BMW E46 AC Blower Motor Resistor Replacement DIY

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Is your Air conditioning or Heater fan not working properly on your e46? Check out this video
Final stage resistor
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[@ShopLifeTV]

Blower Motor Resistor: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=BZfgVZ7JGM8&offerid=580643.12222112344&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecstuning.com%2Fb-hella-parts%2Ffinal-stage-unit-blower-resistor-e46-x3%2F64116920365%7Ehla%2F

[@KS_VAL_OISE]

ShopLifeTV Thanks.

[@MegaZeroniX]

BMW e46 coupe 318 2002 143ps good or not good?

[@ImMrVinny]

Thanks for the video. My cabin fan's issue is that it will not blow consistently so even when I have it on the lowest setting it will blow from max to min sporadically. The other (more important) issue is that it will actually stay on after the car is turned off and potentially until it kills my battery. Do you think this is more likely an issue with the resistor or the blower motor itself? Thanks again!

[@drewcoates2555]

@@ImMrVinny Did it end up being the FSU? I'm having the same problem, removed fuse 50 in the glove box to kill it for now.

[@adrianceja7422]

I’m having this problem atm in my e46 but I got a new blower motor and a new resistor but it blows air but not at all’s speeds it’s takes me like 20 mins in the morning for the windshield to defog and it’s I’m also in need for the ac for this summer heat waves! If you know anything that would be helpful, please let me know. Thanks !

[@marccusumano1138]

This DIY is kind of a pain due to having to poke your head down there near some sharpish parts, it's very hard to see what you're doing. I lost a screw and was not able to get the new FSR clip attached; there were only two screws when I took it out so I'm down to one, but it seems secure. I also broke the metal tab on the lower tray of the glovebox putting it back together 😞 But thanks for the DIY it works now!

[@UGAexploder]

The most difficult part of this was definitely that little grommet behind the plastic tab. It was really hard to try and set the grommet so you could get the tab pressed. I had to use a trim tool to wedge in between the plastic tab and push the grommet up and out of the way at the same time...very difficult. After that, it was just a matter of wiggling the FSR out. You're the best, thank you.

[@ourmandan]

Thanks Jason. I didn't know that part existed until it failed. You did solve my problem, but I darn near craned my neck getting my big head in there! Note. It's a misnomer to Call it a resistor. It's a module with an I.C. inside able to communicate HV/AC dash control via CANBUS . Who knows why BMW made a simple thing so complex ..but it is what it is. It is the IC inside that gave out in my case. its covered with potting compound. For the curious you can dig out the compound and see the components for yourself. Anyway you saved me a ton of effort. Ourmandan

[@shambles3500]

My first ever DIY on my e46 and it was tough! But got through it eventually and fixed my A/C. Excellent video, thank you

[@motatuirinel8540]

Very important!!! for e46 UK you find it under the steering wheel.

[@90nadz]

I opened up the front passenger side and was like where is this fsu, I can only see a air vent when looking at the top, so Im now having to put it all back together and will open up the drivers side. Its been very frustrating indeed. Hopefully, get it sorted today! Thanks

[@07hundred]

@@90nadzsame i was going to change mine and was confused asf

[@DeisonProdWiz]

@@07hundred 1

[@jassidhaliwal3228]

Thanks man love you so much god bless you

[@masterabdo3230]

@@DeisonProdWiz ذء،ءءءءذ،ءءءءج

[@atlanticearthaerials6197]

Once again another excellent DIY from Shop Life for the E46. The knowledge community on this car is amazing thanks to people like you!!!!

[@jamesfox4749]

This guy gets the E46 Award 🥇 for E46 excellence!!!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Haha Thanks James!

[@jamesfox4749]

Anytime bro!!!!! You da truth!!!!🤜🏽🤛🏽💪🏽

[@drewcoates2555]

Thanks man, just replaced mine, took just about 20 minutes with the help of this video. Mine had been replaced before with a cheap FSU which caused the blower to cut in and out and eventually got stuck on high even with the car off.

[@Deathlycream]

took almost 2 hours for me with another diy I should have watched this video first. Moreover the fuse was really difficult to take off. At least it works...

[@cwert11]

Thanks, ShoplifeTV. The DIY was exactly what I needed to get air blowing again. All of your other videos on E46 are great with just enough commentary and accurate camera angles to know exactly how parts are removed and installed.

