E36 - when did climate control become standard fit?

[clonmult]

Been looking at E36s again, and one of the things I'd want would be the dual zone climate control (had it on my E36 coupe).

But the majority of older models just have manual heating controls. Was there a date when climate control was standard fit, or a certain spec (ie. SE/Sport, etc.) that had it?

[bob1179]

I could be wrong, but I think digital climate control was an optional extra across the range. The top of the line cars came fitted with manual controls and manual air-con.

[wpo750]

I presume you're talking about the digi climate in which case it was indeed a cost option. Digi climate came into effect on models manufactured in the latter part of 1995, prior to that it would have been analogue A/C at best.

[dan101smith]

wpo750 said:

I presume you're talking about the digi climate in which case it was indeed a cost option. Digi climate came into effect on models manufactured in the latter part of 1995, prior to that it would have been analogue A/C at best.

was a cost option even on the M3 Evo.

[clonmult]

Ta all - I seemed to have the thoughts that it was a standard option on my late model E36 coupe (99), after having enquired with BMW on the options fitted. Whoever originally bought the car must have (sensibly) optioned it.

At the very least its worth getting as the dash looks a lot better with the digital climate control in the middle than with a few naff looking dials.

Surprised at the number of comments from people saying "I live in the UK, don't need it". I absolutely hate having to continually adjust the temp gauge on a car to keep a constant temperature inside - dialling in the temp you want is so much easier. Okay, I'm lazy!

[wpo750]

By 99 the E36 was end of line and it wouldn't surprise me if dealers were throwing in options in order to shift the last off the production line whilst bridging the gap with the E46. The Evo GTII is a great example of such 'final edition' practice, technically no better than a standard Evo but loaded to the hilt with options which I gather was a part of the 'package'.

Edited by wpo750 on Friday 9th January 10:39

[Shropshiremike]

Aircon or climate is quite useful if you have small kids in the back. Never bothered with aircon till i had 2 boys - you realise how hot they get in effectively harnesses and bucket seats - especially abroad in the summer.
If I'm on my own I prefer having the sunroof open - I'm lucky to have both on my 328

[MitchT]

Dual digital climate control was certainly standard on the E36 coupe in '99, 'cause that's when I bought mine and there was no talk of it being a special 'dealer extra'. It was shown in the brochure as standard. Not sure when it became standard though.

[wiggy001]

I got the options list for my 99 cab from a PH'er who works for BMW (sorry, can't remember who).

There is no mention of climate being an option, leading me to think it was standard fit. Maybe later, bigger engined cars got it standard? Mines a 328i btw