Help me find my FSR Please!

[EKS PYB]

I've looked at the DIY on the How To's Page but that pic seems like for older models.

I have a 2004 X5 3.0 and for the life of me, I can't find the FSR on mine. Do you see it on these pics?







Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[jimbeattie]

I was just browsing and I can't believe that you haven't received a response. It's just behind and a little above the rubber air hose, below the light. It's fiddly to get out. There's a connector on the back. Squeeze the tabs and wiggle. Press down the tab at the bottom of the FSR and wiggle the FSR out. Some cursing will be required but you shouldn't need to remove any other parts. The hose for example can stay attached but it may make it a little easier to just remove it. Non of these bits comes out willingly.

Good luck....Jim

[jimbeattie]

I uploaded your picture with the FSR marked with a red X. I hope it helps

[kmagnuss]

Okay... I'm new to the x5 lingo. What the heck is a FSR? And why will I need to know this?

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by kmagnuss

Okay... I'm new to the x5 lingo. What the heck is a FSR? And why will I need to know this?

final stage resistor. it regulates the fan speed in your car. Sometimes they go bad, and can cause battery drain, or not being able to adjust fan speed.

[jimbeattie]

Welcome to one of the more enduring terms in use by X5 folk. FSR is the final stage resistor and it controls the blower motor on the cabin heating cooling system. It tends not to last too long and as it deteriorates the cabin blower becomes erratic, speeding and slowing for no apparent reason. The fun part happens after you turn off the car; often the blower stays on or comes on all by itself. By the time you next try the car the battery is flat. This becomes irritating. If you've never experienced it you're lucky.

Search this forum for FSR and battery drain problems you'll be amazed.

[kmagnuss]

Sweet. Thanks guys. I'm sure I'll have a million other stupid covered a thousand times questions. At least once in awhile I try the search button first.

Oh I almost forgot... these things share some of the electronics from the P38 Range Rover... my other car. Lol... this ought to be fun.

[jimbeattie]

No stupid questions, only stupid answers.

The FSR is also known as a hedgehog

[EKS PYB]

Thanks JimBeattie! That is what I was looking for.

[mrloren]

I have had to replace this 3 times. once by BMW under 50k and twice myself. It is easy for me I just have a low end stock 3.0. The good is you can find an after market one for about $40 vs. the $120 BMW want for one.