[@BlackHawkTrack-tv7hw]

It was very helpful. I did it in less than 2 hours. It helps to take out the plastic housing for heat/AC. Only issue was putting glove back in. It was very simple fix and I have a blower working. SUCCESS!!!!!!

[@robertbryantiii7105]

Replaced mine last night. Great video, thank you so much. It has been broken for over a year and it is getting hot here. Thanks again! Great video!

[@HappyLeoul]

My air conditioner would operate at times and not at others. My problem was resolved once I replaced the resistor. It was painful to replace because the new one didn't snap in place as easily as the old one did for some reason. Thank you very much!

[@timhudson577]

Thank you so much for your help. It took 45 minutes for me and saved me 180 euro. Very clear and precise video ❤🙏

[@bimmer1110]

You're the man dude... First job I've ever done on my e46. Fixed battery drain! I just need to buy the new part now!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Amazing! Good luck!

[@tuukkasaarikko6729]

How did this solve your battery drain?

[@bimmer1110]

@@tuukkasaarikko6729 unfortunately it didn't drastically solved the problem. That resistor Is a common problem on e46 but in my case it's the diode plate faulty that's on the alternator.

[@MrNicoe36cabrio]

Very good DIY with the right details. Sometimes the bad resistor will drain the battery also, when the car is parked. In the European bimmer community, the resistor is called 'the hedgehog'. Did you know that? Dutch regards.

[@zlutzkof8224]

Best video I have found on YT regarding resistor replacement, thanks. Greetings from Poland.👍👍👍

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad it helped!

[@jimmymorales9571]

Thanks to this guys who shares his talents and his unending sharing for the DIY videos and also many thanks to his GF's channel.

[@timbarton6251]

Watched your awesome DIY, purchased the part from ECS, and just finished the FSR swap. Wiggling the old one out, and getting the new one in far enough for the tab to engage was not fun. I found it easier to remove the footwell cover by sliding it rearward so the two plastic tabs released and then the whole piece could be rotated toward the rear and then the metal clip behind the center console slid out.

[@morbius1189]

Thanks for the info man, I thought I had broke my junk at first when I was pulling it out but thankfully I didn’t. Lol the joys of owning an E46

[@jamesmiller9379]

I really appreciate all the work and videos you post. Youve helped me out many of times and your videos are very easy to follow unlike others on KZbin. I currently own a 98 Z3 and i've owned 26 other BMW models over the years. CONTINUE THE EXCELLENT WORK!!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks James, glad to be able to help! That’s quite the BMW ownership experience lol

[@carsonvandorn5411]

I had a problem with my car where the blower would only stop if the fuse was unplugged, if the car was turned off it would keep going. Following this tutorial also solved that problem.

[@tnt2130]

Thanks a lot for the video. It took me forever to take the resistor out, but now I understand: you have to make sure to take it out straight, keeping the connector on really helps for that. I also took out the flap actuator in front, so there's nothing but the connector in front of the resistor.

[@stuartanderson7534]

Another great video but I would turn it on first before putting the glove box back

[@MrFuriousliquidity]

Just replaced mine while watching your video. My air con works like new now! Thank you so much for the great content!

[@gabrielrodcas]

Thanks a lot for the vid, it helped me a lot My AC blower worked intermittently, I changed the resistor and my AC is fixed now

[@poodlescone9700]

Outstanding job and thank you so much for the tutorial. I am doing this job now and that tab is making the job a PITA. I am contemplating either just breaking the tab or filing it down a bit.

[@aquahort]

Fantastic you speak so clearly and show every detail, filming is excellent

[@chrisn7632]

Extremely well done video. It’s not an easy job, the resistor is a bear to get out. I lost a screw between the carpet and transmission tunnel never to be seen again. After all that my problem turned out to be a loose 40amp fuse so make sure your getting a good contact before attempting this. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

[@chrisn7632]

Put a microfiber or shop towel over the gaps below to catch falling screws 😮

[@SolutionLast]

Very helpful explanation to details. I am able to complete your instructions and have a/c no air issue fixed. Thank you! To put t20 screws back in, magnetic screw driver will help since resistor screw is quite deep.

