Air Con, or No Air Con? That is the question....

Sun Sep 02, 2012 7:44 pm

I'm looking for a 325i in good nick as some of you will already know. I'm thinking of taking it to Spain as I have a place out there, and I'm sick of hiring new but constantly disappointing cars when we go as a family.

So, I'm thinking I probably need Air Con or a ragtop as otherwise it will be boiling in the car during the summer months.

I think that I'm right in saying AC was a highly priced extra on an E30, hence not so many have it, but what's it like to retrofit?

Should I hold out for one that already has it, or put it on one that doesn't?

Advice as always is gratefully received.

Cheers.

Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:01 pm

You'll be hard pressed to find one with it fitted, and it's extremely hard to find a retrofit kit in good condition since the factory kit was primarily R12 gas, which is now a banned substance. Most experienced retrofitters on here budget at least 1000 pounds for the new components that are needed (including the R134a conversion kit), as well as three days of labour to strip down the car to fit it. Then again, if you have a place in Spain I'm sure you can afford it

For more info...

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Aircon

and the retrofit guide...

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_Aircon

Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:16 pm

Looks like it's the ragtop then....

Cheers Grrmachine.

Btw, are you really in Warsaw? I get to Poland every now and again for work, I'll let you know next time I'm coming and you can show me the Touring if you still have it.

Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:46 pm

I retro fitted it sourcing second hand parts. Best thing I ever did. The car is now a pleasure to drive. Instead of an unbearable oven.

Just depends if you want the hassle of pulling out the dash.

Sun Sep 02, 2012 9:57 pm

I suppose if you need to replace the dash anyway then it will be a two birds with one stone job !!

anyone got the parts for sale ?

Cheers,

Ric

Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:34 pm

I've got a complete retrofit kit for sale - check this thread: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... highlight=

Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:39 pm

I have AC on my cab (think it need a recharge) and heated seats....Does that mean My cab is special

lol

Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:44 pm

Mo13 wrote:I have AC on my cab (think it need a recharge) and heated seats....Does that mean My cab is special lol

Swap cars?

That may be a little harsh as mine still isn't running.

Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:51 pm

FinalD wrote:
Mo13 wrote:I have AC on my cab (think it need a recharge) and heated seats....Does that mean My cab is special lol
Swap cars?

That may be a little harsh as mine still isn't running.

LOL funny thing is I still haven't driven mine since I put it in the garage been working on it bit by bit just managed to put the carpet and seats back this weekend, going for MOT sometime this week so I can drive for a few hours before the British winter kicks in.

Hows your resto going? haven't seen any updates for a while?

Mon Sep 03, 2012 5:07 pm

Surely for the price of a UK car plus A/C retrofit, you could buy a car over here?

Most cars here have at least the Diavia set up fitted, a lot have the factory install.

Plus you get the advantage of a relatively rust free shell (if you avoid the ones which have lived at the coast all their lives)

Mon Sep 03, 2012 5:54 pm

Interesting point Clipper, do you know where they are selling on the web so I can take a look?

I was thinking of a RHD as it would be more sensible for when I (eventually) bring it home, but LHD would also be fine too.

Where do I start looking?

Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:13 pm

Paperwork will be your worst enemy, but if you´ve already got a house then you shouldn't have a problem.

A few common used car sites are:

http://www.segundamano.es/

http://www.milanuncios.com/motor/

http://www.autoscout24.es/

Or even better, the Spanish version of the Zone !!

http://foro.bme30.org/viewforum.php?f=2 ... 67b7dea21c

Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:37 pm

Excellent info on the wiki again.

Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:37 pm

Grrrmachine wrote:You'll be hard pressed to find one with it fitted, and it's extremely hard to find a retrofit kit in good condition since the factory kit was primarily R12 gas, which is now a banned substance. Most experienced retrofitters on here budget at least 1000 pounds for the new components that are needed (including the R134a conversion kit), as well as three days of labour to strip down the car to fit it. Then again, if you have a place in Spain I'm sure you can afford it

For more info...

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Aircon

and the retrofit guide...

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ing_Aircon

Nice retrofit guide pics!

I have some more detailed pics of key areas that I was going to email you before the ban. Will get them over to you when I'm back in the uk.

Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:45 pm

good to see you back Barry.

Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:13 pm

Mo13 wrote: LOL funny thing is I still haven't driven mine since I put it in the garage been working on it bit by bit just managed to put the carpet and seats back this weekend, going for MOT sometime this week so I can drive for a few hours before the British winter kicks in.

Interior is easy.

Having had everything out from mine (I even removed the heater blower unit to get the carpet back in one piece) I can't help but think "should have found an AC kit". Plus side I suppose is now I know how 'easy' it is to remove (read: Not easy but know how it all comes apart/goes back together) I could potentially retrofit it at some stage should I wish to...I'd need to get some heated seats too mind...

Mo13 wrote:Hows your resto going? haven't seen any updates for a while?

I've not gotten anywhere since the last update unfortunately...I've been busy with so much over the past few months that the car has been neglected. However, I should have some updates at the weekend as I have it free so want to crack on with getting the car sorted.