A big thanks to you. Saved me a fortune!! Small note for Uk owners its not under the glove box, but the steering wheel side.. The odo connector has a slip clip on the back to pop it out the panel, don't force it out!!! Thanks again.
Thanks for making this. I replaced my FSU yesterday with the help of this vid. Funny how BMW designed the unit to be secured with screws, but didn't bother putting them in. Guess they just settled on the clip.
This video was awesome. I was about to pay $340 to get this done until I called Bapgeon to see why the part cost. $60. Then I came across your video. Thanks a mil I'd buy u breakfast, lunch , and dinner. Thanks again my man.
I have a 2002 325ci convertible. At first my fan would run/not run intermittently upon starting the car. At times I also experienced uneven airflow. When I noticed it was not working or uneven airflow, I would turn the car off and wait for 1 min and start the car again and sometimes the fan would work properly again. This happened for a period of 6 months. Then my car battery kept on dying and I constantly had to recharge the battery even though my battery was brand new and my battery indicator sight glass was green. I thought that i had a slight short circuit somewhere. Finally my fan died completely and would not work at all. Then my battery stopped draining and it would keep a charge. So maybe my battery issue had something to do with the FSR going bad. Today I replaced my FSR and everything seems like it is back to normal. Just wanted to share the symptoms of my car... Thanks for your video. It was very helpful.
Last night I replaced the FSU from my 2001 BMW 325i because my battery was getting drained with no explanation at all. I read in a BMW blog about the possible causes of this drainage and they recommended to check the FSU. Since I saw your video for the first time where you were explaining the problems with the AC I realized that I found the solution of my problem. Therefore, I purchased my FSU from napa ($60.00) and I replaced it following your directions and everything came up just perfect! THX
I've just replaced the blower resistor of my son's BMW 325ci following yours instructions. It was so easy and now the air works and sounds like new. Thank you so very much for this helpful video!
THANKS A LOT! Dude, I'm not a mechanic, but I"m o.k. with tools, so I follow exactly your directions,and after I replaced the FSU, I turned on the A/C, and damn it! I was happy! I had A/C again! Good deal! this was gonna cost me over $ 200.00 at my local shop! Can I buy U a beer? Thank again!
Thanks, this was a big help finding that last screw hidden by the duct for the module. I could feel that it should be there, but couldn't see crap now matter how I twist myself.
Thanks! I replaced my FSR last night because of intermittent air flow from the vents the past few months and then fan output went out all together last week. Ordered from Pelican Parts for $72 saving me 250 from having a local do the job. I am not that handy but your video helped me out! Thanks again.
Thanks bro 👍👍👍.. my symptoms were stuttering and then complete failure of the blower.. as this happened in summer time I thought my ac system was responsible but I replaced the fsu as you indicated and it's now blowing like a 20 year old.. all I spent was 30 bucks on the new fsu
Good video. Especially the bit about the black plastic housing that has two torx screws. On left hand drive cars the upper one is impossible to see so this video is very useful.
Bro! many thanks. swapped it out in about 1 hr. I thought the top Torx screw was going to be a nightmare but everything went perfect thanks to your video. I know that was not easy to video because it was already tight. Thanks again!
You explained very well and I am really glad I found this video, knowing the fact that my knowledge about fixing and replacing car's parts is very limit. But your direction are really accurate. By the way, my FSU was also missing the screws. I just removed it by unlocking it from the little tab. Thanks again!!!! Take care!
So this FSU must be a very common problem; it seems many DIY'ers don't bother to put the screws back. Couldn't blame them, as the inside one is so difficult! By not putting them back, you save time this round; and time and hassle the 2nd time around. My original BWM FSU lasted a good 14 years though! Go BMW!
Thank you for the excellent video. I just changed out the resistor on my 2002 325i and it went exactly as your video. Very helpful and very much appreciated.
Thanks worked perfect. I needed this fixed asap because I did not get any air blowing from vents. I do now! Took a little longer than the 11 minutes you shot the vid in lol. I had to lay down to see around the air flow pipe. Kudos to you for doing this vid saved me some $$$$. Ever in DC lunch on me.
Thank you for this video. I just replaced my FSR on my E46 Coupe 2002 with help from this video. My FSU was also missing the screws and it was a little bit hard to get it out but further it all went smooth. Only one comment. You don't have to take the glovebox out in 2 pieces it can be done in one piece. You don't have to unloose the straps. Just use a very long screwdriver.