[@kellyanderson7115]

You can hook a 90 degree pick around that upper hole on the resistor pack and pull on that while you release the lock.

[@m4lindse]

Thank you so much for this diy. Changing the resistor fixed my issue with the blower not shutting off when vehicle is off and key out.

[@simbarashevictor3801]

Ohhhh. mine does the same thing I ended up removing the blower fuse. Now I can follow those steps.

[@alfredj.garcia3388]

I have a E46 , and I am having this issue, I will try this first, Thank you!

[@rjrempel]

How do you test the resistor pack to determine if in fact that is the issue?

[@chrismunson5120]

Thanks for the great video, could not have successfully done this without it. However accessibility is even worse than the video suggests...if you have big hands it is terribly difficult to reach in to unclip the wire harness plug from the resistor because of lack of space.

[@mikehenry9128]

$20 generic on eBay. Working for over a year now. Good vid as always.

[@Treyh4u]

You the man really showing me how to bring my e46 back to life

[@greatonest.vgreatonest.v8193]

Yo bro you are a beast bro every time something wrong my e46. You know exactly what needs to be done and your break down is always 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯. One day I have to meet you in person. To really thank you. I love e46’s I have to and thinking 💭 about doing a Ls swap next in my other ☝🏾 don’t leave you tube bro. It’s more ppl like me that always need a car 🚗 guy like you.

[@drknk2273]

Hello, do we have to reprogram the car after changing this piece?? Thank you for the video

[@shoopiesnacks8255]

Just ordered through your affiliate link, hope you get some money!

[@mcycleserv]

good video just a question I have a parasitic draw and I suspect is the trigger wire to Aux fan so is there any connection between FSR and Aux fan ..measured the Aux trigger wire and has a draw or 0.02v and amp draw with car sleeping .178ma from negative cable using amp clamp

[@renejakobsen7444]

Thank you! Worked perfectly. A little glue on the torx heads helps you not loosing the screws!!

[@danieltapuc9750]

Excellent video! Very clear view and accurate explanation. I was able to replace the part and my air is back on. Thank you @ShopLifeTV, keep up the great job!

[@we1nation]

THANKYOU SOO MUCH!!! Did it step by step and was soo excited to feel the ac blow 🙏🏽🙏🏽 you are amazing best quality stright to the point vids

[@brianc9036]

Thank you, a little frustrating with this one. I actually ended up working out that black air duct after seeing it out on Nathan's DIY channel. That helped me out a ton because then I could actually see what I was doing. Thanks for the video!!!!

[@brianc9036]

@@tjgonzwest I remember it being a little tricky and kind of forcing it a little more than I would have liked back into place.

[@brianc9036]

@@tjgonzwest Glad you got it fixed!

[@vinceschaeffer545]

Excellent video solved my problem prevented a lot of mistakes on my part, bravo

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad it helped!

[@paulomgomes]

You solved my problem. Thanks to your video i diy. Great explanation and great tuturial video. Many thans.

[@williamyoggerst2875]

I'm going to give it try! I'll buy the BMR from your link. BTW, I learned, many years ago, to unhook the battery before working on a vehicle electrical system. Should that not be done on a 2002 E46 for some reason? (and watch out working on a vehicle with a bracelet on...it can get caught on something).

[@DaisyLucy327]

Thank You so much for making this video. I was able to fix my heater and saved alot of money. Very good instructions and video is clear.

[@birdseyetwo]

Great video. Concise and clear. I did become a contortionist in the process of installing the unit though! Thank you.

[@emancontatube]

Hello , im not sure what problem i have in my e39, because sometimes the blower works, sometimes it dont and sometimes it blows air full power when i turn to the left, so im kinda wrinting this to see if someone start to had the same inconsistent working blower before changing the resistor or if what i describe is more likely to be the motor.

[@jamesjp1]

I saw the BavAuto video on this, very same part, on the X5. It does not use the two T-20 screws in that application, only the spring tab. The implication is that this is suspenders-and-belt engineering and that the two screws or at least one of them is superfluous and if they are extremely difficult to re-install, the world probably would not end if they are left out and only the spring clip relied upon to hold the unit in position. Where would it go?

[@naterockwell7735]

Great video. I have an issue with the number 28 fuse blows constantly. What can it be.

