After getting all the AC hoses sorted, I needed to ensure the right amount of PAG-46 oil (PAG-46 is what's specified for the E46 M3) is in the compressor. All other AC components are new, so there's no oil in any of them. I didn't know how much oil remained in the compressor since it's been on and off the engine several times since I acquired it.
I guessed that this port would allow for draining the oil, and I probably could have taken it off while the compressor was in the car, but decided to pull the compressor for the job.
I've never actually fondled belts/pullies on a car with a serpentine belt system before, so was a little unsure of the procedure. Turns out it's insanely easy: Just compress the appropriate belt tightener assembly and use a tool in the helpfully provided holes to keep it that way. The belt then comes off.
The compressor is attached with 3 bolts. Getting it off was cake. It turns out it was basically dry, with no oil remaining. This is actually good news as it means I could be more precise in ensuring the right amount of oil was added back (BMW specifies 3.30-4.70 Oz. of PAG-46).
The next job turned out to be fun. In a slightly insane way...
The early-style (9/84 and earlier) HVAC controls I sourced for this car had a broken pin where one of the slider knobs go. I was able to source a couple extra slider assemblies and yesterday I dug into fixing this.
I immediately discovered the unit I had sourced had been broken internally, fixed with epoxy, and that epoxy had failed. Each of these holes should have a brass insert for the screws that hold the 3 sliders assemblies in place. They were almost all broken off.
Damn. That sucks, because early style HVAC parts are hard to find.
I got out one of my old-style spares (I have a baker's dozen or so) and decided to see whether the underlying part was actually different. It turns out the plastic molding re-enforcements changes a bit over time, but the parts are identical! The only material difference is the late-style does not have the brass screw inserts.
Well... since I have the brass inserts still connected to the screws I could simply insert them. I found the best way to do this was to heat up the insert with a heat gun and tap them in. Then as they cool, the plastic grabs. Done.
I also disassembled and completely cleaned one of the good slider assemblies. After lubing it, it slides like new. I also tested the LED (which have recently gone NLA).
I took apart 3 other assemblies to find the silk-screen (prisms as realoem calls them) parts to find those with the brightest colors and whitest whites. I did find I could brighten up the white by cleaning with alcohol, but they'll never be as white as new (an they are NLA; I checked). Of course I broke the best one cleaning it, so will be using the 2nd best:
This is when I realized I have never seen the connector that connects to these things.
In looking at all the parts diagrams I came to realize that it must be part of the early-style harness. My car has an '85 harness in it, and thus that connector and wiring does not exist. Hence me posting this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=155390
I'll finish all this up today and pray I can find that connector/wire quick!
ala Wayne's World
