A/C R12 to R134a using Sanden Compressor with stock M20 oil cooler lines

[digger]

what is the sanden compressor P/N that is best to use for e30 with m20?

[zaq123]

what is the sanden compressor P/N that is best to use for e30 with m20?

up this question.

[ELVA164]

I used a 508, got it from Summit Racing. I think it was called "Vintage Air" on their site. You still need the Sanden bracket, though.

[bellerto]

I used a 508, got it from Summit Racing. I think it was called "Vintage Air" on their site. You still need the Sanden bracket, though.

My car came with a Denso 10P15E. Do you know if the bracket is the same as the Sanden?

Thanks.

I finally saw the link for the build thread but I see that was for e34 with the M30 engine. Would this still work for the M20?

[ELVA164]

It's not the same bracket. It's an aluminum plate with two metal arms. You may be able to find a used one somewhere, but I don't think they're made new anymore.

[bellerto]

Thanks. That's what I was afraid of. I have found plenty of options for the M30 but nothing for the M20. Hard to believe no one is making this kit anymore considering the demand. I would love to have them made if I had the specs from the Air Products kit that is NLA.

It may come down to spending the big bucks on a direct R134a compatible replacement. I just need to confirm all BMW OE options mount with the same bracket in case I need to replace my Denso with a Behr, for example.

[jeffnhiscars]

any 134 replacement compressor will need a bracket designed for it. I bought one of the last APG kits from Amazon and it was specific to a Seltec. The upgrade I did on an M10 was for a Sanden 508.

I will look in to making these when I come up for air, assuming there is enough interest

[bellerto]

Right. I meant a direct replacement that is R134a compatible and has the right seals, if such a thing even exist, or even a working R12 OE rep that I can change seals/oil etc.

The one I have is bad so I dont even have the option to try and convert.

ECS Tuning has two options they claim to fit the M20:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-omega-pa...28385712kt~om/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...64528385712kt/

[chip]

were the compressors in the very late verts (1992-93) true 134 compressors or were they the same as the others but with 134 compatible seals?

[bellerto]

I see most OE replacement options list compatible vert models with production date up to 03/1992 with part# 64 52 8 363 550.

Part# post march 1992 changed to 64 52 8 391 152 which is listed here as R134a but Im not sure how accurate this is.

Good thing is the supporting bracket looks to be the same, part# 64 52 1 717 007 so this could be a direct fit. ECS Tuning has it for $637 here. The more time I spend trying to find a solution the more attractive the price looks ;)

[chip]

I see most OE replacement options list compatible vert models with production date up to 03/1992 with part# 64 52 8 363 550.

Part# post march 1992 changed to 64 52 8 391 152 which is listed here as R134a but Im not sure how accurate this is.

Good thing is the supporting bracket looks to be the same, part# 64 52 1 717 007 so this could be a direct fit. ECS Tuning has it for $637 here. The more time I spend trying to find a solution the more attractive the price looks ;)

Found a 93 vert at a pick and pull, but the compressor was a Seiko R12. Now I'm thinking that the 12r compressor are just 134 compatible and not really a true 134 compressor. I think I'll just rebuild what I have.

[jeffnhiscars]

were the compressors in the very late verts (1992-93) true 134 compressors or were they the same as the others but with 134 compatible seals?

The latter I believe. The conversion service bulletin, which I have somewhere, lists the year, models and compressor PNs which are "r134 compatible". Some latter cars also had barrier hoses which is a big plus

[zaq123]

Right. I meant a direct replacement that is R134a compatible and has the right seals, if such a thing even exist, or even a working R12 OE rep that I can change seals/oil etc.

The one I have is bad so I dont even have the option to try and convert.

ECS Tuning has two options they claim to fit the M20:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-omega-pa...28385712kt~om/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...64528385712kt/

ECS lists them as r134a but they are still r12 compressors. I believe r12 and r134 is actually different by the design, not just seals

[changyeamoon]

My sanden compressor has a one electrical connection nipple. It looks like it can fit into the 3 pronged inlet where the old compressor plugged into, but that would leave 2 prongs exposed. Am I supposed to reuse the connector from my old compressor?

Sorry if I dont make any sense.

[jeffnhiscars]

ECS lists them as r134a but they are still r12 compressors. I believe r12 and r134 is actually different by the design, not just seals

this is 100% accurate. An r12 compressor with 134 compatible seals is still an r12 compressor. Without the updated r134 seals it will soon be no compressor. The expansion valve must also match the refrigerant for a fighting chance at good performance.