A/C vents

bluecoupe30!

bluecoupe30!

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Many E9s have the benefit of original A/C, and others have retrofitted, or upgraded condensers, compressors, etc. I am planning a retrofit, but will have to improvise some parts, especially the "intermediate piece" that channels the air out of the evaporator. The stock system pushes cooled air out via the grills in each side of the console, but I wonder, has anyone thought of adding additional grills or vent ports elsewhere? Or is everyone satisfied with the cooled interior that results from the original outlets? Also, please comment on the "while I am in there" projects that I may expect to be confronted with as I tear into this A/C install. Heater core + ?
Mike
 
It is foolish to think a mere mortal could improve on an original German design.
All e9 drivers are proud to have a frozen right knee and elbow when we drive.
Und Ja!
 
I've been tempted Don to have you work on my AC. When you describe it like that...haha.

Though driving around on hot days with four windows down and a working blower motor have been more than acceptable.
 
Front, but of course. OK I appreciate that there is some character to the original design, so I am hearing that if enough cold air is injected into the cabin, then that's all fine and good. Another question, once the job is begun, what are the sorts of "while you are in there" jobs that I might anticipate adding to the time frame for what would start as an a/c retrofit. I'm thinking heater core, for example. Mike
 
If I recall the later model Behr A/C console used on the 2002 models had small circular vents on each side of the console panels. These were @ 2.5 inches in diameter and could be rotated.

One would have to cut holes in the main e9 to accomplish a similar set up.

DCG
 
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dascoupeguy said:
If I recall the later model Behr A/C console used on the 2002 models had small circular vents on each side of the console panels. These were @ 2.5 inches in diameter and could be rotated.

One would have to cut holes in the main e9 to accomplish a similar set up.

DCG
Click to expand...
in both the behr and the frigiking a/c systems on the 2002 ... only put air out the center front. the unit that coupe owners should look at is the bavaria - there are side registers that are fed from the center ... that would be very interesting to incorporate into our cars
 
On the contrary...

Attached is a pic of a Behr a/c console from a 2002. It clearly shows the side vents!!!
Just FYI!!! DCG
 

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yes, but were those supply air? i thought they were return air that brought air back to be chilled.

its been a while since i had a 2002. i just don't ever remember having the pleasure of a cold knee / leg in a 2002 - just my shifting hand
 
looks like the return air grill on the same side that the e9 has the slotted plastic pieces?
 
Side vents

For the 2002s they were cold air and the little vents did rotate.

The return air was sucked in behind and under the a/c console.

Google 'behr air conditioning 2002 BMW' and the pics will clarify.

DCG
 
maybe there is a way to incorporate that design into the e9. Blow some of the air out sideways...
 
Regarding one of the initial questions from the OP, I am satisfied with the air flow from the center vent alone. It's not ideal, but the air flow is strong and if you can get it ice cold then it's pretty good. FWIW, I drive my coupe in casual clothes and rarely have a passenger in the front seat that wants air.

Getting the AC ice cold wasn't too difficult. Rotary compressor, new condenser and fan upfront, new expansion valve and new lines. The parts are not expensive but it did take some labor. IMO, replace anything you can...start fresh.

For "while you are in there" projects, I didn't do anything with the heater core. When I was just using the heater blower and letting fresh air in, a lot of the heater core heat found it's way in the cabin. You could rebuild the heater box and refresh the internal seals to prevent the warm air mixing but I run my AC with the vent closed so it wasn't needed.

I did get lots of benefit by insulating the tunnel. I bought some stick on generic hot rod insulation from Jegs or someplace similar and had my mechanic install it when the trans was out. I'm interested to see the 635 heat shield mentioned in a recent thread...would be a cleaner install for sure.
 
rsporsche said:
i think we need to get the e3 part that has outlets on both sides to feed the far side vents. anybody parting a bavaria?
Click to expand...
i forgot to attach the pic - i know the drawing shows the same piece on the coupe parts list ... but we all know that it doesn't have it. i guess we could modify it to have side vents ... then we just need to figure out how to install them.
 

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