Very helpful video. My 1999 328 BMW blower quit on the day the temp went to 100. With the help of your video, it seems like the problem is probably the FSU. Will make the change. Great job, helpful video ! Thanks
+Ogtrippleq (OG) Awesome man! Glad you were able to fix the issue. If it does come back it might be because you bought an aftermarket FSU. Behr is the only brand to go with
I paid even less than $20; but it quit in less than 5 months, and the seller closed up shop! So have to buy a Behr, and another round of work. But I patted myself for having the foresight to leave the glove components outside the car, anticipating the event. Now just put the Behr in.
Great video! Just removed the FSR on my 2001 300i (75,000 miles)... buy a new one and should be ready when the temps drop to -22F this December. Many tks!
Just completed this job on my 2002 330xi. It had the same surging fan issue as you showed in the video. Video was very helpful and it went very smoothly. I took my time, referred to the video and still was finished in under 2 hours and everything works perfectly. I'm a novice, but I'll share a few things I learned along the way. #1 - The part. I purchased the Rein 64116923204 from FCP Euro for $49.99 (lifetime replacement). While it looks different than what you pull out this is listed as the OE replacement. I think this is a better value than the other aftermarket units that are only slightly cheaper and it still saves a lot over the Genuine BMW part. #2 - Getting the connector off the FSR can be difficult. I found that gentle use of long nose vice grips helped a lot for removing the connector and for pulling out the FSR. Attaching the vice grip to the connector socket on the old FSU, I could pull on that with one hand while using a flat head screwdriver to push on the retaining clip for the FSR. A little wiggling and moving the stepper motor up out of the way and it pops right out. When putting the new one in, make sure it is fully seated as well as the connector. You can run your finger on the edge and feel if it is all the way in. and use handle of screwdriver or something to push it a bit to seat firmly. #3 - Getting the 2 T-20 screws for the stepper motor that sits in front of the FSU can be a pain. I found that the ratchet extension would not go in to get the top one. I screwdriver T-20 driver is better. Definitely helpful to have something that will hold the screw while getting it started when you put them back in is helpful. I started with the lower, since it's easier. You can then line everything up for the top screw and place it. I didn't have a magnetic driver so I used a flexible mechanical pickup tool to hold the screw and get it into position. #4 - If you have one of those LED lights that you can wear on your head, it works good for getting light where you need it. If you are on the fence about doing this, I say go for it. You just have to be patient and get yourself in a good position. It's doable is good payback on the time it takes.
Thank you for this. I couldnt remove the wiring harness from the unit until i figured out you have to press in the top and bottom sides while pulling. Also the tab holding in the FSU was very tight and I had trouble bending it out of the way. Its easier to push the whole tab to the side because the sides are also made of some rubber-like material. My neck hurts but im sure I saved a couple hours of labour plus shop charges. :)
Thanks for the help. One suggestion that I would make that may help some. I had satellite radio equipment in the area as well so it was even a more confined space. I left the plug in the resistor so that I could grab onto the plug and get more leverage to pull the resistor out. I used a long screwdriver to push the tab in while pulling on the plug and pulled it all out together. I then plugged in the new one and put it all back into place already plugged in.
Very helpful. Mine surges sometimes and then sometimes the blower doesn't work at all and comes back later and does. Pretty sure this is the problem. Thanks dude, good advice and sorry about your phone!
Very helpful, thanks! I watched this first and didn't need to look anything up while doing the job. Also, funny enough, I found that mine had already been replaced by a cheap brand... thanks previous owner!
at 6:18, you will note a metal bar that is connected to the back of the damper control unit (the unit in front of the FSU). Lift the bar away from the damper control and it will move out of your way. Other than that, a very good video!
The 2 screws for plastic box in front of (and obstructing) the FSU is so difficult to unfasten and fasten that I presume many DIY'ers would leave the 2 screws out after the job, anticipating a repeat! It is secure with just 1 screw, or none at all. Actually a smart move. The number of after market vendors (and manufacturers??) of the unit manifested the unit is a sought after item (frequent failure)! I am surprised that my repair job and comment is 1 year after the last reply. Could it be E46 (1999-2005??) is now a dying breed?
I believe I need to do this jake. I have no air flow at all. I can hear the Compressor Kicking in, but no air. 2 things, this or the blower...thanks for making my search easier than ever...BTW happy new year bro..
