A/C receiver drier to evaporator line/pipes interchangeable?

[alpinewhite318i]

Can I use an a/c receiver drier to evaporator pipe/line from a 1990 325I and put in in an earlier 86 bmw 325es system? The part of the 86 325es is no longer available but you can still get the later style E30s

[nrubenstein]

Yes. IIRC, the early one had the ridiculous fuel cooler thing on it.

Make sure the new line has barrier hose, otherwise, it makes more sense to buy a cheap old line used and get new barrier hose crimped on.

[jeffnhiscars]

One of the lines to the evaporator is NLA and the other is stupid expensive. As nrubenstein suggests, get yours upgraded. I had both of those lines done a while ago for $75 and just did my suspect condensor to drier hose the other day for $50.

Condenser to compressor is $40 new and made by Four Seasons.

When doing the evaporator lines be sure to repack some kind of insulation around the fittings and if your system was questionable (as in not running) Id suggest replacing the expansion valve WYAIT. Its not expensive and for all the fuss of gaining access, vac and recharge, its money well spent

[alpinewhite318i]

The line I was asking about is an all metal pipe from the receiver/drier to the fire wall. It has the high pressure valve in it, I have already replaced the expansion valve/insulation. That part on my car is NLA that is why I asking if the pipe from the later E30 after 9/87 will fit my car? The later pipe is still available from BMW.

[r-mm]

That pipe is NLA, however you can either yourself or by contacting someone like Coldhose have the soft portions replaced. I replaced the soft parts of the NLA hard lines myself.