Manual to auto aircon easy?

B

Bad_Pritt

Veteran
Apologies if any threads already exist, but I couldn't seem to find it. So here's the question, it seems that there is a difference in aircon systems in the E86 models. Some have the manual aircon although I assumed they all had auto aircon. Is it easy/difficult to fit the auto aircon? Is it a question of changing the cluster behind the dash or is it a bit more complicated than that?

Pic for clarification on the manual aircon

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I wouldn't bother tbh. I have it but never use it and don't really see the point.
Horses for courses tho init.
 
From what I've read of the systems it should all be integrated. Doesn't mean it wouldn't need coding though. The IHKA tech docs are available online describing the system.
 
I'm genuinely gobsmacked all the E86's don't have the auto as standard! I thought it was on all 3.0 E85/6's. I could maybe understand this spec on the entry level 2.0/2.2's etc. :o :?
 
Chris_D said:
I wouldn't bother tbh. I have it but never use it and don't really see the point.
Horses for courses tho init.
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Makes sense in a convertible, especially in the summer as you will be driving with your roof down most of the time. But it's different for a coupe. It also bothers me that a car like a E86 3.0si isn't equipped with an auto aircon. Just doesn't make sense.

Scooba_Steve said:
From what I've read of the systems it should all be integrated. Doesn't mean it wouldn't need coding though. The IHKA tech docs are available online describing the system.
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That's why I was thinking it is probably do-able, I'm wondering if anyone ever did it.
 
What's difference between auto aircon and manual aircon? Any pics?
are you back in a Z4 mate?
 
MACK said:
I'm genuinely gobsmacked all the E86's don't have the auto as standard! I thought it was on all 3.0 E85/6's. I could maybe understand this spec on the entry level 2.0/2.2's etc. :o :?
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All .U.K. Cars have, but the car in question is not a U.K. Car so there are differences.
 
bad pit have you got a new car?? Have i missed somthing????

If you have great to have you back. I think i have a spair cluster thats auto. Its yours if you want it and try it? Just cover the postage buddy.
 
srhutch said:
MACK said:
I'm genuinely gobsmacked all the E86's don't have the auto as standard! I thought it was on all 3.0 E85/6's. I could maybe understand this spec on the entry level 2.0/2.2's etc. :o :?
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All .U.K. Cars have, but the car in question is not a U.K. Car so there are differences.
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Oh yes, didn't spot that. Thought it was a UK car hence the astonishment.
 
The plugs on the back are the same so worth a try. But it looks like there are differences to the heater unit too. Get the tech doc and have a look.
 
I'd assume the main thing you'd have to do would be to figure out where the differences are between the manual and automatic climate control.
If the same wiring loom is shared between both then it may be as simple as changing the control panel, ordering the extra actuators/temperature sensors for the HVAC box, plugging it all in and away you go.
On the other hand, if the wiring looms are different there could be more to it and the ECU may need telling it's got automatic climate control.
The only potential difference in terms of actual hardware for the air conditioning system though could be the thermostat that has a probe leading to the evaporator.
 
Without pulling the tech specs and reviewing in detail it's difficult to tell, but I'm sure the control will be only one part. The system has to have temperature sensors either in the heater box or conduits to the air vents and that would mean a loom too. Without it cannot sense and hence regulate temp
 
Hey guys, thanks for the many responses! First things first: no, I haven't bougth another Zed... But I'm in the market for one :-) I'm getting one from Germany as prices over there are far better than over here and there's just more offer.

One of the cars I'm thinking of has the manual aircon, which is a bit of a let-down for that kind of car. But in the meantime I've found another one with (almost) full M-interior, auto aircon, GPS, M-suspension, bluetooth, etc...

Oh and obviously, it's a black one :P This time I'll be going with a 3.0si Coupe...
 
:tumbleweed: I think I have the manual airco, it's no hassle mate, I assure you. Works great even here in 50 plus.
Yeah your getting it from Germany? You going to do the LHD to RHD conversion?
 
Vanne said:
:tumbleweed: I think I have the manual airco, it's no hassle mate, I assure you. Works great even here in 50 plus.
Yeah your getting it from Germany? You going to do the LHD to RHD conversion?
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No conversion needed as I'm living in Belgium :wink:
 
Bad_Pritt said:
Oh and obviously, it's a black one :P This time I'll be going with a 3.0si Coupe...
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Married life and children obviously made you soft :P
 
:rofl: Actually, I already have this one as daily:

15493446_10154892961154421_1160591720030957245_o.jpg
 
Not sure yet what I'll be doing with the Porsche. I'm actually in a lawsuit with the seller at the moment, trying to get my money back. That will take a few years probably and in the meantime I can't really get the Porsche repaired so that the damages can still be proven. So the car is sleeping at my cousin's garage for the moment...
 
Bad_Pritt said:
Vanne said:
:tumbleweed: I think I have the manual airco, it's no hassle mate, I assure you. Works great even here in 50 plus.
Yeah your getting it from Germany? You going to do the LHD to RHD conversion?
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No conversion needed as I'm living in Belgium :wink:
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So am I, and may be selling mine if you are interested.

New Bilstein B12 kit, new 224s with new Goodyear AS3, new M steering whee, black with red interior. And automatic aircon :)
 
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