Good thing you can DIY the job since that will save you a good amount of money. For the FSR get a BEHR part which is the company that makes them for BMW. Genuine BMW part just has a BMW logo and costs a lot more as where an OEM part is the same company making the part minus the logo. Autohausaz has the part for $60 shipped. Get it from there
Hi Thanks for the instructions. Really a great help. I have a question though. The part that was between the air duct & FSR what is it for? I asked because I broke the hose that holds it from top.
Sorry about the late reply. Glad you were able to get it done, but did you get the Behr resistor? The fluctuation is usually a bad FSR and it running non-stop. Hopefully the one you got isn't faulty.
Awesome, let me know how it turns out. Just make sure you do not disconnect that hose that you have to lift up to get the sensor out. Then you will have to rip the dash out completely
Would this also fix a fan problem that has a mind of its on? blowing at various speeds (fast and low) when it at lowest setting.... And sometimes when you need it to work, it takes forever for start working
In my case the airflow from the vents kept pulsing and one day there was no airflow at all. Few days later it came back and stopped again. FSR was the culprit.
BTW credit to BMW and the original OEM: my original BMW/GKR/Behr/Denso (yes, 4 sets of brands and model numbers, plus the bar code) unit lasts more than 14 years. 2003 330i, FSU quit in May 2017.
My ac went out like 2 years ago, and u changed this part out because I wasn't getting any flo through the vents. But now every time I push the,ac button, the defrost comes on too. Any thoughts what it could be?
Symptoms: Blower "surging" (i.e. uneven blower speed); ignored it (doh!) eventually, blower did not turn off with fan switch or ignition key... dead battery, 2nd of January (of course) thanks for the vid....FWIW, original ETK nr. 64 11 8 383 835 (Thick pins/vanes), superceded by 64 11 8 377 579 (thin pins/vanes)... OEM Behr/Hella part.
Who is on a budget or simply does not want to spend money before trying something else then open up the thing and resolder all spots. Just quickly heat every point you see so it gets liquid and then leave it to get solid again. Some units stop working simply because they have a cold contact somewhere. Not a 100% solution but it may work for somebody.
I replaced the FSU, but now after a few minute is blowing hot air from the passenger side. What i did wrong? It has anything to do with the stepping motor located near to FSU. Please HELP.!
You have a crack in the vents, upper left, I have one too, same place. Probably you've tried to solve this issue just like me, with fist power at first :D
This is the same placement of the FSU on an 2004 X3 E83. Shares the torx screws with the Behr Heater Vent Servo, which is the black component you pushed out of the way. Excellent companion video to the photos from the Mirakid post on the bimmerforum (www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472392&page=2) Great job, and thank you!
This is a great video, thank you very much for posting! Could you give me advice how to buy this FSR online? (Because I am in Europe) I believe there are good and bad products selling around the world, so what is your suggested manufacturer? Thanks again!
I did this change and the fan is now working .... But now there will only come hot air from the systen - No cold at all ... Someone who have same problem, and know how to solve it?
The fsu regulates the airflow so if the air flow is pulsing or you don't have any flow then this will need to be replaced. As for the fins I think it's for cooling, if not then it's to sense the air passing through.
Great video! For anyone interested, I'll post an explanation of why this piece fails (and what this piece actually does). Xion's explanation at around 10:25 was incorrect (not that that diminishes the quality of this DIY at all). Sorry if this is boring! The FSR is not a thermostat, so it has nothing to do with sensing air temperature (that's the climate control's job). If it has a thermostat built-in, that's not it's primary purpose and is not the mode of failure. I'm curious what's on the inside (my dad's car needs a new one so hopefully I can take it apart and look), but since they call it a resistor (which is stupid, it should be called a fan speed controller, or linear fan speed controller to be more precise), I'm going to guess that it's a fan speed controller that uses linear voltage regulation (where the climate control will vary the voltage sent to the FSR, which will control the output voltage of a MOSFET transistor, which is being used as a variable resistor). You can read more about this under Linear Fan Control here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_control MOSFET's generate heat and often need a heatsink (you can frequently see this in power supplies and on computer motherboards on the MOSFETS near the CPU socket), hence the design of the FSR. There must be a (or possibly multiple, though a single one is more likely) MOSFET attached to that heatsink. So the problem is insufficient cooling, causing the MOSFET to burn itself out. The heatsink on the newer unit has MUCH more surface area, increasing cooling performance. Having a good heatsink is the most important part of cooling, as it's what takes the heat of the device its attached to and spreads it out. Sure, you can boost cooling performance by using an active cooling system (a fan in most cases), but if not enough heat is being transferred off of the device, it won't make enough of a difference). Another way BMW/Behr could increase cooling performance is to make the heatsink out of copper instead of what I assume is aluminum.
