BMW E36 Blog

Fixing BMW E36 Blower Fan Speed . . . DIY!

17th January 2008

Fixing BMW E36 Blower Fan Speed . . . DIY!

posted in Do It Yourself, Electrical, Technical Info |


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It has been two weeks since my blower fan stopped working correctly on the low speed options (1, 2 and 3 ). It only works on high speed (Option 4). At first, I thought that the problem was in the fan speed switch because I’ve seen this problem before and when I told my electrician about it, he disassembled the switch and tried to clean it. Of course this solution didn’t work. So, I’ve decided to dig for the solution myself and I found that this is a pretty common problem among E36 cars. The problem is that speed 1, 2 and 3 are controlled by something called (Final Stage Unit on digital climate control units, Blower Resistor Pack on analog climate control units). The 4th speed is actually uncontrolled, so, it simply bypasses the final stage or resistor pack units. That explains why the fan works on the 4th speed and not the other lower speed options. Anyway, I tried to find a DIY (Do It Yourself) procedure on how to fix this problem and I found one that was written by "Deem3" on bimmerforums (thank you Deem3 for the great write-up). Now take a look below. It’s a really simple procedure. I will be trying it this weekend to see how it goes. I will post more details about this job soon (hopefully) 🙂 .

Disclaimer: Use this info at your own risk!! I’m not responsible if this didn’t work for you :-).

Symptoms (2 cases):
– Digital Climate Control: All the lights on your digital climate control are working and the buttons respond but the blower doesn’t blow any air.
– Analog Climate Control: The blower doesn’t work except on the highest speed (4th position)

Tools:
– Phillips screw driver
– Torx 20 driver
– 10mm socket, rachet and extension

Parts:
– 64.11.6.929.540 New
– 64.11-8 380 580 Old
Note: if you have analog climate control (with the knobs), the part numbers here maybe incorrect.

If you have digital climate control we need to buy a final stage unit. Costs about $100 at the dealer if you have the discount, otherwise it’ll be about $125. Apparently there are two part numbers for this part they both look the same but I’m guessing the new one has been improved. Anyway you only need the new part the old one is the one you’re replacing. Here’s what it looks like:

If you have analog climate control (with the knobs), what you’ll need to replace is the fan blower resistor pack. Take a look:

To replace it, we need to take off the driver’s side knee bolster. This only requires you to remove two screws,one on the right side of the bolster and one on the left. Using the phillips screwdriver remove the following screws:

Now remove the speaker and footwell light.

Using the 10mm socket remove the 3 bolts holding the metal shield. And using the phillips screwdriver remove the obd2 port.

Now you should be able to see the footwell air duct. Remove it by pulling it.

With everything out of the way you should now be able to see the defective final stage unit. Remove it using the torx-20 screw driver.

Replace it with the new part and before you put everything back turn on your car and test the blower. If everything is ok proceed to put everything back, and enjoy the benefits of having a blower in your car again.

 

Are you looking for more do it yourself procedures (DIY) ? I recommend the Bentley BMW 3 series service manual for you. I got it and I think it’s a gold mine for us -BMW E36 Owners-. If you didn’t grab your copy yet, get it right now! I’m sure you’ll find this book worth every penny you’ve paid for. Get the Bentley BMW 3 series service manual

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There are currently 5 responses to “Fixing BMW E36 Blower Fan Speed . . . DIY!”

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  1. 1 On January 17th, 2008, Jim K said:

    Sweet! My hvac blower started malfunctioning two summers ago. When the cabin temperature was hot, like summer sun beating down hot, the blower motor would demonstrate the exact symptoms described above. I’m going to try this and see what happens.

    Also, the Blower Resistor (64 11 6 923 204) is available in the US from Bavarian Autosport (www.bavauto.com) for $70.

  2. 2 On September 28th, 2008, brin said:

    I’ve just replaced the Blower Resister on my 318is with a B.M.W. part…£80 and now it works fine. Wish I went down this road before I removed the fan motor,thus splitting the “scuttle grille” (£30+), and losing one of the clips that holds the motor in place, then stripping down the climate control module to see if there was an obvious short…horay for forums like this…and the internet!!!!

  3. 3 On June 25th, 2011, john francis said:

    On my BMW E36 suffering battery drains I can only find the Blower resistor but the FSU is not to be found anywhere . Do I need to change the blower resistor ? to stop battery draining ? Thanks for all replies, John

  4. 4 On March 8th, 2012, binny said:

    hi i got e36 94 model. i just replaced my blower motor resistor but blower still not working? can anyone help me out?

  5. 5 On June 7th, 2012, fabio said:

    I a similar problem, the blower works fine on speed 1 to 4, anything higher the control unit will display correctly but there will be no alteration on blower speed. Would this resistor replacement solve my problem?