No seriously, our M3 literally does not blow. As I typically do when driving the M3, I immediately shut off the A/C, put back the sunroof, rolled down the windows and popped open the rear vents -- perfect nice-weather motoring. When the stereo started being drowned out by a nearby truck in traffic, I rolled everything back up and hit the "Auto" button to bring the HVAC system to life. Nothing happened. I overrode Auto by turning up the fan to max. Nothing. I turned off and on the A/C button. Nothing. I pressed the airflow direction button and felt around for air. Nothing. The BMW HVAC controls aren't the simplest in the world, but I knew I wasn't screwing it up. Also, it was working the night before.
When I drove in this morning, it still wasn't working. I think it's just the fan, however, as I could feel A/C coming out of the vents when I was driving at high enough speeds for the natural air flow to come through. I hope nobody's planning a Death Valley adventure in the M3 this weekend.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 59,450 miles
jaguar36 says:
09:37 AM, 08/ 1/08
Sounds like your final stage resistor is broked. Its a common problem on E46 BMW's and is easily replaced. I'm assuming you'll jsut take it to the dealer, but if not, its an easy DIY, and only about $100 to do. Check out this thread for the info http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143393
jaguar36 says:
09:46 AM, 08/ 1/08
Oops, that link is acutaly for a 5-series, here's one for a 3-series.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=2761534#post2761534
opfreak says:
10:40 AM, 08/ 1/08
ahh that brilliant german engineering and quality
stingray454 says:
11:00 AM, 08/ 1/08
"Only" $100 for a resistor??? Resistors cost pennies to produce. Oh, that's right, it's an ///M resistor made by German virgins. Additional overcharge then.
jr1m90 says:
11:32 AM, 08/ 1/08
Just a blown fuse perhaps? I'm by no means an expert, but it seems like the website jaguar36 gave (which is very nice, btw) talks about erratic fan control, not just the fan not working. Something cheap to try before taking it to the dealer.
karjunkie says:
01:08 PM, 08/ 1/08
Check the fuse. My BMW blows the AC fuse every 12 months or so. Also, check the inline fuse in the battery box if the AC fuse looks good.
subytrojan says:
01:18 PM, 08/ 1/08
jaguar36, post #7 on that link has my name. :o)
If the problem is the FSR, I guess one could say I called it?
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2008/06/2002-bmw-m3-hal-in-the-hvac.html
desmolicious says:
01:43 PM, 08/ 1/08
"ahh that brilliant german engineering and quality"
The car does have 60K miles on it.
stingray454 says:
01:48 PM, 08/ 1/08
60k isn't exactly a lot. And I thought BMWs didn't have problems? At least that's what their fans always try to tell me...
mjolnir says:
03:57 PM, 08/ 1/08
It needs a final stage resistor.
hondacura4 says:
09:06 AM, 08/ 2/08
My lil' brothers former 2002 BMW 330Ci sport (recently replaced by a 08 335i Sport 6MT 4dr) had the same issue. He had that resistor thing replaced and the system remained trouble free.
"ahh that brilliant german engineering and quality"
Opfreak, all vehicles have glitches/issues no matter the country of origin. Dont forget that this M3 isnt a new car and the car remains amazing to drive. I will admit that some brands have more "issues" than others.
"And I thought BMWs didn't have problems? At least that's what their fans always try to tell me..."
Stingray454, the same thing could be said for fans or fanboys of any brand. Ive encountered these "fans" of Honda, GM, Ford, Toyota and just about every other manufacturer. There is no vehicle new or old that doesnt have or wont have an issue arise in time, Corvettes being no exception.
To be really honest, my brothers former 2002 330Ci sport gave him little trouble. Gathering from what he told me, his blower stopped working (see above article) and he had some issues with his drivers seat. He sold the car with about 82K miles and it was in mint condition. I have to say these cars age well and the interiors/exteriors remain very durable and clean up VERY well. Electronic issues still seem to plague German marques, why not just swtich the suplier?
His VW 1.8T Gti before the 330Ci didnt know the meaning of reliability. That car needed to be ran off a cliff. Of course 1 car cant represent a brands overall reliability.
s197gt says:
09:36 AM, 08/ 2/08
"And I thought BMWs didn't have problems?"
i love bmw's. but i'm not sure who's more foolish, the person who told you or you who believed 'em...
still awesome cars, on the whole, to drive!
redwoodaggie says:
10:54 AM, 08/ 3/08
As others have said, it's most likely the final stage resistor. I've never had that happen on my E46 non-M, but it happened on my '99 M3 (under warranty).
tryan says:
03:33 AM, 08/ 4/08
I said it when Edmunds bought this car, but when you buy a used German, you better be prepared to buy some problems as well.
The LT M3 hasn't had a lot of downtime, but it hasn't been exactly maintenance-free, either. The things that have gone wrong have been of disproportionate cost to fix - all because it's a "BMW". This is where I take issue with the brand. The costs to maintain the car once out of the warranty/complimentary service period are astronomical (on average) unless you are handy with a wrench and have a good shop manual.
I love how BMW's drive, but I have not yet been willing to convince myself that it would be good for the long-run.
autoboy16 says:
07:16 AM, 08/ 4/08
My mom bought a used Z4 2.5i roadster to replace her miata. Trust me when I say the miata had WAY more problems... The only issues that came up in her Z4 was a loose screw in the trunk(tightened), cost to replace runflats($$$$$$), second key($160/Christmas gift),and oil changes from the dealership($6 filter, $12oil, $135 labor? In 30 minutes no less).
So far, this is her 2nd bmw following her E30 325i. Also no issues until Hurricane Andrew screwed up the electronics... But thats an entirely different story and situation.
-Cj
div2 says:
08:11 PM, 08/ 6/08
I have to agree with Stingray; Chevy's Plastic Fantastic is cheaper and faster than the M3.
And when you are a balding, gold chain-bedecked equity fund manager looking to meet a Hooters waitress, nothing but a Vette will do...