HEY I HAVE AN E46 M3 AND IM HAVING NO AIR BLOWING. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST I DO 1ST? THE FSU OR BLOWER MOTOR ? I HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT ANY OF THIS PLZ HELP
+Andre Medina Start with the fuse first, then the FSU if the problem is not fixed by the fuse. Make sure to get a BEHR unit and ONLY that brand. Let me know how it goes
Jake is right; I got a no-name brand (about $20) and it quit in less than 5 months. Just bought a Behr, hope it lasts. Behr $42, but all the hassles avoided.
How the hell do you position yourself? You guys must be tiny! By the time I get to see or feel the right area I cannot move at all. After an hour of my back and hip clicking and twisting. I remembered I can pay a midget to do it for me. I'd have to take out the front seat to stand any chance
![ว้าว!ลุงบีมแบกทองมารับขวัญหลานกันยกบ้าน [cc] แดนแพทตี้ SS2 | EP.49 |](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Osihq1OAs-4/mqdefault.jpg)
A big thanks to you. Saved me a fortune!! Small note for Uk owners its not under the glove box, but the steering wheel side.. The odo connector has a slip clip on the back to pop it out the panel, don't force it out!!! Thanks again.
Thanks for making this. I replaced my FSU yesterday with the help of this vid. Funny how BMW designed the unit to be secured with screws, but didn't bother putting them in. Guess they just settled on the clip.
There are 2 screws on mine. But it's tight enough that one would do; maybe even none will do!
Mine came with no screws too. But upon replacement, I put in an upper screw. 2001 325ci convertible.
This video was awesome. I was about to pay $340 to get this done until I called Bapgeon to see why the part cost. $60. Then I came across your video. Thanks a mil I'd buy u breakfast, lunch , and dinner. Thanks again my man.
I have a 2002 325ci convertible. At first my fan would run/not run intermittently upon starting the car. At times I also experienced uneven airflow. When I noticed it was not working or uneven airflow, I would turn the car off and wait for 1 min and start the car again and sometimes the fan would work properly again. This happened for a period of 6 months. Then my car battery kept on dying and I constantly had to recharge the battery even though my battery was brand new and my battery indicator sight glass was green. I thought that i had a slight short circuit somewhere. Finally my fan died completely and would not work at all. Then my battery stopped draining and it would keep a charge. So maybe my battery issue had something to do with the FSR going bad. Today I replaced my FSR and everything seems like it is back to normal. Just wanted to share the symptoms of my car... Thanks for your video. It was very helpful.
Last night I replaced the FSU from my 2001 BMW 325i because my battery was getting drained with no explanation at all. I read in a BMW blog about the possible causes of this drainage and they recommended to check the FSU. Since I saw your video for the first time where you were explaining the problems with the AC I realized that I found the solution of my problem. Therefore, I purchased my FSU from napa ($60.00) and I replaced it following your directions and everything came up just perfect! THX
I watched several videos on this fix, and this one was by far the easiest to follow. Nice work.
Thanks for posting this. Just changed mine out this morning on my '03 325Ci This made it much easier for me. Very thorough and great detail. Cheers!
True true true about the after market no-name brand. I replaced mine (
It worked! My heater wasn't working at all but now it's blowing like a champ. Thanks so much!
+Brandon B You're welcome!
I've just replaced the blower resistor of my son's BMW 325ci following yours instructions. It was so easy and now the air works and sounds like new. Thank you so very much for this helpful video!
THANKS A LOT! Dude, I'm not a mechanic, but I"m o.k. with tools, so I follow exactly your directions,and after I replaced the FSU, I turned on the A/C, and damn it! I was happy! I had A/C again! Good deal! this was gonna cost me over $ 200.00 at my local shop! Can I buy U a beer? Thank again!
Thanks, this was a big help finding that last screw hidden by the duct for the module. I could feel that it should be there, but couldn't see crap now matter how I twist myself.
