Not only does every BMW 5 series have it, but all LEXUS SC 400 and SC 300 all have the same problem. Don't lose sleep over it. It's old ! There isn't any part on a BMW made of plastic or rubber that doesn't crack. Just got done replacing the windshield cover strip -- $38. and an hour of elbow grease and an ounce of Astroglide
Not only does every BMW 5 series have it, but all LEXUS SC 400 and SC 300 all have the same problem. Don't lose sleep over it. It's old ! There isn't any part on a BMW made of plastic or rubber that doesn't crack. Just got done replacing the windshield cover strip -- $38. and an hour of elbow grease and an ounce of Astroglide
Is it the center vent? Mine cracked about 6 years ago. I'm anal, so I went ahead and replaced it with a new one. I think I paid around $75 for a new part from Crevier BMW
My center vent has a crack in the top left corner...happened several months ago. I ordered a new one from Tischer BMW last week, they are not all that expensive. Should be here in another day or two...then no more crack!
So the repair is "get a new one". Seriously, gluing or any other attempt will not look so good...
My center vent has a crack in the top left corner...happened several months ago. I ordered a new one from Tischer BMW last week, they are not all that expensive. Should be here in another day or two...then no more crack!
So the repair is "get a new one". Seriously, gluing or any other attempt will not look so good...
Yup, I have a couple old hard plastic spatulas for the job, and will do it this weekend, "quacktheduck" demonstrated how to get it out for me a while back, so I am "good to go". You are right, the bowden cable will be the hardest part...I have no issues with trying to keep my car from showing it's age. I've replaced the front grab handle on my arm rest, and various other trims peices and parts if they get chipped, discolored or ratty looking. Most of the stuff is not particularly expensive. MID display pixels was fixed last fall, and working with BMWNA presently on my cluster pixels...they just started acting up over the weekend. Urgh!
I am off to do mine right now....new vent is only $69 from Tischer, plus $9 or so for shipping.
Took about 30 minutes to complete...I was confused with detaching the Bowden cable at the distal end (opposite the vent). When facing the cable, the white clip, you pry it from the top, and toward you. Which is to the right or toward the passenger side of the car. Removing the vent is most easily done using a rigid, plastic spatula...you slide it around under, and across the top to release the tabs, then it comes straight out.
Thanks for that update. I'm sure others will be helped by your Bowden cable advice. Mine will probably need replacement (original one lasted 6 years, this one has now been on 6 years) so I will use this post as a refresher on this job.
Mine broke out completely. Fastened it back in place with two dabs of RTV silicon. Flexible for the temp canges, which is what caused the cracking in the first place.
I've got the same crack, but it's top and bottom and if I touch it the wrong way it falls out***8212;I can still use the control though. Same thing happened to the vent in the passenger side door. Really minor thing for me but it's irritating when the parts fall off.
I've searched the forums with no success. I have what looks and feels like bits of black sticky foam coming out of my right center dash vent. Has anyone else encountered this problem and if so what did you do to fix it. Car is a 1999 540i.
My 528 has been doing this, small and large pieces of small black/gray foam coming out of the vents. Certainly some type of foam filter or a method to seal gaps in the tubing.
From what I've read, there might be a second permanent foam filter in the dash that catches debris from the vents. Or it is some type of "weather-proofing" for gaps in the ac system tubing. Either way it looks like a fix is taking apart the dash?
Anybody done this yet, or having same problem.
Get Better bluebee----
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
BimmerFest BMW Forum
11.4M posts
753.1K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Bringing the BMW community together.