Replacing The Final Stage Unit (Blower Resistor) On A BMW
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
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HEAT & A/C BLOWER HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN?
While this DIY is specifically addressing replacement of the blower final stage unit in the E53 X5 (01-06) models, the general procedures are applicable to the late E36 3-series (96-98/99), E46 3-series (98-05/06), E39 5-series (97-03), E85/86 Z4 (03-08) and E83 X3 (04-10). Specific details on the differences in trim panel removal are available in the applicable Bentley Publishers repair manuals.
Items shown in this video are available in our online store at - www.bavauto.com/ , or call our Advisors at 800-535-2002.
Need additional tech help? Please visit our tech blog for thousands of Tech and DIY BMW and MINI articles at: blog.bavauto.com/
Items shown in this video:
Click below for Final Stage Units:
www.bavauto.com/engine-drivet...
Click below for non-marring pry tools:
www.bavauto.com/tools-manuals...
Click below for Torx bit set:
www.bavauto.com/27200
Click below for 69-piece metric & Torx socket set:
www.bavauto.com/cta10100
One of the most common problems on later model BMWs is for the heat and A/C blower control to fail. This causes the blower motor to run at varying speeds or not at all, or even to run continuously (not shut off). Changing the blower speed input on the climate control panel may have intermittent or no effect on the actual blower speed or operation. The most typical cause for these symptoms is a faulty blower final stage unit (commonly known as the blower resistor).
PHOTO 7743 (somewhere in the copy, or as a lead photo)
Later model BMWs (generally from the late ‘90s-on, with digital climate control panels) use a continuously variable blower speed control as opposed to the earlier models that have three or four specific blower speeds that are chosen via a control knob or dial. This continuously variable control is accomplished through a digitally modulated “final stage unit”. These final stage units do eventually fail and as noted above, the common symptoms may include; blower motor will not change speed per the climate control inputs, blower motor changes speed on its own when not in “auto” mode, blower motor does not operate at all, blower motor will not shut off. If your BMW is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may need a new final stage unit.
All products noted in this video can be purchased in our online store, www.bavauto.com/, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are also welcome to e-mail us at info@bavauto.com or call into our headquarters and speak to our knowledgeable advisors at (800) 535-2002 (Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 9PM EST, Fri. 8AM to 7PM EST, and Sat. 9AM to 4PM EST
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Great Video! Watched it about three times before tackling it, went very smoothly and my blower is working perfectly again! Thank you very much.
I followed the instructions on my E53 X5 and everything worked fine. Very nice video. Thank you!
thank you for the well put together video! it makes a 100% difference when you are already familiar with what you are looking at. i replaced my FSU and the heater is working so now i can add all the coolant i lost from another repair session of replacing my 2 pulleys (because of financial hardship i did them one at a time i had to remove the top radiaor hose twice). i couldnt completely fill or bleed the cooling system without my heater on. i am sure many already know this but i felt i should explain. this is especially good because i live in the desert ITS SUMMER NOW AND I HAVE A/C, TOO?! what a novel concept! thanks again, Otto!
Did this to me 1996 E39 5-series. It was a little cramped, but it worked like a charm. Thanks!
This video was very helpful . I would like to add that the original part does not look the same as the most recent part from the dealer . The design was updated but still fits .
This was my first attempt at fixing the blower problem and it happened to be this part if it wasn't for the video i would of had to troubleshoot from the manual .
Thank you for posting this. I was able to follow the directions easily and with a $20 part and 30 minutes, I had it switched out. Everything works now. Thank you!
Chris my motor is spinning but no speed control, just low speed, was your doing the same?
Thank you for all your instruction videos. Saves us lots of money. Keep up the great work.
Thank you very much, excellent video. I just installed my FSU and everything is working just fine. Save over $300 in Canada. God bless you and please keep posting.
i know this is an old video but finally had this issue come up on my 02 x5 and this solved it and saved me a trip to the shop. very helpful, thanks for the walkthrough
Thanks to this video I was able to DIY swap out this part on my 1998 e39. There are a couple of differences, the carpeted portion which requires removing has sliding clips instead of platic pop rivets. They slide towards the rear of the car once the single screw is undone. Also, the transistor itself is situated deeper in the console, and is a massive pain to get leverage on the retaining lever. Oh and the old part has bigger metal prongs of a different metal formula. But yeah, thanks a heap for this video, made the job much easier than it might have been.
This helped me out a lot. One place said it was the blower and the entire dash would come out. Thank God I kept looking.
worked perfect, I didn't have to remove the glove compartment, worked fine just removing the plate underneath the GC and the side panel. Thanks for the video
Video really helped. Saved me over 500 in stealership costs. Thanks!
Thank you for this video. I saved a lot of money today!
Sir, you are a very gifted teacher. Thank you and best wishes.
