Climate Control Intermittent

[Dances With Roads]

Hey to everyone!

One of the guys over on the BMW motorcycle board tipped me off to this site. It looks like a helpful place, so here goes:

My '97 328is is a real sweetie but for the past couple of days the climate controls and the display for them has been taking about four to five minutes to warm up(?!)
It seems like there is no power to the unit... and then it kicks on.
Anybody else ever have this? Probably something simple like replacing the dash Thanks in advance.




Reed Hanlon

[pcy]

This is a well known problem. Do a search on any BMW discussion board, you will find lot of articles on this topic.

In short, you need to take the Climate Control unit out, replace a capacitor
inside. If you have handy with soldering iron, this will be a easy job for you.

I went throught the same problem few months ago ('97 328i).

The climate control unit comes out of the slot easily; look inside (and above)
the sun glass holder slot, you will see a hole, use your index finger and while
pressing there, you'll need to pull out the climate control unit.

Good Luck.

[Nineholes]

Had exactly the same problem recently (1994 323 Coupe). If you can't be bothers with the capacitor fix, try talking to your local Stealer. I did and was impressed. They keep recon units in stock. You take in your old head (less buttons) and exchange your broken units for a working one for around £200 hard earned. When you work out what your times worth.....

I’d rather be driving my car than paying with soldering irons. What aout you?

Cheers

[Dances With Roads]

Originally posted by pcy@Oct 19 2004, 05:04 AM
This is a well known problem. Do a search on any BMW discussion board, you will find lot of articles on this topic.

In short, you need to take the Climate Control unit out, replace a capacitor
inside. If you have handy with soldering iron, this will be a easy job for you.

I went throught the same problem few months ago ('97 328i).

The climate control unit comes out of the slot easily; look inside (and above)
the sun glass holder slot, you will see a hole, use your index finger and while
pressing there, you'll need to pull out the climate control unit.

Good Luck.

[snapback]214000[/snapback]

Thanks for the help! Will that little capacitor jump out at me? I have no problem using a soldering iron. Can't stand this dealer!!