How to Replace Final Stage Resistor (FSR aka Hedgehog) - BMW E46 3.18i - Full Detail, Sparks and All
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- This is a video guide to replace the final stage resistor on a 2000 E46 BMW.
I am not a professional, this guide was made during my experience of changing the FSR also know as the Hedgehog due to the way it looks.
here is a link to the guide I used:
www.jason-pere...
FYI - I bought my FSR from a BMW and still had the same problems with fitment due to the change in design. I have also bought cheaper alternatives and had no problems from Amazing using the same part no. 64118383835 (video)/64116923204 (realoem). This number is for a 3.18i 2000 E46 saloon/sedan ref engine ref AL30 on realoem.com.
If you are going to use the links below check your exact part number first on realoem.com
I believe the same part was used on the E39 E53 E83 E46 E36 325 328 and M3 but I only have direct experience on my car. So always check first.
Recommended
MEYLE - HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR 2 YEAR GUARANTEE 64116923204
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Alternative sellers and price:
YAOPEI - Car Heater Motor Fan Blower Resistor 64116923204 for E53 M3 M5 X5 X3
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BMW OEM Heater Fan / Blower Motor Resistor - Final Stage Contol Unit # 64116923204
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Other tools that I used that were really helpful:
Precision screwdriver set with an extension and Torx bits.
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Panel remover tools
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Good luck!! J
Although recorded 8 years ago, you still help people fixing this problem. It took me 4 hours but got it done. That lower hidden screw got me beat for a long time until I modified a tool so I could get to it. Thanks mate from australia
Now that it is done, everything replaced without breakage and running like new, I had to sit down and write a sincere thanks to young Jaypo for not only getting me through this, but obviously a lot of others. Yes, what an incredible BEE-yatch of a job. That hidden screw, a killer. I used a short ratcheted screwdriver with an extension that could be locked into 90 degrees as there are few options that fit in that space. Even though 4.5 years have passed since the video was made, it is the only one available dealing with a UK E-46 BMW. I started with a US version, mistakenly thinking it would be the same but opposite side only to find that, after removing the glove box and lots of other parts, the FSR was no where to be seen and had to put everything back together (nightmare), take a deep breath, watch Jaypo's video, and dive in again. Without a stubborn streak, none of us would make it through a repair of this type. It would help to be a leprechaun!
Really glad to see a British version on this, thanks. American did help but left and right thing was a issue.
Watch the video in a mirror?? 😀
Thanks for the positive comment mate! Good luck when you get round to it, I'm glad the video has helped you. All the best!
Just wanted to say thanks for this. As another RHD owner I was about to pull out my glovebox to do this!!! I encountered all the issues you did too. I sandpapered down the sides like in the last step but ended up carefully tapping it back in with the handle of a large screwdriver and hammer.
Thank you for posting this! Working from the same written instructions as yourself, I've removed mine today and your filming and comments helped me a lot.
In addition:
That 2nd screw is a demon to find! I'd describe the position as sitting snugly away, about 4cm to the left of the white bit on top of the housing. And yes, I didn't disconnect the battery and got the same sparks when I found it!
On mine (early 2001 318i) the stepper motor separates from the housing by gently pulling the clips away, rather than pushing them in
The FSR retaining clip was black (rather than white on yours) . I used a very long flat blade screwdriver to push it back, which it wouldn't fully do until I noticed a sneaky black wire running behind it. That easily set away from that position. The FSR came out by hand - surprising as it's the original
You are a hero! I hope that BMW designers look at this.
Hi Jaypo7, Yeah all I did was move the stepper motor to one side and not remove the rod and all was fine, people who know me say I want to do any job as easy as I can, you made it very easy for me many thanks.....
Nice one mate, couldn't have done that without your video!
No worries Ryan! :) Glad it helped you mate... Thanks for the positive feedback, All the best :)
Just used this video to fix mine, fiddly job couldnt have done it without this
Life saver
Jay, really good to see your “how to” on this, especially on the issues that you had to overcome in getting the top screw. And of course the spark. Genuine and honest walkthrough mate. Did mine after watching yours as mine is a RHD.
To anyone whose reading this, I did find having a flexi adaptor help grab the top screw a lot quicker.
Cheers again Jay.