Thanks for your video. I was able to replace the unit myself. Perfect explanation. Thanks
Hi Bavarian Autosport, first i would like to thank you for taking the time to make this video. i had the same problem with my 03 525 M sport the blower would come on and off and that's when the engine is of and the key removed my battery kept loosing it's power and need to be recharged so i replaced the Resistor and now it's sweet, but in the UK model it's on the driver side RHD and all i did was to removed the panel under the steering wheel and that's all the panel i removed to removed the Resistor. thanks again.
+boysiy thanks for the input
boysiy where under the driver's side I can't see it
great video! just replaced the Final Stage Unit on my daughter's 2002 BMW X5.
Is there a way to troubleshoot the FSU/ resistor to see if its really bad?
Really Great Video. Best ever seen of its kind with excellent step by step explanation and excellent good views !!! Five *
Good video, didnt know there was a clip which was hanging me up, this video clearly shows that. Easy fix to non blowing AC! The chinese knock off on ebay works perfectly, good thing i only spent $18 versus the $127 at Autozone
if you liked the bavauto video maybe you should have bought the resistor from bavauto. now your car will probably break down. kinda how life works
Cool thank you for the great video all fuses were good that is why I found your video
Thank you for sharing the knowledge, very useful video
Thank you for your very good video. I already ordered the part from Bavarian. A question: Is this replacement possible without pulling out the glove box frame? I saw some other instructions only taking out the under dash panel. Thanks
Is this the same procedure for an f01? cant find anything online. I can see where it goes on the blower motor, i am just not sure if its accessed from that area or from the top of dash. any help is appreciated
Otto F/N rocked! I H A T E that Bavarian Auto went out of business/got bought out. Otto, where are you????????!?!?!?!?!??!?!
Hi this is a very good video. I have gr8 1997 il my blower in the back is not working . what could be the problems .. Note the front is working good . thank you
Thanks for making the video, but how do you know if it's the resistor (final stage unit) or the capacitor? In my case (1997 328i) the blower motor no longer works, was working but had to keep it on at least on the lowest setting because if you turned it off it may not come on again. People with the capacitor issue usually had problems reading the climate control module. I guess I'll check the fuse first (pretty sure it's not) and then I'll change out to resistor since it's a lot easier to replace then to take the control module out to replace the capacitor which requires soldering out the old one out and the new one back in.
Great video. I got a code with my Peake Research Scanner: code 06-8b (electric thermostat control final stage). I have read this is the same as "Final Stage Unit". Is this correct? I have no problems with air system, everything works fine. Any ideas? replace now or wait....Thanks.
thank you for the video help me alot and make the job easy ....
Word of caution for RHD X5 owners. The FSR is on the drivers side, NOT the glovebox side. Remove the cover under the steering wheel and the trim panel at the side of the centre console. You can then see the FSR same as in this video
Thanks
I wish I read your comment
Before I took glovebox out
Lol
Bruce MC Yep, me too 🙈
Is the motor resistor on the 325xi 2006 under the steering wheel too?
@@orihellcon don't know about that one. Maybe one of the BMW forums might
The Blower resistor on a 2004 E60 is located under center of dash below and cannot be found from the side like this video describes. You have to remove blower motor to get at resistor. Leave the dashboard on if you can.
Okay, I replaced blower resistor, and everything is working good, but I have a problem. I could not fully snap in the part into the slot. It is not hanging out of the slot or anything, but the clip is not holding the part in as I couldn't get it inserted far enough that it would snap in. Will it cause any issues in the future?
After watching your video, I was able to replace the FSU on my 2003 BMW X5. I was able to reach over and replace it without removing the glove box. Thanks
nice
Hey Robert, how were you able to do it without removing the glovebox? Can you explain a little bit of what procedure you used/steps you took to get at it? - Thanks!
I have a e 36 compact from 2000 end i cant find the rezistor pls help
Hi Bavarian,
My 2003 x5 e53 rhd blower is intermittent.
If I tap the top of my dash above the steering wheel it will work, only slightly but makes droning noises and sticking.
Could it be the final stage resistor, or does it need a new fan motor ?
Thanks
Shaun
this worked for me. symptoms were; air cutting out, a few instances of air on full blast, and finally air stopped completely. i have an X5 E53 and i did need to remove the glovebox as described. the old resistor would not come free of its electrical connector. had to get a screwdriver in there and pry it free while depressing the tabs on the connector. very difficult to do without removing the glovebox (which is easy)
Hi. At 4:48ish, would you happen to know where that clip with the purple wire and brown wire go to? I accidentally unclipped it from wherever it goes... Thank you!
Do I have the blower resistor on the same place on my car ? the blower on my car stops on works sometimes. I have a BMW E60 2004 Petrol from deutschland ???
