Just how rare is aircon in E30s in the UK?

[B5234FT]

I assume this was optional on all models and rarely selected? Just how rare are the parts and what's the going rate for them?

The condensor, evaporator and receiver drier I'd just buy new and I'd use the compressor from my donor engine, but the aircon switch for the dash, the heater box with space for the exaporator, and the pipework seem to be impossible to find.

Cheers

[Simon13]

A fair few had the air con option ticked. Like any E30 morsel now its hard to find. You also need the wiring loom for the engine bay which runs into the fuse box. Electric auxillary fans are NLA now and often seized.

If the pipework is rusty contaminated internally then you should replace them aswell. It used to be grand to get it in and working on an E30. Probably alot more to do now! Saying this its pretty good at its job when in and working

[B5234FT]

Good to know about the wiring loom. The fan I'll be using something else as I've got a different radiator etc.

Are the pipes still available?

Thanks

[bss325i]

Yes pipework is still available new from BMW.

The two hardest parts to get now are the heater box and the engine bay loom.

Complete second hand kits do pop up from time to time when cars are being broken.

I’ve retro fitted A/C to about 15 E30’s so any questions just shoot.

[B5234FT]

Ok, so Im putting an M60 into a 1985 Coupe.

I have the original compressor and pipework from the donor engine/car.

I'll be runing a Z3 radiator (got that) and a slim fan, which should leave me with room for the E30 condensor (which Ill buy new) and an aux fan (which is just a small fan, will use something more modern).

I have a new, sealed receiver drier unit, although I'm yet to check if I have the hole in the inner wing for it.

I know I need the aircon heater box, but will likely have to buy a new evaporator.

I assume all the under-dash venting is the same?

I need a switch 61311380557 but i assume it fits in the stock panel?

The plan thereafter is to use stock pipework for one side of the loop and behind the dash, and modify line 3 and 8 to suit the compressor location/outlet. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=64_0529


How complex is the loom and what does it connect to? I assume it draws power from the fusebox to feed to the compressor clutch and aux fan via a relay controlled by the dash switch? Does it link to the engine ECU to raise the idle?

Thanks!

[bss325i]

The hole in the right inner wing for the reciever drier is there on all E30’s and if the car didn’t originally have AC it’s just a circular blank that knocks out.

All under dash ducting is the same and yes the switch fits the stock panel.

Wiring diagrams for the aux fan and compressor control are here

http://www.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e30/

[Brianmoooore]

The main body loom to the standard heater box incorporates the aircon wiring on all E30s. The associated relay and fuse positions for the electric fan are present in all E30 fuse boxes.
The missing underbonnet loom is just three wires to the thermoswitch in the radiator and three wires to the electric radiator fan, which connect back to the fusebox.

[Simon13]

I seem to recal when retro fitting to my car that i wired the loom into the fuse box and activated two previously unused Relays?

I'd say B5234FT for you car you'll need some custom pipework to work with the M60 compressor but i imagine you could do it get it in working. Guys have done it with their 24v conversions.

[bss325i]

The main body loom to the standard heater box incorporates the aircon wiring on all E30s. The associated relay and fuse positions for the electric fan are present in all E30 fuse boxes.
The missing underbonnet loom is just three wires to the thermoswitch in the radiator and three wires to the electric radiator fan, which connect back to the fusebox.

There are also wires to the A/C pressure switch and compressor control.

These are all part of the separate loom which includes the wiring to the thermo switch and fan. This looms terminals plug into the relevant relay and fuse positions.

[Kedge]

Are there any decent, aftermarket options out there these days?

[ChrisHC]

Are there any decent, aftermarket options out there these days?

My mate Geoff Insley has a company that has designed systems for a number of classic cars. See http://claytonclassics.co.uk/parts-upgr ... nditioning If there are certain original parts still available that might help to keep the cost down.

[scottkc]

Yes pipework is still available new from BMW.

The two hardest parts to get now are the heater box and the engine bay loom.

Complete second hand kits do pop up from time to time when cars are being broken.

I’ve retro fitted A/C to about 15 E30’s so any questions just shoot.

Hi !
I have a 1990 sport and took it to be re gassed lol ! I now know this isn’t an option, the air con kicks in but doesn’t get cold. Is there a conversion kit that can be fitted to get me up and running?

[Brianmoooore]

There is an expensive substitute for R12 available, but the normal route is to change to R134A. Minor mods to the hardware, but the existing oil in the system is not compatible, and must be replaced.

[DanThe]

I know to a bottle of R12 if you can find someone that will run it through their machine, would be proper old skool cool then

[scottkc]

I know to a bottle of R12 if you can find someone that will run it through their machine, would be proper old skool cool then

I’ll ask the question !!

[mark_i]

And for completeness, the valance should have a second opening above the oil cooler vent for additional airflow.

[scottkc]

I found a guy in Bedfordshire ( cool cars ) who came out to look at re gassing the car. Unsurprisingly the was no pressure in the system and the condenser is shot ! I’ve ordered a new one from Cotswold. I’m sure this won’t be the last thing I buy to get this air con working!

[flybynite]

I found a guy in Bedfordshire ( cool cars ) who came out to look at re gassing the car. Unsurprisingly the was no pressure in the system and the condenser is shot ! I’ve ordered a new one from Cotswold. I’m sure this won’t be the last thing I buy to get this air con working!

Be interested what turns up. There is the discussion as to whether the original Hella/Behr tube and fin condenser will work as well with R134a as a parallel flow condenser like the Nissens. Be interesting to see what type BMW supply.

[scottkc]

I have no idea with these things ! The part number is a bmw part 64.53-8 391 509 it also has a sticker on saying Valeo 0417 ?
Not sure if any of that helps ?

[flybynite]

I have no idea with these things ! The part number is a bmw part 64.53-8 391 509 it also has a sticker on saying Valeo 0417 ?
Not sure if any of that helps ?

Depends whether it looks like this:...............

Or it looks like this:.............

I have both, one of mine I want original and one I want to work. Neither fitted yet as both cars are a long way off.

[Tzantushka]

I'd guess it to be a tube & fin style...
I see there's a BMW Valeo one on eBay at the momen:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-A-C-Conden ... 4896741799


R134a will work, with the factory tube & fin condenser... but not that well (for Australian climates anyway).
As a minimum ensure the Thermal Expansion valve (TX valve) is changed to suit R134a, receiver dryer exchanged is and the system thoroughly flushed.

Best practise is the above + swap all the o-rings for R134a compatible, any flexible hoses are barrier hose, parallel flow condenser & R134a specific compressor.

Hopefully Cool Cars know their stuff & you'll have ice cold air in no time.

[scottkc]

Yes it’s the top one. I do want to keep as original as possible. Once fitted etc I’ll let you know how it goes. As I’m in the Uk it won’t get used much !

[DanThe]

The modern condenser part number is Nissens 94172

There was some on ebay in the UK for a really good price of £52 delivered recently sold out

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSENS-9417 ... SwbwJZ6zpP