E46 A/C

[Aaron]

I'm considering replacing the standard A/C unit in my E46 with the updated digital unit.

Will the updated unit be compatible or will coding be required?

[Peter-E36]

Wanted to do the same on my e36, but unfortunately unlike the digital unit the manual unit is cable operated so it's not a direct swap (on the e36 anyway) I'm sure the e46 would be similar but I could be wrong.

[HealyC]

Won't work even with coding, you need to have an auc unit which afaik cars without the auto controls don't have. I've tried both type hvac units (facelift and pre facelift) and neither work!

[Aaron]

Thanks for the answers guys, much appreciated.

While were on the subject, I've been thinking about swapping the cassette head unit with a CD head unit - is it a straight swap?

[michael320]

CD player is straight swap, while your there get yourself an aux cable it'll cost you about 20 quid but allows you to play iPod etc.. Through the headunit.

[Gar]

Make sure the cd player you get has the correct antenna connection it comes in two types

[Aaron]

Make sure the cd player you get has the correct antenna connection it comes in two types

Will do.

[John_D]

Just to add,that hvac unit pictured above is actually a pre-facelift unit. The newer style has a different button layout.

[Gar]