Nice one, this really helped me replace mine today. I used a Leatherman T20 torx bit with the extension bar to get to 'the' torx screw - it's just the right length and worked a treat. My new hedgehog was a snug fit but I shoved it in without filing/sanding. Cheers mate
Top man, thanks for the tutorial, just done mine and it's all working, what a pain in the arse that job is, a few screws but in an impossible position. Video really helped, cheers.
Hey thanks for taking the time to make this video as it can be a pretty thankless task. Will do mine next weekend and this video confirms its going to be a fun job!
Thanks so much for your painstaking efforts and detailed info. I'm going to have to replace my hedgehog very soon.
Attempting this today, got all my tools ready and got this video downloaded on my phone, wish me luck!!
Taz -y How did it go mate? Got it done?
M8 your video really helped. Just taken out my suspect FSR from my 330d. Hidden screw was a nightmare and without your video would never have found it, had to get to mine by feel alone. Many thanks
Thanks. I had a bit bigger struggle but after 2h all was done and everything works. Thanks for the video.
Just done mine, I found that using a very small bar and the T20 I could easily undo the 2nd torx screw to my surprise, and after undoing the stepper motor I found that I could just push it up out of the way..... Thanks for your vid.... helped me a lot.....
Brilliant video. So nice that you made the mistakes first so I didn't. Thank you.
Very helpful guide to a horrible job.
May I add some information even though this guide is 5 years old.
I have just done mine and struggled I assure you. However, it suddenly occurred to me to take the seat out and then the job becomes a lying down, full length, job. A lot easier to get in close and see what you are doing. With a bit of foam to lie on I nearly fell asleep. :)
Also, if you pull the console out away from the gearbox tunnel, you can remove the air vent that gets severely in the way.
It is best to remove the radio and AC unit and then the cage the two units sit in, you can see where the top part of the air vent goes back in and clips in place when you replace it. The bottom part sits over a vent in the top of the Gearbox tunnel.
I disconnected the battery as the Final Stage Resistor is live even with the key off.
I have a code reset unit (OBD unit) to reset the airbag code but I am told if you only disconnect the negative terminal off the battery, the light will not come on in the dash. I am not sure about that.
Hope this helps.
Great Video Jay, I just tackled mine and it was a brutal job! Great tip on sanding the plastic housing of the new FSR as it doesn’t fit properly unless you do that. My points are be careful with the plastic clip on the obd connector when taking your panels apart, you want this clip intact because if it breaks it means and you ever want to plug in a OBD2 for diagnostics it will push it back inside your panel and you’ll need to take the panel off to get access again. Also when taking out the screws for the FSR housing use a long magnetic tipped torx20 screwdriver, I bought some off ebay for a fiver these are great for the job but you still have to be careful to to bang the screw off anything when removing it as if you drop the screw you will not get it back! I just moved the steeper motor to the side when doing the job sometimes pulling on your air duct back towards the drivers door helps.
I wouldn’t recommend anyone who has neck, shoulder problems as its pretty sore on them. I also bough a led head torch out of poundland it took 3 aaa batteries and helped a bunch with the lack of light. Id also recommend getting the drivers seat as far back as possible and a pillow for kneeling on just outside the door.
Jimmy Boyd Hey Jimmy sorry for the late reply. Thank you for the positive feedback and the extra additions. It can be a real challenge but happy to hear you got there. Mines just gone again :( - All the best mate :)
Just done this on mine, that top screw was a buggah.
i found that i only had to file the raised parts from the body of the replacement resistor then it fitted nicely.
great video, thanks..
kwak1261 Well done mate perseverance is key :) Thanks for the positive feedback!
Just did it, everything works fine. If you're changing it in the future a little advice from me - don't be too hard on this part when yours is some cheap one. It can split in half.
Excellent guide to a difficult job. Thanks.
most detailed video ive seen on this thanks mate
Great video. Changed the FSR on my 330d this morning. Could not have managed it with out your video.
Simon Matthews Thanks for the positive feedback mate :) All the best.
Excellent guide, really helped. Took about 1hr to swap out the FSR and get the blower going again. Thanks. BTW I used a mobile with camera and torch switch on to find the difficult screw - this made a big difference to me finding it - although it was difficult to hold the mobile and mini Torx screwdriver at the same time :)
Legend... This was so helpful and thank you for taking the time to put it together.
