A/C compressor Explodes

[MG]

The Bosch "Round type" A/C compressor on my 83' just blew up while idling in traffic on a hot afternoon, when I inspected the unit, it seemed as if the back portion had a small hole and all the freon gas escaped from there, DO I HAVE A BAD COMPRESSOR that just seized? OR IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE WRONG?! I just had the belt replaced and previous to this it has been operating fine for 6 months now. HELP!!

[ascot]

If the compressor still turns then it did not seize. Most if not all, E21s did not come with rotary compressors originally. They were most commonly York piston type compressors. I have only seen a handful that came with the aluminum mounting bracket and Bosch rotary compressor that was used on the six cylinder cars. Some also had a japanese made rotary compressor with the BMW part sticker on it! Well, if there is now a hole in the back of the compressor then it is toast.

[BG]

Indeed, I think most USA model cars, if equipped with air conditioner, were fitted with the York compressor at port of entry. Mine was installed at Port of Houston. I recently saw that some company still sells the mounting bracket to retrofit a rotary compressor in place of the York unit.