Re: bmw pa

[steveb@falcon.kla.com (Steven Buchholz)]

> I went through this about two weeks ago when I replaced my pump and bomb.
> Several on the list said that using the BMW 7 series bomb was a do-able
> modification.  I checked into this only by calling around, and never
> actually put my hands on the BMW parts; here is what I found:
> 
> 7 series BMW accumulator consists of 2 parts the gas/fluid chamber and the
> check valve.
> 
> The gas chamber screws into the check valve assembly; I assume something
> like a propane cylinder into a torch. These gas chambers retail for $118
> and are commonly discounted for $70 - $75. I found a place that sells them
> for $75 everyday (in EC)
> 
> The check valve, I'm assuming, is the part that all the pressure and drain
> lines fit into.  The BMW retail price is $306 new, I found it discounted
> for as low as $262.  I then called 4-5 BMW dismantlers and they ALL quoted
> me a price of $150; they all try to charge half of new.
> 
> So, as I saw it, this retrofit would cost at least $225 using a used check
> valve and a new gas chamber, with the benefit of only replacing a $75 part
> at the next bomb failure; and the uncertainty of a used check valve. I
> never had the parts in hand to do a visual fit check to see if it would be
> direct bolt-up or require some fabrication.
> 
> I almost decided to try it but the initial cost difference was slight
> enough that I ultimately came to the conclusion that the $249 Blaufergnugen
> NEW bomb was the way to go (keeping things original and all). I talked to
> Linda @ Carlsen  and she said that the cost to her for the part was $245 so
> I feel the $249 price is as good as it gets.
> 
As I've stated before my only experience is with the '83 QTC, and that 
experience was that all that needed to be replaced was the pressure accum
itself ... no other valves or conversion required.  This may not be true on 
the newer 5ks, but it sounds like you should have been able to get away for
$70-$75 to me.  Unfortunately I was not aware of the BMW part at the time
so I cannot offer part numbers and such, but I do know people who have used
the BMW PA on their Audis with no other conversion ...

Steve Buchholz
s_buchho@kla.com
San Jose, CA (USA)