final stage resistor install

Just installed a new final stage resistor in my 2001 325i. It looks easy to do by the pictures you see on this site, however it takes a little more effort than i think some may lead you to think. I had to bend my neck into some positions that it has never seen just to locate the resitor, I did however manage to get it out and install a new one and my blower system works great. Had it not been for this site I would have had to take it to
a shop and I am sure I would of paid out the ass to get it fixed. Just a little research on this site and $78.00 later for the final stage resistor my blower was back to normal...THANKS

Just saved yourself a bunch of cash.

Yep, probably saved yourself $300 in labor compared to dealer, probably less at an indie.

I replaced mine a few months ago. I keep the old one on my desk at work and periodically ask it "who's your daddy?" It's hard work getting that thing out of there. Odd looking piece, too - people always ask what it is.

i need to get this done

The hard part getting your head under the dash just to locate it. On my 325I it is
located on the pasanger side. There was one tork screw to undo after you get the under part of the glove box dash apart. To slide the Final stage out, mine didn't want to come out so I had to rock it side to side to get it out. Once you get it out plug the new one in then make sure it works before you put it all to gether again. It is a pretty good feeling when it does work. At one point I had my feet in the back seat and my head stuck under the dash, so its not the most comfortable working position.

I tried to replace my FSR but ran into problems of removing the bottom part of glove box, lower trim panel? Any good tips? TIA.

The Trim under the dash is a tight fit. There was a couple of screws holding it in, after thoes were out it still didn't want to come out. After some pulling it came out. If you try to pull from the edge that buts up aginst the carpet that seems to work the best. It did take a little bit of wiggling to get that peiece out

Jdogg, thanks for the tip. Where are these two screws? For some reasons, I did not see or totally missed it. It's not mentioned in Bentley either. Were the locations indicated in your instruction? Can you post the URL, if you don't mind? Thanks much.

Final Stage resisting replaced for my 325I 2001 E46

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I just wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to all of yo, this is a great forum. I was having some problems with my heating and cooling fan when my car was off. This issue was driving me insane as the battery was dying on me every morning. I searched that problem that I found the solution here , it was very helpful I managed to get the Final Stage at the dealer and able to replace myself, I am a chick so It was a little bit challenging as I needed to remove the Glove Compartment and the space was very uncomfortable. I saved my self a lot of money , If I would had bring my car to the " stealer" it would had cost me around $ 400. I am so proud that I did it . The problem has been resolved.
Thank you all this place is great
Maria :thumb up: