e46 final stage resister removal tips

Solo Man

Well-known member
Why do you want to replace the fsr? On two occasions on my E36 and X5 the final stage resistors were fine, it was loose connections at the plug that was the problem. Only after removal and replacing with new fsr i found the problem. Both the old fsr's are fine and one i kept as spare as there is nothing wrong with it. In both cases the lights, everything on the dash was on but the fan would not work. Only if the fan works intermittently or varies the fan speed without your input then it could be the fsr that is the problem. Keep in mind that the fan will speed up if the temp in the car is not what it is set to be, so the fan speeds up to get the car's interior to the selected temp.
 

Inactive

Inactive
it just slides out easily when you have removed the 2 trox srews.

I have heard of some cheaper pirate part ones melting. Perhaps this has happened to yours.
 

gpgold

New member
hmmm. with all my struggling to get the thing out, I eventually gave up and tried put the harness back and now its working again! So maybe it was a loose wire....will keep an eye it. Really hope it doesnt need replacement cause it seems to be a bastard!
 

Iceman007

Active member
gpgold said:
hmmm. with all my struggling to get the thing out, I eventually gave up and tried put the harness back and now its working again! So maybe it was a loose wire....will keep an eye it. Really hope it doesnt need replacement cause it seems to be a bastard!

Yes its due to the plug. if the contact goes bad it causes heat buildup in the pins and connector starts melting. it also iventually causes damage to the circuit inside The FSR. I replaced the plug and pins. They are available from BMW if they knw where to look. I have the Part numbers if anybody needs them, just pm me
 

NYCBeemer

New member
Iceman007 said:
gpgold said:
hmmm. with all my struggling to get the thing out, I eventually gave up and tried put the harness back and now its working again! So maybe it was a loose wire....will keep an eye it. Really hope it doesnt need replacement cause it seems to be a bastard!

Yes its due to the plug. if the contact goes bad it causes heat buildup in the pins and connector starts melting. it also iventually causes damage to the circuit inside The FSR. I replaced the plug and pins. They are available from BMW if they knw where to look. I have the Part numbers if anybody needs them, just pm me

HI Iceman.

I have a similar problem. What are those part numbers? (I have 2003 325i)
 

Chucky

Active member
Also be aware FSR will work and stop working intermittently its best to replace the unit once this starts happening.
 
Top