Z3 passenger defrost vent and duct

[phrider]

The vent cover on my passenger side defrost duct, the one the blows defrost air on the passenger side window, has come off.

It seems that the plastic tab on the vent cover has broken and disappeared. I've got the part number ("06 COVERING DEFROSTER NOZZLE RIGHT SCHWARZ 1 64 22 8 399 936 $7.48"), and I should be able to get it.

The vent duct coming up to the vent cover also seems loose. How does this connect and attach inside the dash. I've had the glove box off, but the airbag and bolster block that area, so I can't see what goes where.

Anyone have experience with this, especially getting the inside the dash duct to fasten down?

[PwrdbyM]

We have had 4 Z cars in the family and each and everyone has had this vent come off. I don't know what the deal is but it is certainly a "Zism".
You could replace the part but I have taken some clear adhesive and just lightly applied it around the vent and put it back on. They all stay after that. I understand that some guys would hate that fix b/c it isn't OEM, but hey it is a defrost vent......

[Ferris]

I'm on my third vent, only that side seems to break. I think the duct hangs loose from what I remember.

[byronface]

interestingly, it's my driver's side that was already broken when i got the car. the passenger side is still in tact. i just used adhesive to get it to stay (although it isn't really working very well).

in regards to the duct that has come loose, i literally just shifted it and pushed it in place somewhere in there.. it's really flimsy and literally just pushes up into something.

[2000m]

my m had the exact same problem
never had the problem with the 01 z3

[Pani]

Same problem. I noticed this weekend that the pass vent I replaced less than 6 mo ago broke in the same place (the small locking tab).

[MCOUP]

may I get to know the part number for the driver side vent please? My passenger side vent (australia) has come off lately as well....

Thank you...

cheers,

richie

[bird67]

Hmm, I'm getting a rattle/buzz from that area...

[phrider]

How do you get that (replacement) vent to sit flat?

No wonder the clip breaks. It really seems to be forced in there.

And the right rear corner doesn't seem to want to sit down flush -- or is that a specific issue given the tolerances on my own console?

[2000Z3M]

I have(had?) the same problem. Want to do something cool? put it in place then go WOT and watch it fly, lol.

[Randy Forbes]

How do you get that (replacement) vent to sit flat?

No wonder the clip breaks. It really seems to be forced in there.

And the right rear corner doesn't seem to want to sit down flush -- or is that a specific issue given the tolerances on my own console?

You have to get the duct under the vent grill to lay "appropriately" in order for the grill to fit right.

I correct them, to the best of my ability, on most of the cars that pass through my garage. Interestingly enough, neither of my own cars have been an issue.

[ZUUD BYE]

I've replaced 3 since 2003- 2 drivers side- 1 passenger-0 seem to be holding up well now.

[Codeman]

Both of my Z's have this problem, frankly there is no fix, unless you use LOTS of glue. I'm just going to have to live with it forever...

[lotusTT]

I have the exact same issue. Some how my duct got shoved really far in so the vent sits flat, but the tab is broken and it just slides out all the time.

[phrider]

"06 COVERING DEFROSTER NOZZLE RIGHT SCHWARZ 1 64 22 8 399 936 $7.48"

RealOEM meets Beverly Hills. Part was in stock, but cost $13.50 with BMWCCA discount.

[felonious monk]

RealOEM meets Beverly Hills. Part was in stock, but cost $13.50 with BMWCCA discount.

I need to stop reading this and the other forum. Every time I do I learn of yet another thing to look forward to. This is nuts considering the car's original sticker price.

Fred, have you tried Yves at BMA in Glendale? I find their prices to be very good.

[phrider]

I need to stop reading this and the other forum. Every time I do I learn of yet another thing to look forward to. This is nuts considering the car's original sticker price.

Fred, have you tried Yves at BMA in Glendale? I find their prices to be very good.

No, where is BMW, and what is the full name/location? I'm through the Glendale area very frequently.

[felonious monk]

http://bmaparts.com/

1822 Victory Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91201
888-262-3911

[Jonny Z3]

my drivers side one does the same thing. it has never fallen out though, but the mounting tab got broken on it somehow

[phrider]

http://bmaparts.com/
1822 Victory Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91201
888-262-3911

Thanks, they're now on my list.

[bimmerz9094]

my driverside had that problem, the duct came loose so i took it out compleatly (i was in the middle of a trip and didn't have time to look at it). i layed the vent back, and it fell into the dash. at first i thought it flew out of the car, but a couple of days later i went to shift and i couldn't get the clutch to go in. the piece fell through my entire dash, and wedged itself behind the clutch peddle. go figure? but hey, i got the piece back!

[JeffPortland]

You have to get the duct under the vent grill to lay "appropriately" in order for the grill to fit right.

I correct them, to the best of my ability, on most of the cars that pass through my garage. Interestingly enough, neither of my own cars have been an issue.

I know this is a really old quote... any tips on how to get that duct to sit just right? I gave up after a while and just let it lay down inside there without contacting the vent but now i'm tired of listening to it rattle around in there and want to just get it routed correctly (or take the duct out completely). After getting it aligned I will just glue it down with a couple dots of weather strip adhesive...

Thanks!

[///MRoadyJPL]

Knock on wood but my 98 M Roady’s vents are still intact. Perhaps it’s because the P.O. weighted them down with about $3.00 worth of change split between both vents. Maybe the extra weight kept them in place? Took an afternoon to get all the loose change out using a small screw driver and duct tape.