true that the 318is can take r134a?

[peytonracer4]

i've read online that the 1991 e30's have an updated compressor that can accept r134a once the r12 is completely evacuated from the system. is this true?
i'd love to get my a/c working

[bmwm42]

my cars ac system was converted by bmw to r134a

[Dj Buttchug]

yes. i believe this is true. Ive been using 134 for quite some time.

also see sticky diy a/c thread

[lolcantturn]

yes. i believe this is true. Ive been using 134 for quite some time.

also see sticky diy a/c thread

You've been using 134 with the stock system?

[vpilarrt]

I swapped to R134a and only changed the drier. I did use a flush kit from Advance Auto and added the correct oil. Of course you have to use the fittings converters.

[lolcantturn]

I swapped to R134a and only changed the drier. I did use a flush kit from Advance Auto and added the correct oil. Of course you have to use the fittings converters.

And it works well? How long have you been running it? Cold?

[vpilarrt]

Works great when going over say 30 mph. So-so when sitting in traffic, better if on Recirculate. I also moved the fan control wire in the fuseblock so that the aux fan runs on high whenever the AC is on. Been running it this way for 5-6 years.

[kwill22]

Well I've actually been running R134 in my 318i. I just evacuated the R12 and added the R134 on the AC machine at work. Havnt had any issues since I did it. Been at least 4 or 5 months and blows cold all the time. It was mainly just an experiment to see how long it would go. No issues so far.

[Tisoc]

^^How much r134 did you add?

[Ryann]

The '91 16v cars have the r12 condenser so your head pressure is going to be too high. Tough on compressors and high side hoses/fittings. To my knowledge only a small number of '93 e30 (later '92 build date) convertibles came equipped with the full r134a system. Even my 6/92 built '92 318ic had the r12 condenser.

[bmwm42]

Nothing looks changed on mine but it does have the sticker saying bmw converted it