AC finally fixed! New solution from dealer

[NervX5]

After having no AC for most days in July and August (it would work fine some days), I had the dealer check it out. I had to wait 3 weeks for a loaner to be available for my appointment. No big deal.
They replaced the FINAL STAGE RESISTOR, and of course, it worked fine for only 1 day. I called back and they wanted to see the X5 when the AC wasn't working. I timed it perfectly. I was about a half hour away from the dealership and called them! I left the truck running and they brought out a tech to see that NOTHING was coming out of the AC vents. Just noise.

They ran diagnostics and told me that the 10 fans had failed a total of 255 times! They decided there was no way all 10 would fail at the same time, so they replaced the COMPUTER! They said it was a 20 minute swap. Took about 45 minuites. Now I have a new AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL unit. Part # 64-11-6-927-900

MY X5 is CPO'd and has 56k miles, so it cost me only the $50 copay.
I hope this information helps anyone with the same problem.

[Xtreme53]

Was the AC circulating warm or were the fans not blowing? My AC is blowing warm to cool air, I wonder if my computer has also failed. I've already changed a blown compressor and an expansion valve. Don't know what else could be wrong.

[NervX5]

No air was blowing at all. Just lots of fan noise. Perhaps just the slightest warm air, but barely noticable. Worked fine every 3rd or 4th day. Thanks to others on this board, I read that shutting off the engine, then restarting sometimes made the AC work. Always fun doing that at a red light.

If you can have the dealer run the same diagnostic they did for me, it would show how many times the fans failed, if any.

Good luck!

[NervX5]

I spoke way too soon! A few days after I got the new computer unit, the same problem happened. Thanks to others on this board who mentioned similar issues, but the REAR AC vents worked, I tried the same test. It appears that it's the FRONT blower. I had to wait 3 weeks again for an appointment with a loaner from my dealer. Just dropped it off yesterday. I told them to keep it until it's fixed.
I got a new Final Stage resistor installed first, no help. Then the new computer (paid the $50.00 charge), no help. I'll post the results when I get it back. Hopefully it will be finally fixed for real, and that info will help others.

[NervX5]

Hopefully this is the final update on my A/C fan blower issue!

After 3 tries, I think they finally may have resolved my similar issue.
My AC has worked off and on since late July, and 3 weeks wait per appointment (with loaner car). They first changed the Final Stage Resistor (no help). Then they replaced the entire computer control unit (no help). It took them 2 days of troubleshooting this time, but I got it back! (works so far!!!) They said there was a "crimped" or "exposed" wire that was grounding itself out every once in a while! Here is the tech sheet:

"Inspect Heating and A.C system functions.
R&R CENTER CONSOLE, R&R IHKA, R&R FINAL STAGE, R&R D/S LOWER DASH PANEL, R&R RADIO, R&R CENTER VENT, R&R GLOVE BOX, TESTED WITH KNOWN GOOD IHKA, TESTED WITH KNOWN GOOD FINAL STAGE, INSPECTED WIRING HARNESS, FOUND SHORT TO GROUND UNDER DASH BEHIND GLOVE BOX. REPAIRED WIRING. RECODED IHKA."

Hope this helps anyone else! What a hassle!!!

Originally Posted by NervX5

I spoke way too soon! A few days after I got the new computer unit, the same problem happened. Thanks to others on this board who mentioned similar issues, but the REAR AC vents worked, I tried the same test. It appears that it's the FRONT blower. I had to wait 3 weeks again for an appointment with a loaner from my dealer. Just dropped it off yesterday. I told them to keep it until it's fixed.
I got a new Final Stage resistor installed first, no help. Then the new computer (paid the $50.00 charge), no help. I'll post the results when I get it back. Hopefully it will be finally fixed for real, and that info will help others.

[motordavid]

Pretty informative thread and follow-up, Nerv!

As more of our '01s, '02s, etc., age, that's damn good
info for us non-new X owners. Good persistence at Stlr,too.

Glad the A/C is finally working...

The Mods should put this thread up on the Front Page Info Index, imo.
BR,mD

[X5Flyboy]

I'm with md - very nice follow thru with your problem - That's what makes the website work so well - Thank you, and I'm glad you had a successful resolution

[NervX5]

Thank you very much for the compliments. I'm glad my experience was appreciated, and hopefully that information may help someone else in the future. If my X5 wasn't CPO'd, that could have cost quite a bit to troubleshoot and resolve with the 3 attempts.
I've learned quite a bit from others on xoutpost.com, it was the least I could do.

Originally Posted by burkleymh

I'm with md - very nice follow thru with your problem - That's what makes the website work so well - Thank you, and I'm glad you had a successful resolution

[bkran10]

Yeah, make sure you put this as an Index Thread. All of us who have non new X5 will benefit. My AC is blowing intermittently and this additional information may help if the problem is not with the Final Stage Resistor.

[vsx05]

Hi guys

I just want to let you guys know that I have also the same problem with my 2004 3.0d facelift X5. I have been doing some research last few weeks on x5world and found this post by NervX5. Mate, thanks for sharing the great info on the forum for everyone. I had my X5 checked, for the the 2nd time, for the same problem that most ppl are having. I printed out a copy of this post and attached it along with my key when I dropped it off. It took them 2 days to find out what the problem which was a short circuit somewhere in the aircondtion electrical connection. That explains why it worked somedays and didn't work otherdays when hot. My X5 was passed it warrenty however, bcoz I mention this problem b4 warrenty expired, Brisbane BMW did not charged me .

Anyway, thanks again NervX5 and everyones reply.