A musty odor may be detected in the vehicle, particularly when the air conditioner is first switched on.
This is caused by microorganisms growing on the evaporator from moisture condensation.
A disinfectant can be applied to the air conditioning system:
"Airguard" by J. J. Products, Inc.; "Airsept" by The Auto Doctor or Air Conditioning and Heating System Treatment by Wurth USA, Inc.
Such disinfectants are not available from BMW of North America.
Air Conditioner Refrigeration/Oil Fill Capacities
Note that some 1993 Model Year early production R-134a equipped vehicles have under-hood labels that specify higher charge values than those specified in the chart. Testing has confirmed that the values given are the optimum fill capacities. Consult the chart before refilling. Labels with the lower refrigerant charge amount specified on the chart have been phased into production as of 11/92.
When performing repairs to the A/C system that require recharging, only the specifications given in this chart should be used, as well as the label part numbers, as appropriate. However, inadvertent refrigerant charging up to the fill capacity given on an "original" ('93 MY production prior to 11/92) under-hood label will not cause any problems.
See appropriate HVAC article for oil refill capacity for specifications not indicated in A/C LABEL BMW P/N REFERENCE table.
Refrigerant, Special Features, Production Range, Fill Capacity g (lbs), Fill Capacity ml (oz), BMW P/N
A/C LABEL BMW P/N REFERENCE
NOTE:
1. The Modine condenser was used in many E36 vehicles over the production range 9/91-3/92. This condenser has a smaller volume, and the A/C system must be charged accordingly.
2. Production start of 1993 MY E34/S38 (M5) 9/92; E32/M70 (750iL) 11/92.
3. R-134a, the environmentally friendly air conditioning refrigerant, was introduced to the U.S. market beginning with 3/92 production E32/M30 (735i/iL) vehicles.
4. Labels reflecting the proper charging volumes given on this chart are available form BMW Parts. These may be used in place of the original equipment labels on '93 model year vehicles produced before 11/92.
5. All vehicles equipped with R-134a refrigerant require special PAG lubricant.
6. Nippon Denso.
7. Seiko Seiki.