Climate Control DIY

[shurton]

I saw a climate control replacement DIY about a month ago, and now that it's time to replace mine, I have no idea where I saw it. Anyone run accross it and know where it is?

[m1943]

I've been thinking, an e39/346 climate control module would probably fit into the e34 dash, even if with a bracket of some kind, kinda like after market car stereos. Would it by doable to hook up one of these units to e34 AC and heater? Could an e34 interface with an e39/e46 digital climate control? That would be a pretty cool modification, sorta bringing the e34 into the 21st century kinda deal. Opinions?

[WolfStrong]

I've been thinking, an e39/346 climate control module would probably fit into the e34 dash, even if with a bracket of some kind, kinda like after market car stereos. Would it by doable to hook up one of these units to e34 AC and heater? Could an e34 interface with an e39/e46 digital climate control? That would be a pretty cool modification, sorta bringing the e34 into the 21st century kinda deal. Opinions?
As much as I would love to say that it would work, I just can't imagine it working without heavy custom work.

[Qsilver7]

Ditto...for example...the early e38s (1995-1997) had a analog/digital IHKA control panel that had rotary dials for the fan speed control:
http://i17.ebayimg.com/01/a/000/77/94/61c3_4.JPG

Then late in the 97 model year production...BMW upgraded the IHKA control unit to a digital/digital unit:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/E38%20IHKA%20w%20MAX.jpg

The older e38s with the analog/digital IHKA control units...could only upgrade to the digital/digital IHKA control units after having the units coded to their cars. The ECU controls the operation of the IHKA and without the proper software...the units would not operate properly.

Now, that's within the same generation...placing an e39 unit in an e34 will likely result in utter failure without a lot of electrical know how. The E34's ECU/DME is NOT set up to run the IHKA (especially since most e34s have the IHKR control units). The difference in the operation of the IHKA vs IHKR is more than what anyone would probably want to get into. The auto system versus the regular systems go way beyond the control unit. The auto systems have electronic stepper motors that operate the flap doors...where as the regular (manual) system uses bowden cables to open and close the flaps.

Hopefully you can begin to see the complexity in trying to accomplish something like this. :)

[m1943]

Yeah, I guess I'm beginning to see ... Too bad. Hopefully, some crafty guy somewhere can accomplish this though it certainly won't be me... What about the early-style e38 unit, same problem? Yeah, I realize that the vents are opened/closed manually on the e34, so that's a major problem. Oh, well. The car would really benefit from this mod, if it was possible, too bad it ain't.

[WolfStrong]

There is one option:

In Europe, e34s were given the option to have the auto climate control system just like the e32 (maybe even the exact same system if I am not mistaken) so maybe an option would be to find the parts off of an e32 and swapping them into the e34. I have thought about this many times as a very possible option.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/wolfstrong/bmw/1385706_47.jpg

[m1943]

That's interesting... If this was fitted, then a different digital one could work too, no? This particular unit doesn't really strike me as something that is worth the time and effort, I like those LCD displays like on the '97 and on e38, e39, etc. Then again, this does seem like a seriously difficult conversion for somewhat who is really, really good with automotive electronics. Those guys are out there, I know... ;)

[Mohamed 525i]

There is one option:



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/wolfstrong/bmw/1385706_47.jpg

I have exactly same this one on my 93 E34 540,, I am not happy with it coz u can not control the air like u want some on feet and some on glass, and the main in Auto which is not actually an auto it keep the air coming only to face


the old control which I had on my late 525i it was better

I am talking about the cold air A/C

[Dat Aus]

There is one option:

In Europe, e34s were given the option to have the auto climate control system just like the e32 (maybe even the exact same system if I am not mistaken) so maybe an option would be to find the parts off of an e32 and swapping them into the e34. I have thought about this many times as a very possible option.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/wolfstrong/bmw/1385706_47.jpg

i have it in my E34. its great