Final Stage Resistor Removal

[Black Magic]

Can anyone help with how to remove the resistor. I have located it but apprantly there is a little tab that holds it in. It's in a tight spot and there must be some easy way to get a screwdriver in there to pry the tab. Oh, my garage is 100F+ and I'm getting real tired of this thing. Any knowledgable members out there? Car is an E39. Thanks.

[Black Magic]

I resolved the problem. There is a locking tab on the lower right side as you look at the resistor locked in place in the car. To remove, you simply feel the lower right side and there will be a flat, horizontal tab that can't be seen but when it is pushed downward, the resistor will pull straight out. Replacing this did resolve my blower that was stuck on a single slow speed. I can send pics if anyone needs pics of the part and the location.

[mikemaster]

Thanks, I'll try to remember this for when mine goes:

[dimliakos]

I have the same problem. Can you post some pictures?
Thanx

[stealthsmooth]

hello all,
i think i got the same problem. cant find my unit. i got a e39 2001 . is it under the passenger side glove box or driver side dash?
thanks.

[Steve530]

It on the passenger side, left of the glovebox, near the firewall.

Here's a FSU DIY.

[stealthsmooth]

thanks for tha DIY. nice and easy to follow.
why do some people say that its under the driver side dash? is that for another model?

[quattro PETE]

thanks for tha DIY. nice and easy to follow.
why do some people say that its under the driver side dash? is that for another model?

In UK models (steering wheel on right side), it will be on the driver's side.

The FSU is actually behind the center console, but you access it from the driver's side (UK) or passenger's side (ROW).

[stealthsmooth]

ohh, that makes sense. !! thanks for that. thought i was loosing the plot!

[kbuicker]

Pull the black plastic tray that is right under the glovebox.. it will pull straight out, that will give you extra room to manuever.

[stealthsmooth]

ordered the part from euro car parts. hope this solves the problem. my cars a uk model so i hope to locate this box under the driver side, behind the centre console. i'll keep u all updated.

[FP5241]

ok, I got as far as locating the unit....
My problem is removing the plug from the unit. It's in there pretty good. Is there any danger to driving without a final stage unit? Mine wont arrive for a few days but i need to get to point A from Point B.

[Black528i]

I wouldn't do it. I found that my plug would ground itself out on the bracket of the dash and I would see sparks coming from the floor board. Probably not a good idea. I have 4 FSU's laying around if you need a dummy to hold the spot.

[FP5241]

I wouldn't do it. I found that my plug would ground itself out on the bracket of the dash and I would see sparks coming from the floor board. Probably not a good idea. I have 4 FSU's laying around if you need a dummy to hold the spot.

Well, i took it out last night and went for a drive. When i got back home i put it back in. Since then I haven't had any issues with it, or my battery. My replacement part should be here any day now, so i will definatley replace it just to be safe. Thanks for the offer though.

[stealthsmooth]

problem solved guys. replaced the FSU. running smooth again and the buzzing sound has gone as well.
ac aint blowing freezing cold air but think i need to re-fill the gas.its never been done.

thnks very much for the help. could not of done it without u all.

[FP5241]

did u have any difficulty removing the unit from the wiring?

[stealthsmooth]

it was a bit of a bitch to get to as it is in tight place. just needed a bit of patience.

[Gopher2k]

did u have any difficulty removing the unit from the wiring?

This is the problem I'm having right now! I can't for the life of me get the damn wiring off. I lift a lot and am a relatively big guy (5'10" 235lbs) and I have next to NO room to manuver in there. I can only use one hand with my thumb and middle finger due to space constraints and just can't get the damn thing off!

I managed to cut the hell out of my hand under there, but it just ain't happening. Any tips? I can feel the sides of the wireing harness give a little bit when I apply the limited pressure I can, but I'm not sure if its a release or I'm in danger of crushing it.

Grrr! Any long island locals have 10 minutes to spare?

P.S. I know this is an old thread.

[Edgy99]

Here's another DIY thread from bimmerfest if helpful:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=3183787

Took me almost an hour. Unless you have tiny hands it takes a while -- despite all the claims of a 15 minute job. Very satisfying when you're done however -- I was quoted two hours labor!

Mine was draining the battery, so had to be replaced asap.

[bmr4me]

Im about to order this part now. Hope it fixes my moms car.