Cheers, really helped me out. Top screw was a nightmare then found zero screws holding FSR so I guess my car is probably now on it’s third one.
Hey Nik, glad it helped out even after all these years :) Yeah some of those screws were horrible and it doesn't surprise me thats the screws were missing I think I had to change mine 3 times. All the best mate.
Excellent video. Very clear and easy to follow. Thank you!
Hey Jim! Thank you for the positive feedback, glad you liked the video. Funnily enough I'm going to have to do this again as my FSR has started failing, sods law its happens during winter. :) All the best!
That's bad luck man. Maybe a OEM hedgehog will give better life. Your alloy wheel refurb video was top draw. Wish you had more car maintenance vids.
jim nirman Yeah I agree OEM should be better but I have a mate who sorts me out with a good discount and he assured me the resistor would last (to be fair he's never let me down before)... I really appreciated the compliment re more videos... I do have some in the pipeline but life has hit me with priorities... Watch this space you have inspired me to look at it again plus spring is coming so i'll be back outside! Until then mate!
jim nirman wot m8
Great vid, i just changed mine! Its gone back to being intermittent again so guessing the new one isn't of great quality. Will try again!
Great video, helped a lot with me doing my FSR on my 330D right hand drive.
Graeme Field Cheers Graeme - Glad it helped you :)
Damn good job filming and replacing the FSR at the same time, I've got this to do, and I'm not looking forward to it but your efforts will certainly help, thank you very much for this video
Phil Lowney You're welcome Phil :) It was challenged but had to be done. All the best mate.
Thanks for the detailed video. It really helped me today.
Thanks for the upload helped me a lot , just done the fsr, swearing at it helps as well !
The top bolt was a pain but I had an endoscope to help me see with that one.
ShaQ Butt Yep the swearing definitely helps :) Glad it helped mate.
Thanks a lot for this
Very helpful
I did not have to take the motor out
I just pushed it to the side,mayb my clip was broken.
Crappy job but video helped alot!!
My eBay part also was better as I did not need to sand it down.
Went it perfect the first time.
Life saver! I have a right hand drive (AUST) and most of the videos for this tutorial are American so I assume it was accessible from the passenger side like in the American videos suggest. Seeing this made me realise that access is from the driver side for a RHD. Thanks for the guide - I'm not looking forward to doing it but it needs to be done...
Yep I actually took out my glove box etc before I realised although the Steering and pedals change sides all this type of stuff seems to be unilateral in terms of where its located....laughed afterwards but annoying at the time....lol
Tassy Kontogiannis No worry Tassy - Glad the video helped you. It's not as bad as it looks :)
shredidiah lol :) ... we live and learn
Top video, helped shedloads! BMW 320ci... big thumbs up... cheers fella! :)
Awesome instructions, best on the internet for a Right Hand Drive (RHD), should probably edit the title so it more easily found, since most instructions are for Left Hand Drive (LHD) cars, which is quite different.
just changed mine took 1hr! awkward and sore neck! I would say when you go to take cover off that is in way of resister undo bottom bolt and pinch top and spin it slightly then you can get into bolt no problem! a lot easier!
Andy, Thanks for the comment mate. Glad to hear the video helped you out. That very small bar sounds ideal for the job, did you disconnect the stepper motor from the joining rod or just literally move it to the side? (which worked for me too).. All the best!
ime not looking forward to this, will make a start in a few minuites, Thanks for making this,
Was very helpful... thanks
Thank you very much...most utube videos are on left hand drive cars..that mongrel screw took me three two hour sessions...an extra tip is to use your mobile phone to take a picture of the screw..use flash and position the phones photo lense above the little motor to the left of the white cap..I ended up using a set of multi grips (small) to turn the thin short screwdriver .pps wear a long sleeve shirt to prevent carpet burns ..SERIOUSLY! Thank you once again ..total cost about $30 aust dollars eBay
Hey Ian, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It has been a while since I last looked at my channel but I'm happy to find out that the video are still helping. Mobile pics are a great tip and so too the long sleeve shirt :) Nice one!
That torque was a problem for me aswel. But I used a flexi screw driver which work straight away
Been at it for an hour and a half pretty much destroyed my hands at this point just because of this one clip at 4:04
Hey mate, sorry to hear that some of the clips can be a real pain but that one should pop out with a tool - i would use my fingers on that particular one, even after all this time I remember it being tough. How did it go in the end?
