Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

General Information




WHEN TO RETROFIT
As long as R-12 is available, it should be used to service a vehicle with an R-12 system. When R-12 supplies are unavailable, the customers may be willing to pay for a retrofit. There are two types of retrofits: standard and minimum.

STANDARD RETROFIT
To achieve the most effective system retrofit, follow the instructions in Service Information Bulletin # 64 01 95 (4179). Retrofit kits have been developed for the E31, E32, E34, and E36 models, to provide comparable system performance. The kits include a new receiver/dryer, hoses, service fittings, refrigerant controls, and other parts.

MINIMUM RETROFIT
A lower-cost retrofit can be accomplished by evacuating the R-12 system, and replacing mineral oil and R-12 with PAG oil and R-134a. This type of retrofit may result in reduced system performance. To comply with federal requirements, the retrofitted system must have appropriate service fittings and must only be serviced using R-134a equipment.