Blower Motor Replacement DIY?

[turquise1]

My blower motor is dead (changed the resistor already and checked the connections). I have found some DIYs but not complete. Anybody has a complete DIY for it? Or at least DIY for removing the dashboard..

Thanks,

Ozzie..

[SlickGT1]

I personally havent seen one on here. I've seen some pics of it out, but no DIY. Maybe you can make one. I mean taking pics as you go is always useful for yourself.

[mrbmwx5]

Search posted from Wallyx5 for DIY thread....or here...BMW TIS Online • 5' E53 • X5 3.0i (M54) Offroad • General electrical system

[pezho405]

I mean i canwrite out everything from memory, ive done it about 10 times. but basically

A pillar covers off
Center console Out
Dash out
Small cover over motor
blower motor out
install in reverse, i can write up a quick diy no pics though

[turquise1]

Hey Pezho405,

I just need some help on taking the dashboard out. I am not sure how many screws (and where) are holding it. Pillars are out, Radio, Nav and passenger airbag are out as well..

Thanks,

Ozzie..

[pezho405]

Ok so strictly from memory, just some basic guidance, just use common sense if i miss something.
start by:

1-take out the glove box and the black plastic cover underneath.
there is 6 screws holding it in place (the glovebox).

2- remove the long screw holding in the carpeted trim piece on the side of the center console it is next to the cig lighter plug. unplug the wires to the cig plug.

3- just pull out the side 2 carpeted trim pieces, they are held in by plastic clips. They shouldnt break, but they might fall out.

4-now do this to the drivers side, remove the black plastic under dash thing, disconnect the light and obd plug.

5-Remove the carpeted panels on this side now.

6- Remove radio, you said you did that already, so then

7- push out the temp/ climate control unit and throw it in the back seat.

8- grab the gear shifter and just pull straight up really hard, you wont break anything. it will just slide off. Grab the black cover and pull it off and disconnect the wires going to the light telling you what gear you are in.

9- pop out the hazard/ door lock switch.

10- Open the center console storage thing and pull out the plastic inside piece.

11- and the air pipe thing going to the vents.

12- there will be 2 screw there and take them out.

13- then move both seats back all the way

14- remove the screws on the side of the console, on the drivers side there will be a purple antenna connector and another conccetor, so disconect those too.

15- excuse my spelling

16-
pull on the tab with a screwdriver and move the gear selector all the way back. (to give you space)

17- start pulling the center console backwards and up. you will now have space to pop out the heated seats/ dsc/ trunk button assembly and disconnect all that.

18- I think you should now be able to pull the console out. Back and up and then carefully take it out of the car.

That SHOULD be it for the CENTER CONSOLE but i might have forgotten something.
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1- you got the pass airbag out so wont talk about that

2- using a T30 (i think maybe) take out the 2 screws behing the steering wheel and remove the airbag assembly.

3- take a sharpie and draw a line on the center bolt holding the wheel in place.

4- take a 17mm socket and take out the center bolt and then take off the steering wheel.

5- take off the black plastic around the steering wheel column, 2 screws on bottom one plastic one on top.

6- take off the bottom dash piece under the steering wheeel column, 3 screws i think.

7- using a small torx maybe t15 i forgot take the 2 screws out on top part of the instrument cluster.

8- grab hold and wiggle the instrument cluster out and disconnect the wires.

Lets recap
you have all the center dash electronics out, the wood trim pieces can stay in place.
Pillars are out.
im missing something..

alright well

9- the screws holding in the actuall dash are connected to the metal stuff. there is only like 4-6 screws holding the dash in place. they are easy to find.. maybe even only 3.

This is where they are i believe:

actually i drew the drivers side circles wrong move them lower

10- Carefully start pulling the dash and

DONT FORGET TO DISCONNECT THE SPEAKERS. yellow and green wires.

That should be about it. to get the the blower motor its just a black cover, pop it off and there it is!

BE SURE TO HOOK UP THE CLIMATE CONTROLL THING AND TURN THE FAN ON TO TEST IT. see if it makes any noise. its best to get the OEM BMW one.

That should be it now install in reverse order. The hardest part is sticking the dash back in making it fit properly. Best of luck.

It should look like this:
(my pic)


!!!oh yeah there are screws behind the light switch!!!

AND when you finally have everything back together, you will probably have the dsc abs and such lights on.
While car is running,
Turn the steering wheel all the way left then all the way right.
The lights will be gone.

[turquise1]

Nice! Thanks for all the info, it looks a bit scary but it needs to be done before it gets really cold here in Chicago.

Thanks again,

Ozzie..

[rogerkiu]

My suggestion is not to diy, just have it done by BMW dealer. Otherwise you will break things. Remoe the dash board is a very complicated job and really PIA, if you do not have the right tool and skill.

[pezho405]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

My suggestion is not to diy, just have it done by BMW dealer. Otherwise you will break things. Remoe the dash board is a very complicated job and really PIA, if you do not have the right tool and skill.

I would suggest the opposite. The dealer will charge you ALOT like close to 9 hours for this job.

It will be fun, and you will really get to know your car. A hassle at first but once you do it you feel great!

[turquise1]

The battery needs to be disconnected for this operation, or can I get away without disconnecting (especially being gentle around airbags)?

Ozzie..