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Four Seasons 38881 A/C Expansion Valve
Four Seasons 38881 Expansion Valve
The Four Seasons 38881 A/C expansion valve is a block-type HVAC flow restrictor built for R134A systems. It is an aluminum replacement that meets or exceeds OEM requirements and is specified for BMW 735i and Mercedes-Benz 300D applications.
Key Features
- Brand: Four Seasons Expansion Valve
- Part number: 38881
- Block-type A/C expansion valve for R134A refrigerant
- Aluminum construction with aluminum finish
- Style: w/o solenoid
- Meets or exceeds OEM specifications
- Super heat setting: 8.000
- Mounting hole quantity: 2
- Female O-ring suction and liquid connections
- Fits 1985-1986 BMW 735i and 1975-1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D applications
Product Details
Four Seasons 38881 is part of the Expansion Valve line, a focused HVAC replacement range for A/C refrigerant control components. This valve regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator, helping maintain proper system balance in R134A-equipped vehicles. The block-style design uses female O-ring fittings with the listed inlet and outlet thread sizes for suction and liquid connections, and it is configured without a solenoid.
For fitment-specific searches, this part number is commonly referenced for BMW 735i expansion valve replacement and Mercedes-Benz 300D A/C expansion valve service. It also cross-references Focus Auto Parts 95044 for the same application.
Common A/C Issues Addressed
- Erratic evaporator refrigerant metering
- Weak cabin cooling from restricted flow control
- Incorrect superheat balance in the A/C circuit
- Leak concerns at worn O-ring connection points
- Service replacement for aging OEM expansion valves
Installation Notes
Verify refrigerant type, fitting sizes, and vehicle-specific service data before installation. Replace and lubricate O-rings as required, confirm the block-type mounting pattern matches the original unit, and evacuate and recharge the system according to factory procedures after service. Confirm the correct application for 1985-1986 BMW 735i and 1975-1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D, including 300D models built to VIN No. 181803.
Quality Assurance
Four Seasons 38881 is manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specifications for the listed applications. The Four Seasons Expansion Valve line is built for direct HVAC service replacement where accurate refrigerant control and OE-style fitment are required.
| Brand | Four Seasons |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 38881 |
| Position | Expansion Valve |
| Color | Aluminum |
| Description | Expansion Valves |
| Liquid Inlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Liquid Inlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 6 |
| Liquid Inlet Size IN | 0.41 |
| Liquid Inlet Size MM | 10.5 |
| Liquid Inlet Style | FOR |
| Liquid Inlet Thread Type | 5/8" - 18 |
| Liquid Inlet Type | O-Ring |
| Liquid Outlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Liquid Outlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 8 |
| Liquid Outlet Style | FOR |
| Liquid Outlet Thread Type | 3/4" - 18 |
| Liquid Outlet Type | O-Ring |
| Lqd Out Size IN | 0.540 |
| Lqd Out Size MM | 13.6 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Meets / Exceeds OEM? | Yes |
| Mounting Hole Quantity | 2 |
| O-Ring A Number/Desc | [24606] / Green O-Ring |
| O-Ring B Number/Desc | [24608] / Green O-Ring |
| O-Ring C Number/Desc | [24610] / Green O-Ring |
| Refrigerant Type | R134A |
| Style | w/o Solenoid |
| Suc In Size IN | 0.54 |
| Suc In Size MM | 13.6 |
| Suc Out Size IN | 0.65 |
| Suc Out Size MM | 16.4 |
| Suction Inlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Suction Inlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 8 |
| Suction Inlet Style | FOR |
| Suction Inlet Thread Type | 3/4" - 18 |
| Suction Inlet Type | O-Ring |
| Suction Outlet Fitting Gender | Female |
| Suction Outlet Fitting Thread Diameter | No. 10 |
| Suction Outlet Style | FOR |
| Suction Outlet Thread Type | 7/8" - 18 |
| Suction Outlet Type | O-Ring |
| Super Heat | 8.000 |
| Switch Included? | Not Included |
| Tonnage | 1.500 |
| Type | Block Type |
This part fits 9 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | BMW | 735i | N/A | Expansion Valve |
| 1985 | BMW | 735i | N/A | Expansion Valve |
| 1981 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1980 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1979 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1978 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1977 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | To VIN No. 181803; Expansion Valve |
| 1976 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | Expansion Valve |
| 1975 | Mercedes-Benz | 300D | N/A | Expansion Valve |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.