Removal and installation the heater/air conditioner control unit (BMW 3 Series E46)

Air conditioner

Removal

1. Remove the radio, refer to Section Removal and installation the radio.



2. Take the control unit "1" through the opening of the radio receiver and pull it out with force. The control unit is secured at the top and bottom with two brackets.



3. Disconnect all plug connections from the back side. To do this, press tab "1" and turn bracket "2" at an angle of 90° "B". This will remove the plug from the guide.

4. Remove the control unit.

Installation

5. Check the reliability of the installation of the mounting brackets on the control unit. If necessary, replace the brackets that have fallen out.

6. Connect all the plug connections at the rear of the control unit and secure them. When connecting the plugs, the bracket must be in the "B" position. Turning the bracket causes the plug to be inserted into the guide. Secure the locking bracket.



7. Insert the control unit into the opening of the mounting frame, pressing it in and locking it in place at the same time.

8. Install the radio receiver, refer to Section Removal and installation the radio.

Heating without air conditioning

Removal

9. Remove the radio, refer to Section Removal and installation the radio.

10. Remove all three regulators.

11. Remove the two screws under the heater fan controls and remove the air distributor.

12. Pry up the front visor of the control unit and remove it.

13. Remove the four screws securing the mounting frame.

14. Release the control unit brackets on the left and right. Move the control unit inward and remove the mounting frame.

15. Remove the drive shaft from the back of the control unit by pressing in the retaining clip.

16. Disconnect the rod and remove it.

17. Disconnect the microswitch connector.

18. Remove the control unit.

19. Remove the microswitch by unclamping the clamps and releasing the switch.

Installation

20. Set the microswitch so that the key points up.

21. Insert the control unit into the opening.

22. Connect the connector.

24. Connect the air distribution flap drive shaft and secure it.

25. Insert the mounting frame and secure it with screws.

26. Secure the control unit.

27. Replace the front visor and secure it with screws.

28. Put the regulators back in place and check that they are securely in place.

29. Install the radio receiver, refer to Section Removal and installation the radio.