Thanks! I replaced my FSR last night because of intermittent air flow from the vents the past few months and then fan output went out all together last week. Ordered from Pelican Parts for $72 saving me 250 from having a local do the job. I am not that handy but your video helped me out! Thanks again.
Thanks bro 👍👍👍.. my symptoms were stuttering and then complete failure of the blower.. as this happened in summer time I thought my ac system was responsible but I replaced the fsu as you indicated and it's now blowing like a 20 year old.. all I spent was 30 bucks on the new fsu
Awesome!!! Glad you were able to fix the problem. You're welcome and thanks
Good video. Especially the bit about the black plastic housing that has two torx screws. On left hand drive cars the upper one is impossible to see so this video is very useful.
Bro! many thanks. swapped it out in about 1 hr. I thought the top Torx screw was going to be a nightmare but everything went perfect thanks to your video. I know that was not easy to video because it was already tight. Thanks again!
Best description that I came across in youtube.
You explained very well and I am really glad I found this video, knowing the fact that my knowledge about fixing and replacing car's parts is very limit. But your direction are really accurate. By the way, my FSU was also missing the screws. I just removed it by unlocking it from the little tab. Thanks again!!!! Take care!
So this FSU must be a very common problem; it seems many DIY'ers don't bother to put the screws back. Couldn't blame them, as the inside one is so difficult! By not putting them back, you save time this round; and time and hassle the 2nd time around. My original BWM FSU lasted a good 14 years though! Go BMW!
Thank you for the excellent video. I just changed out the resistor on my 2002 325i and it went exactly as your video. Very helpful and very much appreciated.
Thanks worked perfect. I needed this fixed asap because I did not get any air blowing from vents. I do now! Took a little longer than the 11 minutes you shot the vid in lol. I had to lay down to see around the air flow pipe. Kudos to you for doing this vid saved me some $$$$. Ever in DC lunch on me.
Haha, thanks Gerren. Noted the lunch ;)
Thank you for this video. I just replaced my FSR on my E46 Coupe 2002 with help from this video. My FSU was also missing the screws and it was a little bit hard to get it out but further it all went smooth. Only one comment. You don't have to take the glovebox out in 2 pieces it can be done in one piece. You don't have to unloose the straps. Just use a very long screwdriver.
Very helpful video. My 1999 328 BMW blower quit on the day the temp went to 100.
With the help of your video, it seems like the problem is probably the FSU. Will make the change.
Great job, helpful video !
Thanks
Thanks for this DIY video! It was a b*tch to replace the FSU but your video made it much easier to manage.
Solidjake you are the man! This video along with one of the diy's on fanatics helped me greatly doing this earlier this morning.
Wheeewww thanks bro. I bought a new fsu for 24 bucks and it took me about an hour to replace the broken fsu. This saved me a lot of money!!
+Ogtrippleq (OG) Awesome man! Glad you were able to fix the issue. If it does come back it might be because you bought an aftermarket FSU. Behr is the only brand to go with
+Xion Unjust (Solidjake) ok thanks
I paid even less than $20; but it quit in less than 5 months, and the seller closed up shop! So have to buy a Behr, and another round of work. But I patted myself for having the foresight to leave the glove components outside the car, anticipating the event. Now just put the Behr in.
Great video! Just removed the FSR on my 2001 300i (75,000 miles)... buy a new one and should be ready when the temps drop to -22F this December. Many tks!
I did it! thanks for making this video. it was the best one i've found. the dealer wanted $350 bucks to fix it!
Just completed this job on my 2002 330xi. It had the same surging fan issue as you showed in the video. Video was very helpful and it went very smoothly. I took my time, referred to the video and still was finished in under 2 hours and everything works perfectly. I'm a novice, but I'll share a few things I learned along the way.
#1 - The part. I purchased the Rein 64116923204 from FCP Euro for $49.99 (lifetime replacement). While it looks different than what you pull out this is listed as the OE replacement. I think this is a better value than the other aftermarket units that are only slightly cheaper and it still saves a lot over the Genuine BMW part.
