<aside> 👋 This is a technical bulletin for the E30 Sanden Conversion Kit. Looking for the full user guide? (learn more)
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Throughout production, the OEM E30 A/C system comprised of 2 primary versions of filter drier and pressure switch configurations; however, over the years, many E30s have been repaired, modified, or altered and no longer carry their original equipment. Additionally, when R12 was banned, BMW offered a retrofit kit (link) that utilized the late model drier and safety switch combination to simplify production. Model years discussed below refer to the mfg. date found on the driver’s door (not the sale date).
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There are 2 unique configurations: early model and late model. The early model version has a high-pressure cut off switch (link) (and an optional low-pressure switch) that threads into the side(s) of the drier, while the late model version has a combo (low/high-pressure) safety switch located over the schrader valve on the drier (link). The filter drier can be installed and the system can be fully functional in either of the following configurations. Below serves as a visual reference to help identify the correct version for your car.
Early model config
Late model config
When ordering our plug-and-play Sanden Conversion Kit, refer to the diagrams above as well as the mfg. date found on the driver’s door (not the sale date). For 10/87 → 09/89 models with the early model filter drier, select the "10/87 → 9/89" kit; otherwise, if your car was fitted with the late model filter drier, select the "post 9/89" kit.
Modifying your existing wiring harness to support the later BMW approved filter drier and switch design is much easier than it sounds and can be done as follows:
Disconnect the A/C lines going in/out of the filter drier.
Unplug the high-pressure and low-pressure switch (if applicable).
Remove the old filter drier.
Locate the connector for your original high-pressure cut off switch (green) and splice this onto the new safety switch (black) (polarity does not matter).
Note → If your car was fitted with a low-pressure switch, jump/bypass this signal as the new safety switch is designed to handle both high and low-pressure cut off.