Cabin Blower Switch Problems

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:29 am

Hi

The heater blower on my 323 now only seems to have two settings, off and full!

I think its just the switch contacts so has anyone had to remove the switch before, dont want to damage anything by accident!

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:44 am

Common problem on the E30 - it's happened to both mine. It's more likely to be the resistor than the swith. This is situated below the twin fans themselves. You get to this from the engine compartment. Remove the four small (7mm?) nuts holding the panel to the bulkhead. Lift up rubber bonnet strip and pull off panel. You should see the fan cowlings. The top is held on by a thin steel band. Carefully remove this and lift off the top cowling. The resistor is slotted in at the bottom and slides out. Remove and give it a good clean up, they are usually filthy after 15-20 years. Whilst you're there lubricate the fan spindles - these can get stiff and noisy and may even be the cause of the problem - they are so stiff they will only work on full power! Reassmble and give it a try. If now working, give the fan spindles more lubrication while the fans are turning and put the bulhead cover back. Doesn't take too long but can be fiddly. Should be job done.
Edit: Just noticed you have a 323i - the above is for a 325. The Mark I blower was slightly different but the same principle applies!!

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 10:03 am

cheers -nice one!

Is there a cabin filter element for the blowers?

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:02 am

No filters on the E30. We're talking iron age here!!

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:15 am

MONSPORT42 wrote:No filters on the E30. We're talking iron age here!!

I believe Demlot has one on his 318is. He fitted the very rare heater assy from a car that had the automatic temperature control. This came with a polen filter.

Rare as rocking horse sh1t though :lol:

Ian.

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:35 am

Hi Ian, Thanks for that - another grey cell filled up! I've never looked much at the 'transition period' between the E30 to E36. I expect there must be a few other tweaked parts in those models.

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:50 am

MONSPORT42 wrote:Hi Ian, Thanks for that - another grey cell filled up! I've never looked much at the 'transition period' between the E30 to E36. I expect there must be a few other tweaked parts in those models.

I believe there was an even rarer option that had a full climate system for the E30. This combined A/C with the automatic temp control system that Demlot fitted.

You just set the desired temp using the E30 rotary knob, and it will heat or cool accordingly to maintain the cabin temperature. No funky digital display or anything, but probably very nice to have.

Never seen one fitted though.

Ian.

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 12:14 pm

Now you come to mention it, when I changed over from my 323i to the Sport, I thought I was going to get the climate control as standard (not aircon). Spent hours with the handbook trying to make it work then discovered all I had was the bog standard heater!
Sounds like it would be a very civilised mod though. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled.

Post Fri Jun 03, 2005 4:47 pm

MONSPORT42 wrote:Now you come to mention it, when I changed over from my 323i to the Sport, I thought I was going to get the climate control as standard (not aircon). Spent hours with the handbook trying to make it work then discovered all I had was the bog standard heater!
Sounds like it would be a very civilised mod though. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled.

As nice as it would be, it's a real turd to fit. It's a dash out job I'm afraid

Ian.