heater/ac blower issue

[rmousir]

Hi all,

I am new here.

I have a older 325is and some things are starting to go on it.. Most recently is the heater/ac fan switch.. This morning I got in the car and the only level that would come on was #4 or highest. None of the other fan switch levels worked. I never noticed this before so I expect that it is new. I also wanted to add that I know that I need to do some fixing on the speedo as it works when it wants to. What do you folks suggest?

Thanks very much in advance for your time, suggestions, and comments.

Richard.

[BMWJNKY]

Sounds like the blower motor resistor has gone bad. For fan speeds 1-3 the current runs through a different resistance level to control how fast the fan turns but on 4 there is no resistance so it bypasses the resistor. This is why your fan only works on 4.

Best thing to do with the speedo is pull the cluster, and make sure all the connectors are clean. If everything looks good it may just need a new speedo.

[rmousir]

Originally Posted by BMWJNKY

Sounds like the blower motor resistor has gone bad. For fan speeds 1-3 the current runs through a different resistance level to control how fast the fan turns but on 4 there is no resistance so it bypasses the resistor. This is why your fan only works on 4.

Best thing to do with the speedo is pull the cluster, and make sure all the connectors are clean. If everything looks good it may just need a new speedo.

Great info! Thanks very much.. I plan on digging into the car this week.. Any idea on where I can get a resister on the cheap? I priced out a new one and it came in just under $100. I don't see that happening.. I also read that I could clean it up first and then put it back to see if it works before replacing it.

I will do the same for the speedo.

[BMWJNKY]

I highly doubt cleaning the resistor will work, usually the burn and short out and there is nothing that can be done to fix them.

$100 better be the installed price because list on the part is $35.75 and $24.26 depending on what one is in the car and labor to install it is about 45min.

[rmousir]

Originally Posted by BMWJNKY

I highly doubt cleaning the resistor will work, usually the burn and short out and there is nothing that can be done to fix them.

$100 better be the installed price because list on the part is $35.75 and $24.26 depending on what one is in the car and labor to install it is about 45min.

Is this something I can get at autozone or do I need a special BMW part place?

[BMWJNKY]

You will probably have to get it at a place that deals with BMW parts.

[Handsome Rob]

Go here. They have the best prices iv seen. I have the same problem with my climate control

BMW Parts Catalog - BMW 3-series 84-05 - E30 3-series 84-92 - A/C, Heat, Climate Control