Firstfives.org

Has anyone used a Sanden AC conversion kit (R12 to R134) on a 1980 e12? Is a kit available?

To do it right, you should change all the hoses, since r-134 will almost surely seep past the original style conical fittings, even with new seals. Also change the dryer and the valve inside the center console too. Once that is all done, then consider buying the O-rings from the dealer, since the ones that come in the kit are generic sizes and don't have the correct size or number of seals for your whole system. So really, the only thing that is usable in the kit are the two fittings for filling/draining.

I used an R134A compressor kit I bought from BMP back around 2005. I'm not sure if they still sell it; they've pretty much abandoned the E12, so I usually shop elsewhere these days.

I also changed everything outside the firewall for completeness; I left the evaporator and expansion valve in the dash alone. One tip I remember that was significant is to use ester oil instead of PAG on an R134A conversion. PAG mixed with any residual R12 can create hydrochloric acid.

I think the copper gasket/seals are the least of the problem. E12 hoses are notoriously porous with age, at least the red ones, the black don't seem as bad. Age being 10 years or more. Is your compressor a problem? E12 swashplate compressors are IMO fantastic, smooth and last forever with plenty of capacity. Probably expensive to produce, but if it's there...

And while 528i's do OK on A/C performance, with R12 and in good shape, don't expect the same out of R134a, it's not as good a refrigerant, you will need an upgraded condenser to even hope for the same level of performance.

Exactly what is the current situation and what do you hope to achieve?

My AC compressor is leaking and I need a replacement, new preferably, and I am not able to locate a new compressor. Anyone know where I can locate one? thanks for the feedback.

Post a WTB in the classifieds, or try http://car-part.com/ It's kind of a junkyard clearinghouse. I've made one purchase thru there and it worked well. Do be careful you get the right one, from what I've seen 83/84 seems to be the changeover point between the large E12 style and the later wing cell type. I would not buy one from an E23, they had a climate control which ran the compressor a whole lot. E23 and E24 compressors will likely need to have the suction and discharge fittings changed as they are different in profile and use O rings to seal not copper gaskets. No biggie, you might want some new O rings. I would look for an early compressor, ideally off a 530i, later ones ironically seem to have more miles on them. Get one off an early 80s E23/24/28 and it's probably going to have 300K on it. E12 528i's slightly less so, 530s definitely less so.