Expert: Sean Halliday - 2/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I have a 2000 E46 BMW 318IA with the auto air cond. At times the heater fan intermittently stops and a few days later it will work again. The auto digital display shows it is trying to turn it on but won't go. It there any inherent faults with these things or is it likely to be the fan motor itself. I only want to remove that as a last resort as major strip down. thanks.

ANSWER: Its nearly always the climate control unit which will be at fault.

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QUESTION: thanks. I take it by that you mean the unit in the dash with the digital display in it. Can they be tested and are they repairable.

Answer
It would cost more to fix than buy a used one.I would get a second opinion first as these are expensive.It is the digital control in the dash looks like a radio.Make sure the resistor is ok on the fan.This will need to be looked at by a electrical tech.