FSR

[thedweeb]

Along with my pads I'm changing the FSR at the weekend has anyone done one? I've looked over on Xoutpost for instructions and It looks simple but appears to involve lots of interia trim and clips that I'm bound to break.

[Sanj]

Somebody did this in the old forum - wish I knew who. FSR wil require nimble hands and access to the footwell and behind that centre console (in the front dash).

Think it might have been AW8??? Or he changed his at least....? Sorry not very helpful...

[thedweeb]

Thanks. I will give it a go and do some photos along the way. But if anyone has any tips they would be greatly accepted.
Cheers

[Minda]

FSR whats one of them?

[Turks]

It stands for Final Stage Resistor, otherwise called the hedgehog. It is part of the heating control system.


Turks.

[Minda]

Right
Normally in the heater matrix right.

[Chompers]

Spot on Sanj, it was indeed AW8. Again a real shame this type of 'How To' was lost on the old site. Maybe 'thedweeb' would be kind enough to post up a 'How To' when he does his by the way how old is your 'X' ?

[lezmtaylor]

Yes, the FSR quite often is the cause of mystery flat batteries, not too difficult to change, but you need octopus arms and a small frame.
Sanj is the man,as he is quite small.(sorry mate).
Yoy will need to remove the carpet trim on the trans tunnel, drivers side, and the paneling above the pedals (not to difficult be methodical and look for hidden fittings)
The Fsr is in a hole on the left at the top front of the trans tunnel. A bit of a bugger to wiggle out and an even more awkward to get back in.
But it can be done. I've done it twice, make sure you get the latest modified type.
Lez

[thedweeb]

[quote=""Chompers""]Spot on Sanj, it was indeed AW8. Again a real shame this type of 'How To' was lost on the old site. Maybe 'thedweeb' would be kind enough to post up a 'How To' when he does his by the way how old is your 'X' ?[/quote]
Yes I will put up a post once I've done it.
If you mean my X then its a 2002 30d 8 years old but runs sweet as a nut ( it will go bang tomorrow now)

[Sanj]

If I had to replace mine and from the experience I have gained messing with the car I would do it in this order:

1. Get the footwell panel out on the drivers side
2. Get that first carpeted piece that pops on to the centre console out - one screw up front in the footwell and the rest pops off
3. You have some access now but I would take the headunit screen out too - five minutes (if that)
4. Then you have full access to get behind the air con unit and pop that out - push it from behind, using access you have where you took the screen out
5. The FSR should be easy to reach and replace now - if the buttons at the bottom for the heated seats, etc need to come out, they pop out too

It's all a guess but that would be my attack strategy! Experience may mean some of the above steps can be avoided...

HTHs

[AW8]

I did post a guide on the old site, ( i don't have a copy - sorry). It's been a while since I did this d.i.y. job.

I bought the part from C3BMW made by same firm that supply BMW - it's a revised part.

I appreciate other comments from Sanj but I did NOT have to remove NAV screen or heater controls.

1. Undo & remove the plastic trim above the pedals. I seem to recall its not one whole section and a bit fiddly. There is a hard to find screw near the bonnet catch which is vulnerable to loss so be creative and utilise rag or mask tape to block the void & to prevent loss of this screw. I seem to recall the trim panel surrounding the bonnet catch may need to be removed, ( sorry memory a little vague on this). Try to remember how the vent ducting goes as otherwise you may need some trial & error to refit later. Try not to force anything & if screws are various lenghts remeber which goes where- ideally lay them out on floor neatly as you remove same.

2. Undo & remove the carpet trim panel. From recollection it's screws and poppers. As with 1 above - go gently with force.

3. Locate the FSR harness & unplug same. (ideally locate fuse and disconnect first)

3. Patience & ideally not jumbo hands required to access the FSR - some guides refer to a screw or screws in situ to hold and retain tjhe FSR. I dont think mine had any if it did then possibly one. There are lock tabs which need to be prised first cant recall if I used fingers or a small short handeled screwdriver. FSR needs a lot of wiggling to & thro whilst also pulling same to work it loose and pull it out. If it has been on for a while & is defective bear in mind it may be hot to touch & even hot enough to burn you slightly.

4. Remove then fit new item by reverse of proecedure - Make sure you remeber to ensure tha new unit isnt prevented from connecting due to the lock tabs which may need prising !

5. Makes sure you test it before assembling the trim etc. If not working make sure it is pushed in & conected properly , also if fuse was disconnected make sure its back in before testing new FSR.

Skill level 3/10

Effort level, (due to fiddle factor), 7/10.

I would allow 2 hrs first time but reckon I could now do it in an hour or so - having seen whats involved & done it before.

Tips : Consider use of torch or inspection lamp. Move seat right back, (& steering wheel up to top if not already there). Put some padding on ground as you will be half in & out of footwell on your back at times and hard ground will make this uncomfortable work. Dont be ashamed to call on use of someone with smaller hands. I managed on my own but would have used smaller hands if required. magnetic screwdriver may help. It might seem obvious but if doing this outside then consider the weather as it wont be much fun laying on floor with car interior &/or yourself getting wet.

The following links may help though read references to RHD cars if included & remember LHD cars have glove box above rather than a pedal trim panel. Pedals can get in the way too.

Please bear in mind some links dont relate to X5 but E39 is similar set up essentially.

All credit to the original authors &/or others sites for thse links.

Clicky Link 1

Clicky Link 2

Clicky Link 3

[AW8]

How did you get on ?

Was any of the above any use ?

[thedweeb]

Hi,
Sorry been busy at work.Yes I replaced the unit on saturday following your intructions. All in all it took me about 1 hour so not to bad. As you said its a bit fiddly but if you pay attention to what you're doing its doable by most. Best of all it curred my fan control problem.
Many thanks for the instructions/limks.

Ps did my front break pads aswell which is a real simple job and also took about an hour.

[AW8]

Glad all sorted.

1hr first time is good going...........I trust you didnt loose the screw by the bonnet catch.

Can you confirm your FSR was held by retainer lugs only ?

Glad pads sorted too.

As I am sure you know - you have probably saved yourself £200 in labour by main dealer rates.

[thedweeb]

Thanks. Yes the FSR was only held in with a clip on one side. I Couldnt really understand why the unit has two what appeared to be bolt holes, maybe its fitted to another car that uses them. Nice to know the 200 is in my pocket and not theirs, Will put it to my new wheels, misses allowing that is lol