Is this factory air con ?

[dtmpower]

This pic was sent to me by a 320is owner ? Is this the factory air con unit ?

[Simon]

As per the other thread, my car has this system, and it does seem to be a factory installed system.

[Sjoerd320i]

is that big fat hump coming out above the ashtray also part of the aircon?

[Simon]

is that big fat hump coming out above the ashtray also part of the aircon?

I assume you mean the grill? That's what he original question is about

[Sjoerd320i]

I thought he meant the switch because it aint blue

that's a bugger tho that's where I was wanting to put my screen just like Kelson
is that the only part where the cold air from the aircon comes out?

[Simon]

I thought he meant the switch because it aint blue

that's a bugger tho that's where I was wanting to put my screen just like Kelson
is that the only part where the cold air from the aircon comes out?

The is only blue when switched on, usual E30 a/c doesn't have this vent, very rare, the cold air comes from all the usual places.

[Sjoerd320i]

so it's sort of an extra vent?

thanks Simon

[Simon]

so it's sort of an extra vent?

thanks Simon

It's there to cover up the extra fan motor, it's mounted close to the centre console, and the centre console has been cut away for it to be mounted, it's more decoration than function.

[Sjoerd320i]

huh?

so does a normal a/c equiped e30 have a hole or a different pannel there?
or just a normal console as every other e30 has?
or is this some sort of better a/c unit with an extra fan?

[Simon]

huh?

so does a normal a/c equiped e30 have a hole or a different pannel there?
or just a normal console as every other e30 has?
or is this some sort of better a/c unit with an extra fan?

The usual E30 with a/c has a normal centre console as every other E30, I have no idea why this system is different, I haven't seen many cars with it, about 4 I think including this one and mine, and those were only in pics..

[Demlotcrew]

I think this must be a dealer fit only, i really dont see the point of it, and i dont think it would have come from factory like that,

A

[Sjoerd320i]

thank you for enlightening(spel) me guys

[A1BMW325iSport]

there was a retro fit dealer kit available, i think that is the one you have.

there factory fit air con didn`t have that grille and also had a dual button switch for air and re-circ

Matt

[ian332isport]

So where's the piccy of this odd Air con then ?

I see nothing

Ian.

[Widge]

It's at the top, I can see it
Not that that helps you
Weird grammer in that last sentence, oh well it makes sence

[ian332isport]

It's at the top, I can see it

I can't

[Widge]

Can you see this?

[ian332isport]

Aaah, yes, I can see that

It's a bit odd looking. Mine doesn't have any of that weird venty bit in the middle. It's not listed in the ETK either, so not sure if it's BMW or not.

Cheers,

Ian.

[Widge]

I wouldn't want it personally, as long as the old vents blew cold air I'd be happy but they don't suppose I better start looking for a donor car with AC

[JungleGus]

i got it on my NZ new 325i 87 sport.....it covers up the ac blower...i imagine its the earlier ac cars.....all the later ones i have seen dont have it...its easily removable though, just remove the grill and fan motor thing behind and replace with a different front console bit.....im 99% sure it would be original BMW

[mark3]

The Aircon system is a BMW fitted system,Factory or Dealer ? I would say Dealer I have one fitted in mine documented as a paid optional extra from the BMW dealership,All I can say its been reliable & works brilliantly ice cold all the time,Ihave a freind who regasses & installs aircon systems who checked mine out a couple of months ago as i was thinking of getting it topped but it was'nt worth it as it did'nt need it ,But he is going to bleed my system & take the old now illegal R12 gas out & replace it with the newer equivalent.

[mrLEE30]

I thought it was some sort of crazy CD rack!!!

cannot be a factory fit as even my 87 sport has ''normal'' a/c and the recirculate button, this one only has a/c button.

[Ant]

Its 100% defo a retro fit kit, there are a few on the market, thats the most popular and very common in the US

factory fitted units are externally the same as non AC regardless of early/late

Retro does not necessarily mean its pants though, often has a bigger compressor unit and greater cooling capability

[Karan]

Its 100% defo a retro fit kit, there are a few on the market, thats the most popular and very common in the US

factory fitted units are externally the same as non AC regardless of early/late

Retro does not necessarily mean its pants though, often has a bigger compressor unit and greater cooling capability

ive seen this on an e30 cab 325i before.......