How to replace Final Stage Resistor

[khanjee75]

Hi Guys,

Can any body tell me or direct me to the step-by-step instructions on how to replace the final stage resistor. I have got 2000 BMW 325i SE.

Thanks in advance,

KhanJee

[325isBaby]

Remove the plastic cover behind the glove box (passenger side) look toward the drivers side close to the bulkhead and it will be there, disconnect the plug, release the clip and pull back gentally (don't break the clips!) it's pretty easy.

[Kulbiker]

Any pics to go with that or a website that shows how? Greatly appreciated....my blower is driving me nuts and I need to get the thing sorted out....I am guessing from most posts its the final stage resistor since the only problem I am having is that the climate control has a mind of its own. Rest everything works hunky dory when that is it comes on. The A/C cools, the heater works...etc etc.

Oh and Khanjee where did you buy the final stage resistor from....? Any info will be appreciated.:

[MJRyan9]

I experienced the same symptoms (blower running at one speed) on my 2001 325i. Searching the web I found an off-beat article about Resetting the FSU:

http://www.refrigerants.dupont.com/S...acs_200506.pdf

See page 5: The Final Stage. I know - hard to believe finding BMW advice from a dupont website, but I tried this (pull Fuse 50 and replace) and it worked! . Apparently the FSU is an electronic speed controller and is powered even when the key is Off; so you need to pull the fuse to reset. A lot less time and $.

As the FSU design is probably similar on other models one might try pulling/replacing the appropriate blower fuse on non-E46s: refer to the fuse list by the fuse panel.

Best of luck,

Mike