E46 vs E36 A/C compressors

[e46cruiser]

So I have a question, It's about time for me to do my cooling system overhaul and ignition service ( plugs , coils , spark plugs, boots ) my disa valve, and a few other things. So I've been considering doing an m50 or m52 swap for a few months now and I wanted to retain my ac functions. Would it be easier to use the e36 compressor and run new lines, or would it be better to use the e46 compressor and retain my ac lines? Do the m50s or m52s have different compressors? I would assume the m52 and m54 would have the same compressor since its pretty much the same engine?

[auaq]

Just a quickie ...

I'm pretty sure that I know this but to be sure does the E36 compressors regardless of the years and model use the R12 refrigerant or the R134 system?

[e46cruiser]

Just a quickie ...

I'm pretty sure that I know this but to be sure does the E36 compressors regardless of the years and model use the R12 refrigerant or the R134 system?
I thought later years came with r134, but I could be mistaken and it could have been a swapped one.

[BimmerBreaker]

If not all of them, then almost all US E36's are R134. The swap happened from 92-95, there may be a few early early E36's that made it through with R12 but I personally doubt it. I am assuming OP wants an M50B28 which started in 95, so they will all be R134. Since M52's are just a newer engine, it will also be R134. The 325/318 were the only "early" model E36s before '95, so as long as you arent getting the 2.5 or 1.8 you should be good.

Not sure about compatibility between compressors.

[e46cruiser]

If not all of them, then almost all US E36's are R134. The swap happened from 92-95, there may be a few early early E36's that made it through with R12 but I personally doubt it. I am assuming OP wants an M50B28 which started in 95, so they will all be R134. Since M52's are just a newer engine, it will also be R134. The 325/318 were the only "early" model E36s before '95, so as long as you arent getting the 2.5 or 1.8 you should be good.

Not sure about compatibility between compressors.

Perfect, that's what I was asumming but this guy made me second guess my self. I am looking for an m52 ideally so it would be r134. I've looked around at part numbers and they do in fact seem to be different. So hopefully I can fab something up to keep the e46 compressor or I would have to run new lines.

[BimmerBreaker]

Sometimes part numbers may be different but the parts are still compatible (ie. just an upgraded part on a newer model). Its worth verifying if they are compatible, though if you are getting the engine anyways you almost may as well just get it then after the fact see if your compressor works. Best case scenario it works and you dont need to buy anything else, worst case scenario it doesnt fit and you are in the same boat you are in now and need to make it compatible.

Good luck!

[e46cruiser]

Sometimes part numbers may be different but the parts are still compatible (ie. just an upgraded part on a newer model). Its worth verifying if they are compatible, though if you are getting the engine anyways you almost may as well just get it then after the fact see if your compressor works. Best case scenario it works and you dont need to buy anything else, worst case scenario it doesnt fit and you are in the same boat you are in now and need to make it compatible.

Good luck!
Thanks! I guess I'll have to figure that out once I get there lol