[@paulbettke9071]

Excellent how you get the camera in for the closeups. How did you know the blower wasn't bad?

[@tropx8995]

You do the best videos Jason. I watched several deal with this replacement and yours is the best. Camera angles and lighting are the best and you show every step. I suspect I'll have to replace mine (not 100% sure right now). If I do, I'll be using your video. Thanks.

[@jimmymorales9571]

Nice DIY video for replacing the blower motor resistor for BMW 330i 2001 model. The problem of my car BMW 330i 2001, when i started the engine and run the AC to high for a few minutes, and after few minutes i did try to reduce to medium but still running on high and i keep reducing to low nothing changed, when i switch-off the engine the AC motor still running, so I started my car again so as not to drain the battery and drove to my friend's place who is a mechanic, he switch off the engine to diagnose it, but still the same the AC motor is still running even the engine is already switch off, so he disconnected the battery, and removed the grove box out and remove the fuse while awaiting the replacement parts that we are going to order.

[@DeLaSarajevo]

Same case with me! What is a 100% solution ??

[@tuspez]

Thanks. Really helpfull video. Got the job done on my bmw with help of this video. But took little longer than 12 minutes and lots of swear words:)

[@MoMoDeLight]

Thanks a lot for that DIY. The most DIY's says that we ne to remove the radio and climate control etc. but I was sure we don't need to do it. So I found your DIY. Again thanks a lot.

[@mohammadalissa364]

Hello, do I have to buy the part with the same number as the old one, or is there no problem with the part number?

[@lordissachar]

Thanks a bunch bro! AC back on before an hour commute on 103F.

[@villekokkonen1841]

Thanks so much for this video. i was able to change mine with these instructions.

[@a14471]

Hello. Could you make a video how to change(repair) a door lock actuator? its a usual problem on E46

[@Daledoingitgaming]

Thank you , your videos are so specific and the camera quality/lighting is spot on. I'll be attempting this fix here in a few weeks on my e46

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@JohnPaul-wl9ni]

My Air works now, so thank you for the help fixing my blower motor resistor!!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Nice!

[@Nasriya]

Looks simlpe enough. I just did my E46 with alot of swearing and patience for 1 hour. I cant get the lock tab in place with newer model. I just tightened the screws well enough.

[@AbdullaJaafari]

That thing took me a looong time to get replaced, and it even electrocuted me (And it wasn't connected).. So I'd suggest you unhook the battery just in case .. It was such a PITA to replace in a coupe, unsure if the sedan is more spacious or not

[@JJ-jx9up]

Sometime when I start the car the aircon works and other times it doesn’t, will this help

[@khumbuzilendude7309]

Hi there I have changed the blower motor with a 2nd hand one ,fuses are 100% and changed resistor...what can the problem be? Can it be the 2nd blower motor and how do you test it outside the car?

[@eladyaacov9152]

I have a question: Ive replaced the blower motor resistor, and the new one does not latch. No matter how much I push, it doesn’t go deep enough for me to be able to latch it. I plugged the cables back, put in the 2 T20 screws and tested the AC - everything works! So my question is: is there any danger in keeping it unlatched? Thanks

[@javiergrant70]

You make it look easy, Jason. As always, great work!!

[@NorthShoreWaves]

Great step by step instructions. This guy is very good!

[@matthewburnett1623]

Thanks. Replaced mine, AC runs great!

[@daMoonSon]

How much time it took? I have working FSU and fine contact, but already 2nd FSU is being melted down in contacts. I heard, that it could be caused by faulty blower, what is taked too much Amps. How do you think? How I can diagnose that? I don’t want to change working blower and do this much work without being sure that it is causing this melting FSU contacts.

[@palomavillarreal2121]

Hey i hope you reply!!! I have a 2008 bmw 328i that the mechanic told me i had to get the blower motor,the resistor and the harness replaced… what its doing is he said that the car was blowing hot air when the car was off even and draining my battery and the battery i had just got and i know it couldnt be a battery issue so he disconnected the blower motor and its been driving fine but with no ac or heat whatsoever and i want to know if you think it could be something else besides that? Orrr

[@brey93]

Is this the same process and location for the e39 resistor???

