What A/C Compressor to use in oddball E30?

[cardnation]

My oddball is a M20 (88 325is) swapped 1991 318iC.

The PO did A/C and PS deletes, but seems to have left the necessary A/C items in place with the exception of the compressor. I do plan to to stick with the R12 system and I'm hoping I can go grab one from the local pick and pull.

Any recommendations on what compressor to get?

[jlevie]

A compressor from any 325 should work. Check to see if the compressor mount is still on the engine, if it isn't you'll need to get that along with the compressor. And you will probably need the tensioning parts.

[cardnation]

Great thanks for the response!

Do you know if there is any difference between early and late model compressors?

[scottinAZ]

there were several different versions of the compressors used, with little rhyme or reason to them. As long as you get all the parts off the same car, you should be good to go. make sure your lines match the compressor though, all the lines on the body side are the same.

Shopping list would look something like this

Compressor
Brackets
high side line to condensor
Low side line to evaporator.

as long as all of this matches the compressor, you will be hunky dory, and enjoying cold(er) air from the system

[cardnation]

This is very much appreciated information. Thank you.