X5 AC strange behavior
 

My 2004 X5 AC is acting strange. Blowing cold air it "puffs" meaning that when turned on, it starts blowing cold air but works intermittently. It runs 30 sec. then stops then starts then stops.... It seems to happen more when stressed meaning very hot outside, but even if I change the settings such as put it on Max, it still stops and starts. If I put it on the lowest fan level it seems to run a little longer. There are times when the AC works fine for long periods of time. I called a Bimmerworks shop close by (Elsmere, DE) and the mechanic said that he has only seen this happen with one other X5 and he ran diagnostics but couldn't find the problem.

I am asking for advice since I had a "runs rough in cold weather " problem, took it to the dealership, and then spent $600 of my money replacing ALL the coils and I still have the same problem. So the dealer seems to have mechanics who just run diagnostics and replace the "light bulbs".

Has anyone seen the same AC problem? Recommendations?

Yes...it is most likely your final stage resistor. Do a search on the site, tons of threads. It's an easy DIY repair too!

I have a feeling you are low on refrigerant. Take it to an AC shop and have them check it.

+1 on both replies. Check R134a pressure first (get the gauge and DIY), should read over 35 psi on an 80 deg F day with engine running and set to max cool settings (rear set to max too).
If the pressure checks OK, replace the FSR. Many here have tried to save a few $s by getting non-OEM E-Bay FSRs (China crap) only to replace them less then a year later (mine lasted under 6 mos). Don't be sucked in by the 50% savings on E-Bay, go OEM.

+3 on above. If all of those fail to fix it, your AC belt may be slipping because of a bad tensioner.

There is an FSR on eBay for about $42 w/ free shipping. It says it is Hamman OEM quality. Please, anyone know anything about Hamman? I think I need one. A local parts store has one for $82+tax, but I don't know what brand it is.

My 01 X5 started having the blower run for a long time after the ignition was turned off. Then, it wouldn't stop blowing at all, for hours, unless I tricked it somehow (turn it back on, turn up to max & back off, etc.). A/C stopped cooling on the passenger side, so I had R-134a added at a shop (they said it was low). That got it cooling on both sides again, but doesn't seem as cool as should be. Now, blower seems to have a mind of its own and is running even faster after it is turned off, and usually won't go off unless I pull out the 50A blower fuse behind the glove box. It even started running fast sometimes when it is on low fan. The running on after off has killed the battery twice this week.

I think I need to try replacing the FSR, but I hate to pay $82 to just try it. Again, anyone know anything about the Hamman brand?

Thanks.

X5cat. Now your issue sounds like FSR. Stay away from eBay shit. Not worth it. Contact this guy. This is direct BMW dealer that gives insane good pricing. You will be surprised how little difference the original and eBay ones cost. Tell him you are from Xoutpost. The price is better for "clubs".

Craig Hacker
Fixed Operations Director
BMW of Bloomfield*
973-780-9551
[email protected]

Thanks, Slick. Unfortunately for my wallet, the wife says I don't have time to be ordering parts -- she must have her ride and a/c back! So, I went ahead and picked up the FSR that the local foreign car parts store had in stock this afternoon. $90 with tax, but I figured at least I wasn't getting the cheap chinese variety I had seen warnings about. I felt alright about it as I paid for it at the counter and picked up the box and read Meyle, Germany. Then, turned the box around and read Made in China. Who knows?

At least I got it in and so far blower seems to be acting normal. Of course, it may take hours, days, or weeks to really tell.

Thanks for the parts source, anyway. I'm sure it will come in handy in the future!

You didn't buy at dealer? That sux. Well you know what you can do. Take your old FSR and fix it. There is a how to floating around. A guy fixed it, and it has been fine ever since. You will have a spare at least.

Well I am having Battery draining issues with the blower staying on after the x5 is switched off..

I just bought my FSU from amazon (Behr Hella Service 351321511) for $63 with tax and 1 day shipping.

I did find it at partsgeek to for a good price. I chose amazon because of my DAMN Prime membership.