#2 - Getting the connector off the FSR can be difficult. I found that gentle use of long nose vice grips helped a lot for removing the connector and for pulling out the FSR. Attaching the vice grip to the connector socket on the old FSU, I could pull on that with one hand while using a flat head screwdriver to push on the retaining clip for the FSR. A little wiggling and moving the stepper motor up out of the way and it pops right out. When putting the new one in, make sure it is fully seated as well as the connector. You can run your finger on the edge and feel if it is all the way in. and use handle of screwdriver or something to push it a bit to seat firmly.
#3 - Getting the 2 T-20 screws for the stepper motor that sits in front of the FSU can be a pain. I found that the ratchet extension would not go in to get the top one. I screwdriver T-20 driver is better.
Definitely helpful to have something that will hold the screw while getting it started when you put them back in is helpful. I started with the lower, since it's easier. You can then line everything up for the top screw and place it. I didn't have a magnetic driver so I used a flexible mechanical pickup tool to hold the screw and get it into position.
#4 - If you have one of those LED lights that you can wear on your head, it works good for getting light where you need it.
If you are on the fence about doing this, I say go for it. You just have to be patient and get yourself in a good position. It's doable is good payback on the time it takes.
Thank you for this. I couldnt remove the wiring harness from the unit until i figured out you have to press in the top and bottom sides while pulling. Also the tab holding in the FSU was very tight and I had trouble bending it out of the way. Its easier to push the whole tab to the side because the sides are also made of some rubber-like material. My neck hurts but im sure I saved a couple hours of labour plus shop charges. :)
Thanks so much, man. This video and "BMW E46 FSR / FSU Repair" was all I needed to do this job. Thanks a lot. :)
Thanks SolidJake...GREAT DIY/VID! Got this job done in less than hour from clicking "play" to closing the glovebox! ChuckyVee E46Fanatics
You definitely turned the screw in a counterclockwise direction at 1:47.
Yep definitely clockwise
Thanks so much for posting this. I got my one out in 20 minutes thanks to you.
great vid realy help out alot for those of you with right hand drive is on same side i.e drivers side even harder to get that black box outa the way.
Thanks for the help. One suggestion that I would make that may help some. I had satellite radio equipment in the area as well so it was even a more confined space. I left the plug in the resistor so that I could grab onto the plug and get more leverage to pull the resistor out. I used a long screwdriver to push the tab in while pulling on the plug and pulled it all out together. I then plugged in the new one and put it all back into place already plugged in.
Once the 2 torx screws are out, the whole FSU is easy to pull out! My problem was forgetting the left side torx screw the first time.
Very helpful. Mine surges sometimes and then sometimes the blower doesn't work at all and comes back later and does. Pretty sure this is the problem. Thanks dude, good advice and sorry about your phone!
Thanks dude
i have BMW E46 Touring 320D / 2002 and its the same instruction
Keep up the good work (Y)
Very helpful, thanks! I watched this first and didn't need to look anything up while doing the job. Also, funny enough, I found that mine had already been replaced by a cheap brand... thanks previous owner!
+bradkrit Glad you were able to do it!
Thank you!
Make sure that the brand you get is BEHR. That is the OEM part for the sensor, anything else will fail and is not worth the hassle.
Great video and step by step diy!
Thanks for the video! i finally did mine without difficulties..
Followed your lead and got the new one in there. PITA but a do-able DIY project. Thanks the the vid!
@preludes7 Nice! Glad it fixed your ac problem.
Great Diy. I'll be replacing my fsr this weekend.
at 6:18, you will note a metal bar that is connected to the back of the damper control unit (the unit in front of the FSU). Lift the bar away from the damper control and it will move out of your way. Other than that, a very good video!
I used this video today, and it was very helpful! Thank you for your efforts and help!
The 2 screws for plastic box in front of (and obstructing) the FSU is so difficult to unfasten and fasten that I presume many DIY'ers would leave the 2 screws out after the job, anticipating a repeat! It is secure with just 1 screw, or none at all. Actually a smart move. The number of after market vendors (and manufacturers??) of the unit manifested the unit is a sought after item (frequent failure)! I am surprised that my repair job and comment is 1 year after the last reply. Could it be E46 (1999-2005??) is now a dying breed?
Thank u for your video my FSU just went out very helpful info and video
Thanks, I may have figured out how to do this on my own, but you probably saved my phone.
I believe I need to do this jake. I have no air flow at all. I can hear the Compressor Kicking in, but no air. 2 things, this or the blower...thanks for making my search easier than ever...BTW happy new year bro..
Great video, thanks for posting. Fiddly and pain in the ass job for a big guy, but got'er done!
