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Other members in this forum claimed that they could remove this air duct without taking center arm console off. I tried but not as clever as them. I could not take this air duct out in order to get to the fan motor. I ended up following the instruction from a British member who took out center arm console and remove this air duct.
When you look at the bottom of this air duct, it joins to another long flat duct which runs under the center arm console to provide hot/cold air to the rear vents of the center arm console and to the small compartment within the arm console.
Once you remove this air duct, you will face 2 more side air ducts on each side of center console. Members here could remove those 2 side air ducts without taking the driver side steering cover and passenger side glove box off. I tried but no luck especially when you try to put these 2 side air ducts back, both panels off. You need room to push these 2 air ducts back in place.
My Ride: 2006 E61 530xi - Premium, Cold Weather Package
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
Originally Posted by JasonH
The "hedgehog" doesn't fail very often on the E60/E61 it's usually the motor (the opposite of the E39's).
Realistically to replace the hedgehog you need to take everything apart - unfortunately almost every step is essential as well.
JasonH, many thanks for your work in writing up this guide. Very helpful indeed.
Am wondering if you - anyone? - has got any specific diagnostic tips on testing the fan/resistor combination independently of the rest of the system? EG, what is the minimum componentry required to operate/test the system? Should the fan run with only the Climate Control Dashboard Unit installed? Does anybody have the input schematic of the Speed Control/Resistor Unit "hedgehog"? Though Speed Control/Resistor Unit on my E60 doesn't have this resistor radiator 'hedgehog' appearance...
I'm relying on your authority that the 'hedgehog' doesn't often go bad. I've recently replaced only my blower fan, but left the original speed control in place. IN my case, system was working perfectly, including fan speed control. But fan had developed the dreaded bearings-worn-out-squeal.
about to do our first tests with INPA - only recently installed. So was hoping for something a bit more... fundamental. IE, pre-INPA (!)
With the E60 there is nothing pre-INPA. When testing systems you use INPA or ISTA unless you're doing a voltage or continuity test and for that you would use a voltage meter. In 2004 BMW went exclusively to modules talking to each other to make things work and troubleshooting a BMW like a "Honda or GM" is impossible. Your HVAC module and iDrive controls the HVAC system along with a couple other things and needs to be online to test the electrical parts of the system.
Now get in an E39 and you can test all day without INPA or ISTA
My Ride: 2006 E61 530xi - Premium, Cold Weather Package
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
Originally Posted by seanjordan20
With the E60 there is nothing pre-INPA. When testing systems you use INPA or ISTA unless you're doing a voltage or continuity test and for that you would use a voltage meter.
senjordan20, tks for weighing in. Of course, my exclamation point was meant to emphasize precisely that: By 'Pre-INPA', I meant: Old-school, electronic. Yes, I do mean 'Are there any functional schematic diagrams' for the Speed Controller/Motor assembled unit? Unless it's a PWM (or other)-controlled system - as it could well be - I'd imagine the unit is driven by varying voltages. Does anybody here know, with certainty, preferably backed by a schematic?
I may get to playing with INPA in about a week; meanwhile... ???
As long as we're on the topic of (re-)programming the car: Would it seem reasonable that the blower motor would be completely non-functional after the battery has been disconnected for an extended time - as it was during this project...?
Other aspects of the HVAC system seem to be working - IE, various actuators, etc. seem to be 'clicking' behind the dashboard as I cycle though various controls.
Ah; edit: Found this, which may go some way toward answering some questions:
That guide is excellent! Just replaced the blower motor on mine this weekend. Took about 4 hours.
I didn't remove the center console completely, but just undid the bolts and nuts so I could pull it towards the rear a few inches which allowed me to get enough clearance to remove the center air duct.
The left and right ducts could be removed without removing the driver's and passenger's foot panels, but to get them back in, I did remove them so I could get my hand in and clip them in place. No need to remove the glovebox though.