This video is so nice thanks a lot
my 2003 X5 blower fan will only work at the same low speed regardless of the fan LED setting......would the FSU cause this problem? thanks
I have a 2002 530i and is draining power from the battery somewhere. I checked all the fuse and everything and no sign of leaking from them. someone suggested that my FSU might drain the battery but my ac and heater works fine. any ideas please before I go ahead and change the FSU?
Great job.. great teacher '''thanks
Thank s so much bless from vienna 😎😎😎
I replaced the blower motor resister on a 2001 bmw 325i blower still runs wont stop!
I miss your videos Otto.
Fantastic. It works.
I had my blower (BMW E53, 2001) in full mode but it blowing very little amount of air, any idea what might cause this problem? Thanks
my bmw x5 e70 has a different fsu, it seems to be part of the blower motor unit , would this be correct
Is the FSU located in the same position on a RHD BMW?
subscribed and notification on thx a lot
Thanks Otto!
i have a question my heat control the light wont turn on just the air idk what happen
Any helps or suggestion re this problem I'm having...X3 E83 2.0d - Blower blows on face and feet fine (hot, cold, AC) as soon as i switch it to windshield no air comes out of the windshield vents. Any help anyone?
i'd love to see how to do this for a right hand drive e46
That is helpful, Thanks
I have a 2015 BMW X5 35i (F15). The driver side and the passenger side behind the driver ac does not blow cold air although will blow regular air. Even the passenger side also does not have a full blast of air once in Max AC. Should I be changing Final Stage Unit, Blower Motor and Blower Motor Resistor. I even don’t know the difference between all these different parts. Can someone help.
Thank you for the information you made my job so much easier. I will be passing along your channel
hi , I need to see on e61 2004 how can you do it???
05 x5, my climate control panel lights up but screen stays off and none of the buttons do anything. Any idea?
What year bmw is this... ? I have 2006 bmw 325xi.. video was helpful up to removing the glove box. blower motor is directly behind glove box. Cannot find resistor. Please help ANYONE?
Is it the same for a right hand drive cars?
Do u have to remove the glove box just to get to it?
Good info thanks
Can you do some how to videos for the e60 m5 please
I have a bmw x5 2009 48i and i could not find the location. I looked as per this video but its not there. Could someone tell me exactly the location for this particular model and year? thank you
Hello guys my 08plate x6 3.o diesel when I switch on air con it makes the ENGINE run rough any idea what it could be bmw agent's are no help what so ever,!!
Do you know where the ihka is located on these e36?
2000 BMW 323ci E46: Fan on back of AC control panel keeps running, even after key is off and removed. ANYBODY have a fix for this? Thank you!
The fan hasn't been working on my 2004 x5. I had fsu unit replaced 1 year ago so presumed it was that again. did it myself this time after watching your video. The last one wasn't quite fitting correctly, clip couldn't go on. replaced and fitted new one ok and clip fits . But fan not working??
what is the next step for diagnosing problem?
can you help
cheers
Brendan
Likely, you need to replace the blower motor. Just make sure all the fuses are OK before you go into the blower.
www.bavauto.com/shop.asp?HC1=0&Htarget=search.asp&HCY=2004&HCM=X3%203.0i&SearchStr=blower%20motor
What causes the FSR to go wrong?
My son's car had this problem. The battery kept dying and he didn't know why. The blower would run at all times. I did a little research and found out about this. Replacing it was no easy task though...
renragged very easy replacement took 5 mins only screw driver needed
@@ajisabrat so it makes the blower motor run on its own witch my x6 is doing SOME time when you first get in car
thank you so much! if I can do this, anyone can!
Hello,
I don't have any more power on my panel for AC and heating, should I go direct to change the FSU or first I should check the fuse and the relay? is there a relay for this to check?
Thanks, for your reply.
I have the same problem as you!
Have you resolved it?
Im having the same issue. Did you ever find out the problem?
Yes it turns out it was the whole motor.
Hello bav,
My ac blow just air (not cold) and if i switch the car off and on again. it might blow cold air normally and b4 15 mins, will blow hot air again. ive checked the compressor, its working fine. will changing the blower fix the problem?
ahmad ahmad Did you ever get a answer for this question?
THANK YOU
Would anybody be able to help me, I currently own a 2005 3.0L diesel x5. the issue is the engine temp really struggles to get hot on cold days and if i put the heater on it zaps all the heat out the engine. Now I know what you'll all be saying! change the thermostats, well done this, all of them but still no luck, I've even changed the Aux heater and had a new viscus cupelling on my engine fan and no joy. My local BMW dealer has looked several times with no luck has anybody heard of this before or know what I should look at next.