Good thing you can DIY the job since that will save you a good amount of money. For the FSR get a BEHR part which is the company that makes them for BMW.
Genuine BMW part just has a BMW logo and costs a lot more as where an OEM part is the same company making the part minus the logo.
Autohausaz has the part for $60 shipped. Get it from there
thanks for taking the time to do the video!!! Outstanding my friend!!
hey man, great video, I just did this job myself as well, and my screws were missing on the FSU as well, Thanks for the vid man!!
PLEASE NOTE: the fsr on a Right Hand Drive car isn't under the glove box, it's on the drivers side by the pedals ....
Ok,,,, I have right hand side drive car,,, so my fsr will be below the steering wheel
i just replaced mine literally 10 minutes ago, great DIY...i am also from E46fanatatics.
Great Job on the DIY Helped out alot!
You don't have to take out the glove box in pieces. I just took the entire assembly off in 1 piece. It just saves a little bit of time.
Great video, done in 25 minutes once I watched this
The best video. Thanks!
Thank you fella really good and helpfull video I replaced mine after your video , perfect thanks again . Frank
Hi
Thanks for the instructions. Really a great help. I have a question though.
The part that was between the air duct & FSR what is it for?
I asked because I broke the hose that holds it from top.
Sorry about the late reply.
Glad you were able to get it done, but did you get the Behr resistor? The fluctuation is usually a bad FSR and it running non-stop. Hopefully the one you got isn't faulty.
@lightdark101 I had the problem of the various speeds on my car. Also one day I had no air flow at all, I replaced it and all was well.
Awesome, let me know how it turns out. Just make sure you do not disconnect that hose that you have to lift up to get the sensor out. Then you will have to rip the dash out completely
Thanks,great video,you have saved me lots money,regards Dave.
Would this also fix a fan problem that has a mind of its on? blowing at various speeds (fast and low) when it at lowest setting.... And sometimes when you need it to work, it takes forever for start working
In my case the airflow from the vents kept pulsing and one day there was no airflow at all. Few days later it came back and stopped again. FSR was the culprit.
Good info, thanks. I don't think your screws for theFSU were missing. Mine didn't have screws either.
Thanks Frank. Yea a lot of the guys on the forum said they didn't have them as well
It's there! Or should be!
BTW credit to BMW and the original OEM: my original BMW/GKR/Behr/Denso (yes, 4 sets of brands and model numbers, plus the bar code) unit lasts more than 14 years. 2003 330i, FSU quit in May 2017.
Long life! Mine lasted almost 10 years.
Good video, Thanks man it help me allot .
My ac went out like 2 years ago, and u changed this part out because I wasn't getting any flo through the vents. But now every time I push the,ac button, the defrost comes on too. Any thoughts what it could be?
Symptoms: Blower "surging" (i.e. uneven blower speed); ignored it (doh!) eventually, blower did not turn off with fan switch or ignition key... dead battery, 2nd of January (of course) thanks for the vid....FWIW, original ETK nr. 64 11 8 383 835 (Thick pins/vanes), superceded by 64 11 8 377 579 (thin pins/vanes)... OEM Behr/Hella part.
Who is on a budget or simply does not want to spend money before trying something else then open up the thing and resolder all spots. Just quickly heat every point you see so it gets liquid and then leave it to get solid again. Some units stop working simply because they have a cold contact somewhere. Not a 100% solution but it may work for somebody.
Or why? Some cheapo imitation are selling less than $20! Though I learned my lesson, for the the genuine Behr!
I replaced the FSU, but now after a few minute is blowing hot air from the passenger side. What i did wrong? It has anything to do with the stepping motor located near to FSU. Please HELP.!
i hear no noise from the vents when i turn the console on nor do i hear any noise when i max the fan out
Many thanks
justdid thisjob, didnt work...the blower mixerflap actuator is broken where the metal bar connects...could this be my problem??
I'll hold you to it when you're in NYC! ;)
Thanks alot man thank u thank u!!!!
excellent vid, congrats, sorry about the blackberry though.
You have a crack in the vents, upper left, I have one too, same place. Probably you've tried to solve this issue just like me, with fist power at first :D
This is the same placement of the FSU on an 2004 X3 E83. Shares the torx screws with the Behr Heater Vent Servo, which is the black component you pushed out of the way. Excellent companion video to the photos from the Mirakid post on the bimmerforum (www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472392&page=2) Great job, and thank you!
