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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

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

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.

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.

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.