@@jaypo7 got it done in the end a real tricky job too do might have left a screw out as well but that resister isn’t going any where, just glad I got fans back on again thanks for the vid too there not much info on how too do it too a uk car
Hey Simoron, you could be talking about the Thermostat which is also referred to as Thermostatic Valve. This does control temperature and costs around £25 off head. If i were you, with regards to the problem you've mentioned, I'd get my AC system tested at somewhere like Kwikfit just to eliminate that. Without the gas and a working AC system you're not going to get the cold air as you would expect. Next I'd replace the Thermo valve but I do my research first. Hope this helps...
worked like charm thanks again
I've just spent £120 on fsr's as the first £40 behr version from ebay was faulty and drained/killed my battery.
I then fitted a £80 sitronic fsr from bmw battersea and it works perfectly with no draining issues.
I might have just been unlucky with my ebay special...
I wanted to sand it before i saw your video, but I was a little skeptical about it. If it worked for you, should work for me as well. Thanks for the help.
My heaters and blowers etc are intermittent at the moment. After checking my fuse I may have to do this. I am a total noob at car maintenance so I'm dreading this.
i also have only hot air after doing this job. I'm guessing I've done something to the flap (the thing infront of the fsr). Time to strip it all and have a look.
thank you just done mine thanks for the video
Guide sent mate.... Good Luck with it! :)
OK Thanks for reply.
... I will do that also ...
Thanks good vid
Hello I've got the same problem, but the van running time and uninterrupted builder knowing you change the existing Assistant fuse in the fuse 41 and the base 16, and continued the same problem is fsr Is holidays with appreciation please reply
i’m in the process but can’t get the top screw of the stepper motor out, so much frustration
great vid, gotta change my fsr now. man, its so much easier on a left hand drive car. after watching your video, Im just gonna pay someone to do it. I live in japan and just brought the part back from the US. by the way, what sparked during the procedure? what did you touch.
No Problem, Good Luck!
wow great video I'm gonna try it now
well am looking forward to having to do this to my car at the weekend
If you have a RHD car then this job is tough, or that's how I found it, steering column and pedals make for very cramped working conditions, but completed it in the end (via my 19 year old very flexible son !!) good news is heater fan has stopped pulsing and it has solved the Battery Drain problem as well. Just for info I see some comments about failures after replacement, when I questioned the £40 price tag of my one against cheaper online the guy said if you buy a cheap one you will be replacing it once a week almost.
shredidiah Having had to do this job a few time now this is the best advice you can get with the FSR - DONT BUY A CHEAP ONE - they do not last!! and you will be doing this all agin within a year. Also I found that the resistor doesn't allow the highest fan setting to get any faster. Thanks for the comment mate :)
Great Job, I’m in the same stage, mine same car ( E46 right steering wheel) and same problem but in Japan.
can you specify the length of the Screwdriver you used to pull out the hide bolt, and if possible where to buy it.
Thanks a lot in advance.
the video was helpfull
I need to do this job but I've been putting it off because it looks like a right faff.
Mine has been intermittent for about a year and a half but now it's stopped working completely so I've got no choice *sigh*
Thanks for the video! I'm really not looking forward to doing this job to mine
So long as you have the tools dude it doable. Tools and a lot of patience, i did it roadside so just go for it.
@@jaypo7 Thanks👍
Hi Mate, I'm no expert but my thoughts are that your AC might need re-gassing for the cold air or your thermostat may be faulty. Have you had your AC system checked recently? My car current produces constant warm air with a new FSR but it wont go cold as I know I need to recharge the AC gas. After that all should be normal unless there are other issues.
Hi ... Mabye ,
I also hear that can be some walve that need replace ...