[@jayashpatel6165]

I did this year's back took me much longer to do. I think my fan was just going up and down. As I am a electronic engineer I repaired mine not replaced it. Still good 4 years later

[@deamonkiller2852]

The two vents on the passenger side doesn’t air as cold as the two vents on the driver side. Could that be the resistor or the blower motor?

[@myxipitlik2]

Great video, thanks for pointing out the actuator tab slot and other tips

[@bryantspeedcustoms9795]

Love the content brother.. I’m actually doing this install tomorrow on a 2003 325i Wagon but what’s weird is you turn the key off and the fans still goes so I think it’s fried in the open position.. also what camera do you use?

[@sandorlaci7522]

Much thanks, couldn't have done it without this video.

[@joaocarneiro5635]

Hi, This resistance, is what makes the speeds of the heating fan work? Thanks

[@jeffreyjervis3233]

I have a 2008 BMW 750 Li after replacing the blower resistor it still had the problem of a weak air stream that doesn't change speed. however 2 days later the AC blew very strong and cold. I tested by turning it off and on about a dozen times and it worked. The next day however it was back to blowing a weak steady stream of air. what else can I do to fix the problem

[@marcoarmenta4465]

Do you have a vid on the e36 ?

[@vladolainen2031]

Great vid! Just change mine today, works perfect!

[@osmaazan]

Hi bro, I got question on a/c and radiator fan. My a/c not engaged to compressor when switch on and result no cold a/c to cabin. Blower working as well and I do tested my radiator fan by pull off the socket out from the radiator hose and my fan running with full speed. All 3 fuses for a/c are ok but the compressor still not engage. I do tested also the wire to compressor but no power to it. I'm using e46 318 1.9cc. Hope u can give me opinion to solve my problem.

[@ericmorales9928]

Do you know what would cause the ac fan constantly blowing even if I turn off the car ?

[@Beenthat1214]

What's up man quick question I have a 2006 325i I took it to the BMW dealership Because the heater goes on and off. The dealership told me I needed to replace the blower motor. I didn't let them do it because they wanted $700 to do it when i can do it myself for free.. so i got a new blower motor with new module and its still going on and off. What els would make it do this

[@the43bullet]

Having an incredible time getting the actuator pulled out so I can access the resistor. I’ve removed the two screws. Thing won’t budge. Tips/tricks?

[@johnnymeza5454]

For those who want to test before putting everything back together, at least screw it back in. I tested it, the unit got hot and I almost burned myself lol

[@solcapina9865]

Detailed DIY video and much better compared to others.

[@madgaming5242]

Thanks for the help, mine was draining the battery on only one day of parking, i was like what the hell😂

[@joewillow4437]

Hey ShopliteTV, very good video detailing how to get this done . Well appreciated did it myself GOUDO dude thanks dude

[@aulupinar]

The ait blower motor fan doesn’t kick in but very rarely . Should this responsibil of it? Because it is so difficult to cope in winter.. Bythe way. Mine one is 320i SE e46 , 2003. Thanks

[@unotme2212]

I dont have any air coming out my vents but can hear everything work right will this fix my issue most likely?

[@MaxViger]

Thank you! Your video was very helpful and thorough!

[@grapicsrz456]

Hi man thaks for you video. I have a problem with my car, my car only expels hot air when it accelerates, it will be the problem of the transistor.?

[@TonmoyGhosh]

Would this cause the entire HVAC panel to not power on?

[@ΙερώνυμοςΚόρακας]

I think it's good to point out that if your air is not blowing at all, and you don't know what it is. JUST because you feel a little air while driving, doesn't mean that it's working. So if you feel a little air when driving down the freeway, or faster than 20mph, but otherwise while sitting still it doesn't blow at all... Your FSR is bad. So replace it, with the help of this video.

[@brookemcquale5096]

The first thing anyone needs to do before they do anything else is make sure the electrical connections are sound. I have had this problem several times and what I do is attain the required access to the connections and afterwards disconnect and spray with electrical cleaner, then I reconnect them. Obviously, this may not be the problem, but, since you have to do most of what I just explained anyway, might as well eliminate that a potential cause. I'm not sure what would cause this except to guess that some sort of "lacquering" occurred. But, as I said, this has happened several times with me (and on different E46's).

[@badwifibobo1115]

Nice video. Showing everything. Gona try this