Aircon issues (E46)

[RLK500]

Guys, anyone have any wisodm to share on aircon issues. Mine appears to have gone a little wacky. Started with the fan whistling like mad at low speeds, now it appears as though the fan is surging and very little cool air comes from the vents, then all of a sudden cold air pours out. Changing the fan speed does make a difference but at low settings it seems to do almost nothing, whereas previously it was very efficient. Any ideas ?

[Vee]

RLK500 said:

Guys, anyone have any wisodm to share on aircon issues. Mine appears to have gone a little wacky. Started with the fan whistling like mad at low speeds, now it appears as though the fan is surging and very little cool air comes from the vents, then all of a sudden cold air pours out. Changing the fan speed does make a difference but at low settings it seems to do almost nothing, whereas previously it was very efficient. Any ideas ?

Google 'E46 hedgehog'.
It's a bastard to change though.

[RLK500]

Thank you kindly. Google has supplied me with a wealth of info. It appears that even pulling fuse 50 may resolve it, so worth a try.

[Olf]

RLK500 said:

Thank you kindly. Google has supplied me with a wealth of info. It appears that even pulling fuse 50 may resolve it, so worth a try.

I performed the hedgehog manouver recently. I have to say it's a sod of a job which at some points saw my head wedged up against the brake and clutch pedals and my feet resting either side of the head rest. I could do it again now in about half the time but considering it's about £125 for BMW to do it and even cheaper for a specialist I think with hindsight I should have gone that way and would probably not rec the DIY route to anyone else unless they were completely skint and very flexible!

If you decide on DIY comeback to me and I'll give you some tips!

[Speed addicted]

My 330ci whistles at low fan speeds, which is extremely irratating. Could the hedgehog be responsable?

[RLK500]

Olf said:

RLK500 said:

Thank you kindly. Google has supplied me with a wealth of info. It appears that even pulling fuse 50 may resolve it, so worth a try.

I performed the hedgehog manouver recently. I have to say it's a sod of a job which at some points saw my head wedged up against the brake and clutch pedals and my feet resting either side of the head rest. I could do it again now in about half the time but considering it's about £125 for BMW to do it and even cheaper for a specialist I think with hindsight I should have gone that way and would probably not rec the DIY route to anyone else unless they were completely skint and very flexible!

If you decide on DIY comeback to me and I'll give you some tips!

Olf, was £125 including parts ??

TIA

[Olf]

RLK500 said:

Olf said:

RLK500 said:

Thank you kindly. Google has supplied me with a wealth of info. It appears that even pulling fuse 50 may resolve it, so worth a try.

I performed the hedgehog manouver recently. I have to say it's a sod of a job which at some points saw my head wedged up against the brake and clutch pedals and my feet resting either side of the head rest. I could do it again now in about half the time but considering it's about £125 for BMW to do it and even cheaper for a specialist I think with hindsight I should have gone that way and would probably not rec the DIY route to anyone else unless they were completely skint and very flexible!

If you decide on DIY comeback to me and I'll give you some tips!

Olf, was £125 including parts ??

TIA

Yes I think so - Hedgehog is about £50 and an hour's labour which out of london is a bit less like daylight robbery.

Prob £125 +vat.

Ring your local dealer - it's such a common problem they'll probably quote you unhappy within seconds!

[RLK500]

Ta V much. I have an excellent indie I use, and the car is due for a service so may get them to do it at the same time.

[RLK500]

Well, if anyone else has this issue. Before you shell out c£100 to get it fixed, just try pulling fuse 50 and leave it out for a minute or two. Mine has returned to normal after doing this, I have no idea whether it is a permanant fix but it's worth a try as a get by.