Climate Controls: Air Flow Erratic

Incompatible · 03-26-2009, 06:37 PM

I generally have the air flow set to exit the dash vents and turn the fan on/off as needed. I have noticed several times now that if I change the controls to redirect the air to the windshield defroster vents, the air flow does not change. If I turn the fan speed up to max, the air sounds like it's being blocked and the fan is straining. After switching the air flow control between the defroster, dash, and floor vents several times, eventually I can hear the air slowly being diverted to the indicated vent until full flow is acheived. The air flow control then works fine for a couple of weeks. It seems that the mechanism which controls the air flow is sticking. Is there a quick fix, such as an easy to reach part lubrication, or is it off to the dealer?

rc'Z · 03-27-2009, 05:12 AM

Probably off to the dealer unless you have been under the dash and knocked a line/wire loose.

Incompatible · 03-27-2009, 08:41 AM

No adventures under the dash. I don't think the problem is electrical due to the slow but eventual change in air flow. I'm thinking that a part is sticky or has a small amount of drag on it. Thanks for the response.

airZ4M · 03-27-2009, 08:46 AM

Have had mine in several times for same issue as well as COMPLAINT OF FLOOR/DASH mix sending air to upper defrost vents. Never been able to resolve - only thing they will say is the flow is "consistent with other Z4s on lot".

Generally if I cycle through all vent selections and then settle back on dash only its fine.

Sorry this isn't really any help - just confirmation of someone else with same general issue.

Incompatible · 03-27-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airZ4M

Have had mine in several times for same issue as well as COMPLAINT OF FLOOR/DASH mix sending air to upper defrost vents. Never been able to resolve - only thing they will say is the flow is "consistent with other Z4s on lot".

Generally if I cycle through all vent selections and then settle back on dash only its fine.

Sorry this isn't really any help - just confirmation of someone else with same general issue.

Exactly my problem. Sounds like your dealer is giving you the runaround. Air flow is ok only after the diverter/gate (whatever it's called) does it's job.

Thanks for the response. I will post as things hopefully progress.

Incompatible · 03-27-2009, 09:13 AM

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...1#post15895586

Sounds like it's a replacement part situation. The above link was very informative. Time to call the dealer.

03-26-2009, 06:37 PM	#1
Incompatible Major 55 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Climate Controls: Air Flow Erratic I generally have the air flow set to exit the dash vents and turn the fan on/off as needed. I have noticed several times now that if I change the controls to redirect the air to the windshield defroster vents, the air flow does not change. If I turn the fan speed up to max, the air sounds like it's being blocked and the fan is straining. After switching the air flow control between the defroster, dash, and floor vents several times, eventually I can hear the air slowly being diverted to the indicated vent until full flow is acheived. The air flow control then works fine for a couple of weeks. It seems that the mechanism which controls the air flow is sticking. Is there a quick fix, such as an easy to reach part lubrication, or is it off to the dealer? __________________ If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
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03-27-2009, 05:12 AM	#2
rc'Z Captain 13 Rep 821 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Convertible Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Probably off to the dealer unless you have been under the dash and knocked a line/wire loose.
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03-27-2009, 08:41 AM	#3
Incompatible Major 55 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	No adventures under the dash. I don't think the problem is electrical due to the slow but eventual change in air flow. I'm thinking that a part is sticky or has a small amount of drag on it. Thanks for the response. __________________ If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad. Last edited by Incompatible; 03-27-2009 at 09:00 AM..
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03-27-2009, 08:46 AM	#4
airZ4M Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 06 Z4M Alpine/Light Sepang Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Erratic Air Flow Have had mine in several times for same issue as well as COMPLAINT OF FLOOR/DASH mix sending air to upper defrost vents. Never been able to resolve - only thing they will say is the flow is "consistent with other Z4s on lot". Generally if I cycle through all vent selections and then settle back on dash only its fine. Sorry this isn't really any help - just confirmation of someone else with same general issue.
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03-27-2009, 09:13 AM	#6
Incompatible Major 55 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...1#post15895586 Sounds like it's a replacement part situation. The above link was very informative. Time to call the dealer. __________________ If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
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