Which FSU

[AlexR81]

Since I keep reading that the FSU is a big issue with the 525i I'm asking which one is the most trusted name to go with. OEM and how much should I be spending for it. 2003 525i

[coolcom]

I bought the Valeo brand from Pelican Parts for $52 a few months back. Popped it in and all my AC fan issues were solved! It was a huge PITA getting the old one out, you have to wiggle and manipulate the wiring harness from very uncomfortable angles...add on top 17 years and 221k miles of plastic-on-plastic...you get the idea.

[Pelican Parts]

Since I keep reading that the FSU is a big issue with the 525i I'm asking which one is the most trusted name to go with. OEM and how much should I be spending for it. 2003 525i

Hello and welcome to the forum Alex - like mentioned below by coolcom, we have several options for the FSU. I would also recommend the Valeo one or the Behr unit - both are within a few dollars of one another. I'm attaching a link to the parts below. Please let us know if you have any questions!

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...nal+stage+unit

[JaxPlanet]

It is definitely not a "big issue". It takes about 5-minutes to swap and I wouldn't replace it until it fails. When that time comes, Genuine BMW is your best bet and Behr is the next best thing.

If you are looking for a "big issue" that merits preventive measures, Google search "e39 exploding fan". Seriously, this happened to my 525iT with about 71K miles on it at 10-years old and I was lucky it only nicked my fan shroud. From that point on, every 65K, I get a new Genuine BMW fan and Sachs clutch regardless of how well the old ones appear to be functioning.