Removal of climate control panel, special note

[shogun]

In some instructions like here it is mentioned to remove the panel "the factory way" = remove the cover from the rear demister switch with a small screwdriver
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan//IHK...st_removal.jpg
Put a screwdriver into the hole you created by removing the cover.
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan//IHK...s/removal1.jpg
Use the screwdriver to push in the end of the clip so it will slacken at the front. If you do this correctly the panel will pop out just like that
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan//IHK...s/removal2.jpg

The cover on these units is part of the complete button and if you try to remove the cover you will destroy the complete switch. I have not yet tested it, but better be careful. Maybe someone can verify this. Just to make sure that no one destroys his climate control.

Update 22.8.14: now it was mentioned that the destroyed control unit is not a IHKA unit, but a IHR or something like that. A lot of E32 in Germany were not including the IHKA, but they had HR, IHR, IHKA and for the early 1987 E32 they was a IHR with different pinout. Maybe the demister button is different on the different units. Update to follow in case I get more news.

So the best is to use a business or old credit card, plastic sheet and slip it in from the side to move the clip to the release position. In case the clip breaks, no problem, it is available as single item, # 64111374250
Clamp, 64111469183

[CroughtonE32]

I had to replace my control unit twice. The second time was because Bav Auto Recycling sent me one that had a defrost button that did not stay in. They overnighted me one the same day. That's why I always recommend them to people here looking for used or rebuilt parts. I mean the unit was on sale for 50 bucks and the overnight shipping was about the same. They were just as good with my intake manifold. Their guy pulled the manifold from a car a year older than mine and it did not have the connection for my brake booster to plug in. Same thing again.....their mistake, and they overnighted the second one out. On ebay now I found this one for 100.00 but I'm sure Travis at Bav Auto Recyl will have one for half.

[MMMEAT]

Croughton,

Did you notice the clip losing any "spring" or have any difficulty getting it to snap back into place when putting the unit back into it's resting place? I'm having a devil of a time getting mine to stay in..and there is a clip there, but I can't seem to get the thing to "grab" anything..thanks for any tips


B

[shogun]

here a vid how to remove it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgSihwVi-Y

[shogun]

Important hint! When removing the IHKA control panel, do not try to pull out the rear window heater switch cover like shown here http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan//IHK...st_removal.jpg
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan//IHK...KA_lights.html
The switch cover has 2 tiny hooks which will often break, then the cover will fall out always, then there is a third hook on that switch which comes from the back part of the switch, that can also break.
Pic of the switch cover showing the 2 hooks below.
The complete switch rear window heater is presently still available, but very costly, and it has to be soldered in, p/n 64111390697 .
Always use a small pic or credit card and unlock at the left side the clamp 64111374250 , pull out left side first, in case you break that, it is available much cheaper than the cpl. switch. See example vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgSihwVi-Y
In addition, newer IHKA control panels do not have a hole anymore to unlock the clip thru the hole of the switch like this http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan//IHK...s/removal1.jpg