How many 360's with Air Con?

Post by **SoLaMaNdA** » 02 May 2005 05:44 pm

I'm thinking of changing my car at the end of the year and have been looking at other makes, (not keen on the larger Volvos). After looking at Vectras, BMW 5 series etc I've decided 360 is still the car for me! I NEED air con, how many exist in the UK?

Post by **petefarrell360** » 02 May 2005 06:35 pm

Are we including the one on Ebay claiming to have aircon!?! LOL! It may be real. Andy's car, being a GLE SE is the only UK car I've personally seen with aircon. There was another SE car that sold for peanuts through the Autrotrader. I've heard of one or two more. They seem to be most common around the C-D reg oddly. The later cars had the other electrics, and it being an option on the 360 GLE & GLT, it seems as though people rarely paid to have it. Good luck, I know Foggy is still interested in finding a donor car with air con.

Pete

Post by **pettaw** » 02 May 2005 07:04 pm

Bear in mind that aircon is a maintenance item and will almost certainly be non-working.

It was also designed to work on the old non-ozone friendly refrigerant (R12) and that means a conversion is necessary to run on the new gas (R134a)

I had a conversion done on my car when the condensor (large radiator at front) developed a large leak a year ago which wasn't cheap, and now the compressor shaft seal has gone meaning I've just had to spend another 185+vat on a new compressor.

Luckily I've invested in my own refrigerant machine now so labour charges for the work don't come into it. I also know that he work is done right so the air con will now hopefully last the rest of the cars life.

So to summarize, aircons great, but its an expensive toy.

Post by **5lab** » 02 May 2005 08:59 pm

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/CA ... 7190924254

leather? check. aircon? check. near you? check

apparently sold, but they've listed it twice since on ebay, so maybe not

Post by **pettaw** » 02 May 2005 09:26 pm

That looks exactly the same as mine. Apparently in 1986 a raft of special editions came out with A/C, leather,injection engine, etc. They were all saloons as well.

Mine doesn't have power steering though, and I doubt that one has either, so check. Oh, and find out whether its had the two head gasket unleaded conversion otherwise its super unleaded only.

To find out whether the a/c works, press the frosty looking button on the heater control and turn the fan on max with engine running, you should hear a clunk and a fridge like noise. It is noisier than more modern compressors, but should sound badly mechanical. Ask the seller whether its been converted to the new gas, if it has, check to see that a newish looking drier has been fitted, its just beside the battery. If you're in doubt try a couple of hundred off the price because its going to cost money.

490quid is more than top dollar for these cars. Should be well under 300, maybe 350 if the A/C checks out 100%

Post by **SoLaMaNdA** » 03 May 2005 12:15 am

Humm, I don't want a saloon. BMW 525 touring is looking more tempting when this car dies...

pettaw - conversion? Not needed, my 1985 GLS runs unleaded fine.

Post by **bodejodel** » 03 May 2005 11:33 am

How about an aftermarket Aircon? Might be a bit expensive, but I bet it is cheaper than a 525 Beamer...

Post by **foggyjames** » 03 May 2005 06:45 pm

I'm surprised to see that GLEi SE is still for sale on Autotrader. I might make another enquiry!

I'm now thinking in terms of finding a dash switch, then using an aftermarket kit. That's unless I get lucky on a donor car - I'd ideally like an original setup. Some parts are shared with other Volvos, including the compressor. I think you realistically have to budget at least £500 though

I'm with you on *needing* AC. Maybe I have some strange heat intolerance, but when I have to concentrate on driving, it's no fun being without it on a hot day. Our other two cars have it, and I'd never go back.

cheers

James

Post by **V6 Man** » 03 May 2005 08:30 pm

Aircon is cool.............

Post by **Tom** » 03 May 2005 09:48 pm

Hmm...I find that just turning the heater onto the cold setting and opening the fresh air vents is sufficient to keep cool. Opening the window and sunroof also helps but passengers in the back usually complain of the strong breeze.

Post by **foggyjames** » 03 May 2005 09:56 pm

Tom wrote:I find that just turning the heater onto the cold setting and opening the fresh air vents is sufficient to keep cool.

That's fine until the air temperature is too high. Opening the window works, presumably due to a kinda wind-chill factor because of the speed, but it's also too noisy to do for long.

cheers

James

Post by **5lab** » 03 May 2005 10:03 pm

nagh i've always found i'm fine with just the vents on full blast too. i dont like the dry air that aircon gives

Post by **V6 Man** » 03 May 2005 10:07 pm

Having partaken in a brisk 6 hour run from Oban to Belper on one of our few scorching hot summer days (it was over 90*F that day) I can safely say that the aircon in the 760 made it a pleasant experience compared to the nightmare it could have been without it.

Post by **foggyjames** » 03 May 2005 10:10 pm

Yeah, but you think 400 series seats are more comfy Hugh

cheers

James

Post by **SoLaMaNdA** » 04 May 2005 12:53 am

My main 'need' is for the trips to the alps, 700+ miles each way in a full car in 40 degree heat isn't fun without aircon! Did the 460 come with aircon and are they stupid FWD?