar in size across the years. FYI a 1984 e28 is 2.82 lbs. Its condenser is the same e12 width, but is nearly 5 inches taller.

RonDwyer · Post by **RonDwyer** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:46 pm

Important tip here, replace ALL of the old hoses if they are still original. Take the old ones to an AC or hose shop and have new ones made up with crimp-on fittings.