Re: <E36> climate controls

[John Firestone <john.firestone@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg Koenig writes:
>
> Automatic Climate Control:
>... Adds digital climate control to cars that did not come equipped
>with it in the first place. I think this also adds a number of timed
>ventilation controls that the US spec cars do not come with (but John
>Firestone can help you add). Only really usefull if you REALLY REALLY
>want digital control. Sort of cool, but at around US$2200 for parts,
>you better be an air conditioning junkie

I watched a mechanic installing one of these kits in a 3er.  I would
say he could have been happier doing it, but I think that was because
of a troublesome apprentice.

Last time I checked, there was only one digital climate control system
worldwide for the E36 3er. So, even U.S. systems should be able to
provide timed ventilation and heating.  Only on U.S. 3ers, the program
for one of these is disabled.  I know this from adding BMW's auxiliary
heating and ventilation system.

If Greg's kit is the one I think it is, it may also provide automatic
recirculation control (AUC). This requires a different front panel and
control unit than the non-AUC units seen to the U.S. Unfortunately,
even with the right parts, AUC may not work on a U.S. car if its
program has been disabled.

This, however, is nothing that should stop an enthusiast. If someone
is willing to buy the front panel and control unit from my U.S.
automatic climate control system (IHKA), I would be willing to try to
retrofit an AUC to a U.S. E36 3er.  I have some installation notes
that suggest the AUC cable is already in the car. With luck, all I may
need to do is swap panels and control units, hook up the sensor - and
get the AUC program working.

- -John
'96 318is
john.firestone@domain.elided

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