XSeries-forum

This weekend is when I'm going to replace the heater blower motor so the dash has to come out.
As my X5 has the comfort option everything is moved electricly. So in order to get everything out I have to move the seats and steering wheel therefore the battery must be connected.
But.. to get the airbags out I have to disconnect the battery to avoid error light.
Should I just remove the airbag fuses and leave the battery connected?
What do you think?

Worth a try pulling the fuse but will that show a fault.
You have a code reader ?? easy to cleat air-bag fault after the job i would think.

Disconnect battery don't be taking any chances an airbag will take your head off if you are near it when it deploys accidently .

I agree, pull the battery. No chance of any stray electrical charges upsetting the airbags. That would hurt!

Don’t want to put a spanner in the works but I have removed the steering wheel air bag and door bags several times and never disconnected the battery mainly because it is under the LPG tank and therefore a pita. Not recommending it, just saying.

Anyway.. Can anyone ID this part? I found it in the passenger footwell when removing the lower panels. It's about 40mm long with a snap pin on it but I can't find where it goes.

Has it got a part number on it?

Unfortunately not..

I’m going to hazard a guess that it’s part of the glovebox and possibly one of the ‘locks’ that limit movement of the lid when opened? Almost certainly not available as a standalone component.

If you do remove the dash do keep us posted as to how difficult it is. Although my fan seems to be behaving itself I m sure I’ll have this problem down the road.

Right.. Done it.
Almost. I'm in the process of getting it all back together - lost my mojo cause I'm having a beer. I was in the process of getting the centre console back in.
It's not a difficult job it's just that there are so many parts to remove to get to where you need to be.
I didn't remove the centre console but took all the screws out so it could be moved rearward as it has pins that locate at the bottom of the dash. Mine has rear climate so there are more wires etc the consider.
To get the dash out also requires removing the steering wheel and indicator stalks - I didn't unplug them I just let them hang out of the way.
Obviously all the under dash parts have to go. The main dash is not that heavy, just a bit cumbersome.
When unscrewing the bolts from the heater blower motor don't drop the torx key down in to the matrix..
I disconnected the battery to unplug both airbags but then I connected them back up so I could test the new blower motor before I put everything back together.
Big tip - you will need space. Opening all doors fully is a must.
I'm boozing now but if I think of anything else I'll post.

Which motor did you buy or was it from BMW.

Top effort enjoy your well earned beer

I bought a Mahle motor circa £100.
Forgot the pic..

Impressive amount of work done

That would have cost a fair bit at a main dealer methinks!