Blower Fan flapping

[RenoRaines]

Recently my E85 developed a strange noise. When I turn my ignition key to last position ventilation system gets primed. Lately it's accompanied with flap/clunk sound. Secondly when I turn fan/blower to position 1 it's starts working. But when I turn it back to 0 (off) I can hear distinctive flapping (klop-klop-klop) sound from the fan.
I took the glovebox out and it's really hard to reach place. I am thinking of unbolting the fan and hoping for something to fall out.

Anyone with similar problem AND most of all - SOLUTION?

Thanks!

 

[stupot67]

Hi,
It's just the vent flaps cycling their positions - The AC system will do it automatically every now and then to ensure the vent flaps don't sieze up.

Stu.

 

[RenoRaines]

Found it. It's the actuator, right beside the Cabin Filter. It didn't move the lever UP - like it is skipping sprocket. Pushed it up with my finger. It also went down, but eventually stuck in UP position.
What is this actuator for? I guess the sprocket has failed or something.

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E85/Europe/Z4_2.2i-M54/L-N/jan2004/browse/heater_and_air_conditioning/actuator_for_automatic_air_condition/

Here you go: Part No.5 is kinda skipping.

 

[RenoRaines]

With actuator remover looks like broken sprocket tooth on the lever is the culprit.

 

[RenoRaines]

I'm having a big PITA putting the actuator back in. Actuator won't fit the sprocket groove. Air recirculation flaps won't move. Is this normal or are they stuck?

 

[RenoRaines]

Well I'm making my own topic

A managed to fit the actuator back in. Broken teeth on sprocket actually pushed the lever over it's limit and getting flaps stuck. Replacing the sprocket should cure the problem. The "flop-flop-flop" was comming from this sprocket skipping teeth when actuator was moving the lever.

Explanation:
When the car is turned off Air Recirculation flaps will eventually go into CLOSE position ( the same as if you would push the "In-Car Air Recirculation" button). This can take from 5-10minutes AFTER the car is turned off.
When you turn the ignition key the system will "unlock" the ventilation system - opening the system again.
Turning the ventilation to from any speed to 0 (OFF), actuator will engage and close the Air Recirculation flaps.

"Flapping" occurs when actuator is operating the levers on the picture and levers cannot be moved (from any reason; broken, stuck, ...) and actuator is rotating the sprocket which is skipping teeth.
The sound is VERY similar to the sound if something would be in the ventilation fan.

And the place is a BiG PITA! I opened the roof so I could lay up-side down on my back with my head under the passenger airbag and my legs high above seats head-rests and roof line :lol:
I hope this may help someone with similar problem