No control in my 1997 m3 air conditioning. Seems not to have any control in speed of air. But if I have the setting on low and I'm on the freeway, it blows cold air (blows varied between how fast I am on the pedal) will this fix that problem? Seems I still get the hot and cold air, just not blowing ?
zack aglugub I have the same issue. My mechanic said its the blower about a $400-600 repair. So far we've only had a few heat waves and I've gotten by without a/c but it's nearly summer and I'm not sure I want to suffer in a hot box.. What did you end up doing?
How to repair BMW X5's (e53) authomatic trunk opening using some button? My doesn't work and I don't what to do with this.
+Adrians Veinbergs - Of course the repair will depend on what's actually at fault. Have you done any diagnostics to determine what is at fault? The Bentley Publishing repair manual for the E53 X5 will help you diagnose as well as repair.
Bentley manual, E53 X5:
www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=bx56
Hi BavAutorsport - Thanks for this great video.
I got a question for you, if the Final Stage Unit is bad can this cause the electric radiator Fan not to move at all?
First my Expansion Tank blew up. I replaced Expansion Tank and lower hose coolant Sensor. After replacing these parts I found out radiator fan moved sporadically, to the point only with AC on worked. After a while even with the AC on the radiator Fan wont move at all. It does sometimes, but not as frequent as used to be. Then it stopped moving at all.
Second, the upper hose blew up. I replaced the upper hose and got a new fan since last scan shows signal reaching the Fan module but it does not do anything. Added coolant/did bleeding process. The Fan wont move when car reaches its temperature, I turned on the AC, it worked for a moment and then it stopped moving at all again.
If AC is on air is not cold. If heater is on air is not hot.
I appreciate your inputs and feedback.
Car: 325i 2001
Thanks.
I keep seeing two different parts with the same name. What is the difference? Please help
Whether he spells it "Otto" or "Auto", it's a perfect name.
you don't have to remove the glovebox..if u have the me 528i
Thank you for posting this video; very helpful. The only comment I have is the voice and video are slightly out of sequence.
+Alex Edward - Thanks, Working on that. We can't record live audio at this time, due to our working warehouse (noise).
I replaced my ac blower about a month ago and it never work ,is this final stage necessary for it to work ?? everything else is working , compressor and everything but it just doesn't blow any air ,
Oscar Cancino, Short answer, yes, install a new fsu.
My AC in my car X5 only works till number 3...if I go higher the AC turns off...help me please
Why no screw securing the FSR?
Is this the same process for a 2003 bmw 325i model?
Alston Hayes yes
thank you . .~~
Hi i just brought a bmw e30 320i 1992 4 doors and its in a very very bad shape and i want to restore it, the thing is i dont know where to start from it would really help if you can guide. Like i said its a total mess
+ali elmir Well .... We would say to start with things that keep it from running, move to safety items, then on to whatever else is not working. Did you have any specific areas that are especially troublesome?
RIP Bav Auto
Where is the final stage unit located on a post facelift E38 and is it as easy to get to as the later models?
+Timothy Brewster Actually it's very difficult, I have the same problem, you have to remove the upper dashboard, there is an diy on the net, you can find it easy
+Timothy Brewster - the E38 resistor is mounted on the motor and this is all buried in the dash (not easy). The Bentley repair manual for the E38 chassis does cover the procedure. We would suggest you take a look at it and see if you are up to the task.
Bentley manual E38:
www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=b701
great
Just did this but removed the side carpeted area (he called it the panel) - 2 screws rather than the entire glove box MUCH QUICKER AND EASIER
i wish you did mercedes repair also , will that be upcoming in the future??
+farerse no probably not they specialize in bmw and mini, they have a great online store, i get bmw part in 3 days max
+farerse - No current plans for Mercedes, although, we do take a look a the possibilities of adding other marques.
so I replaced the fsu and still nothing wgat would be my next step?
2strokemoto man
If all the fuses are good, I believe replacing the blower motor is the next step. Which apparently requires removing the entire dash rather than just the junk box.
Are the hella fsu units of a decent quality. I think they are now Chinese built
The chinese fsu's on ebay worked perfectly fine for me
Would this work for a 97 328i?
+Lauren Carver - Yes, similar. Your exact access will be different, but the general location is similar. The E36 Bentley Publishers repair manual would detail the exact access for the E36.
www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=b398
+Bavarian Autosport is the compressor clutch for The ac supposed to stay engaged on a 2007 bmw 328i ?
2004 528i. Not the same.... I have everything apart . FSU not in the same spot as video.... now what?
Didn’t show the two screws holding the resistor in
i have problen with dispaly
how i can fix that or open that
X5 2000 3i
+Behrouz Ve - If you have missing pixels, this is extremely common. The problem is a loss of contact on the ribbon cable that connects the display to the circuit board. The only proper repair is to replace the complete unit. There are repair kits out there as well as companies that you can send the unit to for repair. Just search E53 X5 missing pixels or pixel repair.