Want to add A/C to 318ti

[318ti]

I would like to add A/C to my 1999 318ti.

Anyone ever attempted this operation?

Thanks
P

[aceyx]

where (in the world) are you (carmen sandiego)?

i was under the impression that a/c was standard.

[318ti]

where (in the world) are you (carmen sandiego)?

i was under the impression that a/c was standard.

Apparently not in Canada..... unless previous owners renoved it.

[aceyx]

interesting.

well, i know that you can pick up rebuilt compressors for about $80, but i have no idea where to feed the hoses or whatever. do you have the switch for the ac? (to right of HVAC dials, between defrost and circulate)

[318ti]

No Dials that I can see.
Here is a clip of the dials

[iski123]

Thread bump... My old car was in a wreck and had really cold air so in theory I should have all the parts I need.

Just found the dream replacement car only it does not have the A/C... any leads on how to go about the swap would be great!

[diLucca]

You need complete wiring, switch, compresor, hoses...
In your case i would maybe also swap heater case, just for better access to the blower resistor :)

Here is some instruction(in German) for M43B19 engine:
https://m-flight-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Rinbauanleitung-Nachruestung-Klimaanlage-E36-Compact-mit-M43-B19-Motor_Watermark.pdf

[iski123]

Thanks for the reply! That seems like pretty useful diagram but even if it was in English I'm realizing the job might be beyond my scope of time and skill. I'm thinking of doing a 6 cylinder swap someday so maybe I'll just wait till then to get AC. The other option is just finding another minty no rust LSD and sport suspension model in black that already has AC to replace mine.