Thanks!
Thanks for this!
This is a great video, thank you very much for posting! Could you give me advice how to buy this FSR online? (Because I am in Europe) I believe there are good and bad products selling around the world, so what is your suggested manufacturer? Thanks again!
I did this change and the fan is now working .... But now there will only come hot air from the systen - No cold at all ... Someone who have same problem, and know how to solve it?
check You heater switch valve , located right ander the upper air intake boot .
Awesome video, man! Exactly what I was looking for. Bummer about your blackberry, haha
great video, gotta go do that to mine. what is the function of the fsu? and are those pins for cooling?
The fsu regulates the airflow so if the air flow is pulsing or you don't have any flow then this will need to be replaced. As for the fins I think it's for cooling, if not then it's to sense the air passing through.
To remove glovebox you don't have to take off door first - just open and unscrew 6x bolts - that's all
New resistor installed....still no air.
I guess blower motor next 🤷
Awesome!
hi good video can you tell me if bmw 525 e60 if the FSR is in the same place has the e46 thanks
Some year models maybe different than others.
If I didn't mess it up then you shouldn't if you take your time and I had a camera in my hand!
Just take your time :)
my windshield blower sometimes just stops, others doesn't start at all, could it be the FSRU?
Bruno Araujo
The FSU (aka The Hedgehog) is notorious for going out on this model. It may look difficult to replace but it's not.
Great video!
For anyone interested, I'll post an explanation of why this piece fails (and what this piece actually does). Xion's explanation at around 10:25 was incorrect (not that that diminishes the quality of this DIY at all). Sorry if this is boring!
The FSR is not a thermostat, so it has nothing to do with sensing air temperature (that's the climate control's job). If it has a thermostat built-in, that's not it's primary purpose and is not the mode of failure. I'm curious what's on the inside (my dad's car needs a new one so hopefully I can take it apart and look), but since they call it a resistor (which is stupid, it should be called a fan speed controller, or linear fan speed controller to be more precise), I'm going to guess that it's a fan speed controller that uses linear voltage regulation (where the climate control will vary the voltage sent to the FSR, which will control the output voltage of a MOSFET transistor, which is being used as a variable resistor). You can read more about this under Linear Fan Control here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_control MOSFET's generate heat and often need a heatsink (you can frequently see this in power supplies and on computer motherboards on the MOSFETS near the CPU socket), hence the design of the FSR. There must be a (or possibly multiple, though a single one is more likely) MOSFET attached to that heatsink.
So the problem is insufficient cooling, causing the MOSFET to burn itself out. The heatsink on the newer unit has MUCH more surface area, increasing cooling performance. Having a good heatsink is the most important part of cooling, as it's what takes the heat of the device its attached to and spreads it out. Sure, you can boost cooling performance by using an active cooling system (a fan in most cases), but if not enough heat is being transferred off of the device, it won't make enough of a difference). Another way BMW/Behr could increase cooling performance is to make the heatsink out of copper instead of what I assume is aluminum.
Excellent explanation, thanks. I bought a no-name brand replacement, (larger area fins), and it only lasted less than 5 months. Just bought a Behr!
@cycoo Alright, thanks.
HEY I HAVE AN E46 M3 AND IM HAVING NO AIR BLOWING. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST I DO 1ST? THE FSU OR BLOWER MOTOR ? I HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT ANY OF THIS PLZ HELP
Fsu. I've heard that a lot of the e46s have this problem
+Andre Medina Start with the fuse first, then the FSU if the problem is not fixed by the fuse. Make sure to get a BEHR unit and ONLY that brand. Let me know how it goes
Ok cool and thx for the response
I have other questions about my e46 m3. If you can, text me i am willing to pay for any help. My name is dre. 347 912 5333. Thx again
Jake is right; I got a no-name brand (about $20) and it quit in less than 5 months. Just bought a Behr, hope it lasts. Behr $42, but all the hassles avoided.
yo bro this diy was so annoying since I had to do it in the cold last winter lol
How the hell do you position yourself? You guys must be tiny! By the time I get to see or feel the right area I cannot move at all. After an hour of my back and hip clicking and twisting. I remembered I can pay a midget to do it for me. I'd have to take out the front seat to stand any chance
Why you need a pillow, and a good light!