Does anyone know off hand if the air is the old R12, or if it is the newer 134A? Also the air blows cold, but it is barly blowing, I have to turn it to the max setting and close all the other vents just to feel it. Any one know what part needs replaced?

A visual inspection on the test/charging ports will tell you if you have an R12 or R134a system. The ports on an R134a system are much larger in diameter.

It sounds like you have a blower speed controller problem. See http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Electrical/Sword.htm

If that air is cold, but not coming out of the vents very strong, you trouble is likely a clogged micro-filter (cabin filter), and not the a/c system. That's the first thing to change and should increase you airflow quite a bit if it clogged.

R12: pre 92
R134a: after 92

I would second the opinion about your microfilter being clogged. You have the classic symptoms. Once the filter is replaced, or just removed, you will be amazed at the volume of air you will get. They are supposed to be replaced every 15000 miles.

Greg

thanks guys, I just got my baby back from the shop today, got a valve job, gonna go check the cabin filter now...by the way I don't have a manual for this yet, can anyone point me in the right direction as to where it is located?

thanks guys, I just got my baby back from the shop today, got a valve job, gonna go check the cabin filter now...by the way I don't have a manual for this yet, can anyone point me in the right direction as to where it is located?
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Gen_maintenance/Filters.htm

Best I could find...not a hard job, maybe a 2 out of 5 on the difficulty scale. More of a nuisance than anything.

It will make a huge difference by the way-

Good luck!