intermittent Air Con Issue

[Hotride]

As above, having some issues with the air con.

Most of the time it works, however sometimes when i turn the car on, no air seems to be coming out of the vents, but the aircon appears to be on. Its almost like something is blocking the air from getting to the vents.

When it happens I can hear the aircon working and if I turn it right up i can feel a slight bit of cool air making it into the cabin. I'm thinking there could be a door or flap that stops the aircon from reaching the vents? Has anyone alse had this issue or have any ideas how i might fix it?

Cheers

 

[rps]

It could be the flaps in the air boxes that are closed. In my case they replaced the air con switch panel in the dash and the problem was fixed. It sounded as if the blower was blowing on full and no air was coming out. Try rotating the knob all the way around several times that selects the vents, if that fixes it, it's the panel.

 

[Hotride]

It sounded as if the blower was blowing on full and no air was coming out.

That is exactly how it sounds!!

I will try rotating that dial next time it happens, I would love to figure out what's causing it.
However air con switch panel doesn't sound cheap...

My dealer told me to toggle the re-circulate/ fresh air button, but i cant seem to find one on the z4. any one know where this button is/ if it has one?

 

[Mangozac]

My dealer told me to toggle the re-circulate/ fresh air button, but i cant seem to find one on the z4. any one know where this button is/ if it has one?

It's on the bottom right of the centre fan speed knob. Has two lights on it (one for recirc and one for auto).

Does sound expensive having to replace something like that though. I'd be very inclined to disassemble and attempt component level repair first

 

[lacroupade]

You aren't using the AUTO button are you? That setting does override a few things...

 

[Hotride]

thanks guys. i located & checked the recirculate/ auto button and both lights are off. so i definetly don't have the auto enabled.

Looks like i'll have to wait till next time it happens before i can check the vent selector knob (air con switch panel).

 

[Hotride]

It could be the flaps in the air boxes that are closed. In my case they replaced the air con switch panel in the dash and the problem was fixed. It sounded as if the blower was blowing on full and no air was coming out. Try rotating the knob all the way around several times that selects the vents, if that fixes it, it's the panel.

Ok, it has happened twice in the last few days and both times rotating the vent selector knob fixed it!! Looks like ill have to order another part from the dealer :headbang:

Does anyone know the price or part number for the air con switch panel? i cannot see it on real oem

 

[Mangozac]

You mean this: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT53&mospid=47799&btnr=64_1267&hg=64&fg=20

$714. Ouch!

I'd be happy to take a look at yours - I would imagine it's likely to be a simple electromechanical issue. Of course it leaves you without climate control for a period while I do so.....

 

[Hotride]

the alarm sensor in the bonnet started going off randomly too. I just replaced that. $30 for the new sensor not too bad.

but $714 for the air con control unit... thats so nasty... for a replacement knob

will definitely try to fix it before I consider buying a new one then

 

[wiseguy]

As above, having some issues with the air con.

Most of the time it works, however sometimes when i turn the car on, no air seems to be coming out of the vents, but the aircon appears to be on. Its almost like something is blocking the air from getting to the vents.

When it happens I can hear the aircon working and if I turn it right up i can feel a slight bit of cool air making it into the cabin. I'm thinking there could be a door or flap that stops the aircon from reaching the vents? Has anyone alse had this issue or have any ideas how i might fix it?

Cheers

I have the same issue. Mine has this problem about twice a month. Dealer checked it but couldn't get it to malfunction while they had it in their shop. Rotating the vent selection knob fixes it, but it is bothersome. I see the air con panels on EBay periodically, for well under $100. I had bits of foam blow out of the vents a few times, so I thought that might be related. I'll suggest they they test my panel when I take it in for my last warranty-covered work. Let us know if you figure how to repair the panel.

 

[lacroupade]

Anyone know what actually moves the interior baffles that direct air to the vents? I mean it used to be bowden cable but I'm assuming they are electrically operated on the Zed as there is no resistance to the control knob.....

 

[Mangozac]

It will be a closed loop servo motor type system, so yes, electrically controlled. There is a chance that the problem could be with that end I suppose.

I'm about to head overseas for a couple of weeks but when I get back if the problem is still annoying Hotride he might send me the panel to take a look. Perhaps the easier solution is to try and nab one off eBay?