M535i AC parts- same as a US 535i/s?

[96cali]

I am looking at purchasing a 1986 M535i that lost its A/C compressor and condenser along the way. It was/is a factory A/C car but I assume the ac has not worked in a long time and I’m planning expenses. I’ve read a bit about other forum members endeavors rebuilding their AC but nothing in the M535i sub forum. My question is should a Sandan kit designed for e28’s work on our euro motors? The kit below seems expensive but I’m willing to pay for simplicity in ordering and easier install. Thanks in advance for your assistance to this newb! This will be my first e28! Phil

https://racegerman.com/products/bmw-e28 ... ersion-kit

Update: I now see they have a pull down menu with m535i as an option. So I guess I’m asking for a gut check from anyone on their opinion of this kit. Thanks!

[vinceg101]

To answer your initial question: the M535i utilized a standard M30B34 motor which all used the same HVAC components (US and EU).
The parts between US & EU are, by in large, interchangeable.

[96cali]

Thank you!

[Kerrvillian]

I can't speak to the compatibility of Euro vs US, but I'd expect it to be the same, or at least close enough. I can speak for the AC Solutions items though. The condenser alone is worth the price of admission just to get rid of the turd that BMW slapped in there from the factory. The difference in cooling performance is unbelievable. I have a 524TD, so the Sanden doesn't fit, but even with the original rotary compressor I have cold A/C on R134a where it just didn't with the original condenser when it was >90F outside.

[96cali]

Thanks for the insight Kerrvillian, I appreciate it! Will be speaking to my mechanic soon about this and (many) other repairs.

[96cali]

Feel kind of dumb asking this but where is the AC button supposed to be? In the car I’m looking at I don’t see anything that looks like an AC symbol (a snowflake?).

Never mind, I answered my own question. It seems to be the standard location is to the left of the vent sliders on the hvac panel but if retrofitted with a Dialvia Av unit it could be other places.

[stuartinmn]

My M535i has the Diavia A/C system. It uses the same snowflake button in the standard location to turn it on and off, but then the temp control knob for the A/C is hidden inside the glove box. Since they were an aftermarket install there probably isn't any consistent pattern for where the bits and pieces were located.