Simoron
hi .it is very very good video just please let me know whats wrong with bmw to change this part is that blower just keep runs same when turn it high .many thanks
Great thanks, pdf link is not working so I found it here: www.gwynfryn.co.uk/pdfs/e46-hedgehog.pdf
Took me couple hours this morning, freezing cold 50mph gusts out here, but the only dry day in the last week so I had to get on with it. That top screw for the motor bracket is indeed a bitch. I didnt have an extension driver so I used my Torx t20 key set which are quite small and fitted between the steering column. Its quite hard 2 see but I managed to twist my head up near enough so I could just peek over the vent While holding a torch and pulling the vent down and trying to reach for my torx key... the little motor fell into pieces for me!! it had a little spring loaded cog that flew off the shaft, luckly into on the floor and not into the dash. The actual FSR has a monster clip holding in place and a decent flat blade driver was required plus some wriggling to get the sod to come out. I didnt have a issue getting the new part in though, I used the offical Hella Behr part: 5HL 351 321-191 and it just slotted in first time
The pdf link is not working.
Hi just looked at your video and thought ohh Lordy my blower fluctuates and I have no air con I’ve had all the mechanical parts checked and there all sound ie compresser/gas etc ...how long did this job take you and do you fancy doing mine lol (if you live near by ) lol
hey I have a 2003 BMW 3series and everytime I turn the heater on the number 62, 7.5 AMP fuse keeps blowing after about a second. fuse after fuse. the climate controller still turns on though. but no air comes out!
what do you think it could be?
i have an e46 compact im presuming the process is roughly the same the only thing im stuck on at the moment is the screw at the top I cant get a t20 to go down the tunnel/hole to access this screw any recommended tools or tips or help would be great
do you have a copy of the PDF? link isn't working any more. otherwise thanks for the great tutorial.
Unrelated but since you have a 318 as well - ever have any rev/timing issues with the car?
Hallo. I have an 2001 E46 that got the problem and i changed the heat resistor as in this video, the blower is now working Again,
But now the system / ac only blow hot air after replace the heat resistor, anyone know how to solve this problem?
Any chance you still have a copy of that guide? the link is dead :(
that looks a pig of a job lol
i have similar problem,when the engine is off i hear a lil buzzin noise comin from heater panel to which a few have said its the FSR. it'll eventually stop but i dont know when. and starts the minute i put key on ign (without heater panel bein on)
Hey guys i have a problem on my 2000 e46 328i, when it gets cold some of my cars electronics stop working like the radio says disabled my blinkers wont click (but they are on outside) any idea of what it is ?
Luis Murcia was it a relay?
Luis Murcia I'm not an expert but if I was having the same issue Id start with the basics, make sure the battery is in good nick. Then I'd check all the fuses and then start going through each of the issues one at a time and test the circuits.. maybe a bad earth issue.
Thanks
inlineschool No problem mate :)
Update: My replacement I posted about previously lasted 7 months, fan completely stopped working, had to fit a new one today. Installed a more expensive one made by Behr, £52, got refund on failed one under warranty. Hope this one lasts, not a job I relish doing !
the link don't work mate
link is not working ;(
Yes mate I do, others have asked the same... send me an email address and I'll send it over. No probs!
I did this change and the fan is now working .... But now there will only come hot air from the system - No cold at all ... Someone who have same problem, and know how to solve it?
DJ SIMORON Hi mate sound like your trying to use the air con but it has run out of gas... when was the last time you recharged your air con?
What's the link to guide ?
Here you go mate...
Thanks to HemiNutter for this...
www.gwynfryn.co.uk/pdfs/e46-hedgehog.pdf
did it work?
Yes mate it worked...
thank you for your video big boss
Did one yesterday a cunt of a job
Also check the wiring harness plug my one was slightly burnt
Bmw do a repair kit costs about a tenner
Hi jaypo, would you please send me the guide per email, too.... Much obliged
Hi Jay, you don't fancy doing mine for me please as I am a complete mechanical numpty. Pay you of course
Looks like stuff from SCIFI movie.
Could you please send me the guide per Email, too. Much obliged
The hidden top screw on the housing was a complete bast4ard to get out. Not only does the torx driver need to be thin enough to pass down to the screw, it also needs to be long enough to touch the screw (with the driver handle clearing the housing) whilst not being too long so the handle is short of hitting the steering column. Theres also limited space to spin the screwdriver as the heater vent is in the way. Add to this that youre trying to hold a torch aswell and youd better make sure you have a good dose of prozac to hand. This is the only part of the job thats an arse but it took me about an hour an a half because of that damn screw and im sure my right ribs are fractured thanks to the door edging trim. Horrible job
Not looking forward to doing this job.