Does anyone have AC and regret it? Anyone rip it out? Anyone

[Seth Horwitz]

Looking for opinions. Thanks. 

[esty]

i don't necessarily hate it in my o2 but i removed it years ago rather than maintain it...i've never regretted it, never missed it and wouldn't go to the trouble or expense of adding it...i drove in SOCAL for years and years without a/c and now drive in the muggy, humid mid-south without air in the o2

[chargin]

My rule has been +89’ and I don’t drive the 02, that meant 4 months parked last year, A/C going in 

 

New Clardy style ICEAC

new factory fan

new factory fan shroud 

 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2019 by chargin

[Simeon]

5 minutes ago, chargin said:

My rule has been +89’ and I don’t drive the 02, that meant 4 months parked last year, A/C going in 

 

 

This is my position too. I have driven it for years in hot climates but it is getting harder and harder. The move to Sydney from Adelaide also makes the average speed lower so I can’t rely on lowering the windows and blasting along. 

 

For me it is about the long term usability of the car as turning up places soaked in sweat gets old pretty quickly. 

[Stevenc22]

Yeah im in Texas. My car would be parked 8 months a year if i didnt have AC.

 

I love my AC, not sure why i would even consider tearing it out.

 

A properly setup car will not overheat. If you are overheating, its not the AC fault, its because you have a tired radiator, crusty water hoses or a tired water pump.

 

Yes the AC draws alittle power when turned on, but almost no power when turned off, so if you need every horse power for a spirited drive, just leave it turned off.

[ray_]

For those who wouldn't have it, age a little and move to the south. I'll check back with you then,

 

? 

[Mario Falfan]

In Houston during the summer you need a/c to keep the little aquarium cool, it’s not cold but cool !

[Flamingo 5]

Take this poll again on August 16

[Flamingo 5]

In West Palm  Beach you need

A/C in the winter and my favorite drive is 14 hours in May to the vintage 

I’m installing as we speak 

Edited February 18, 2019 by West Palm 2002

[Mario Falfan]

Am about to install a new radiator, water pump and thermostat to get ready for the nasty summer ...

[irdave]

Northern Colorado here.  The m2 had AC, I just ripped it out.  Probably would have worked really good as it's from the e30m3.  There are a few days here each year that it would be nice, but it's just so much extra crap in the car for a couple of days a year...  So I usually tint the windows, which helps a ton, and when it's really hot I leave the dog at home.

 

So I'm with Esty, I ripped it out and am not looking back.  And other cars.

[ray_]

And I may install whatever the latest heat-blocking window film is. Ceramic still?

 

Cheers,

[irdave]

4 minutes ago, ray_ said:

And I may install whatever the latest heat-blocking window film is. Ceramic still?

 

Cheers,

 

I don't know.  I think anything makes a noticeable difference.  But it makes a huge difference, especially up here.

[Seth Horwitz]

I think this gets complicated for these cars for a bunch of reasons. 

1. These cars weren't designed for AC from the factory. This leads to both installation and possible vehicle performance issues. 
2. Dealer installed AC seems to help, when needed, but the car is still a fish bowl that gets hot, even with the AC in those circumstances. 
3. There are several different units that were installed, so going apples to apples is really tough. (Just speaking functionally. I think one looks better than another. Other people will differ in opinion.)
4. We have a few different climates within the U.S.
5. The 2002 seems to range in use from daily driver to fourth car for owners, based on this forum. For the former, climate control can be very important, but for the latter you can just grab a different car if you need to. 

Keep the responses coming. Any datapoint helps, even if it's becoming more and more clear that there will never be a consensus. 

     Seth

[Flamingo 5]

I’m restoring a 1967 bmw 1600

it had a aftermarket ac install in

1968. The unit was a mark V brand with evaporator in glove compartment and vents coming up out of the parcel shelf.

it is period correct but, I just don’t like it.

im now intent on installing a behr console and all other components new