are e34's prone to interior fires? i came across one where there was a small interior fire on the driver side under dashboard above the gas pedal area towards the right on the tunnel part of the chassis. it looks like it started from arcing wires. i dont think a custom stereo was ever installed...the car is a 94 525. any thoughts.?
Hvac fan control resistor maybe.
Chris
A couple years ago, there was an outbreak of cars on this forum the burned.
Search it.
What if the blower sometimes doesn't work on speed #1? Mine always works on 2,3, and 4, but #1 is coming and going lately. Definitely don't want a fire.
its a e34 issue sadly, the resistors are pretty much 3 exposed springs that regulate the power to the fan. I'm guessing the backing of the panel it hides behinds gets in contact and bam fire (the springs get hot from the current)
also the blower itself has an issue of seizing and setting itself ablaze
for this reason I have heated seats and a lumberjack hat to keep me warm
On the two resistors I've changed out, there were small leaves and other fine debris actually caught in the resistor. I can see why there would be fires.
BMWCCA Member# 451235
(Summer) 2001 330Ci - ZSP
(Winter) 1994 530i "Greenie" - LOADED
This is the first time i have read about this, never thought it was so easy for these cars to set ablaze. Thanks for the heads up about the blower switch.
This is why I have a fire extinguisher in my car :/
My understanding is that replacing the 30A blower motor fuse with a 20A one also adds a measure of protection. I believe those are the amperage values; I could be wrong—regardless, mine is replaced.
Current: '94 MX-6 V6/5 • '72 240Z • '10 Mazda5
Past: '02 330i/5 • '85 RX-7 GSL-SE • '95 540i/6 • '95 525i/5 • '86 635CSi/5 • '88 JZA70 • '86 4K quattro • '85 RX-7 S
Wish list: Type 44 • Manta • Pre-'85 CGT • 405 Mi16 • SVX • W123 Coupe
Looks like the plastic intake manifold is virtually fire proof. Interesting.
couple of scary topics on the subject
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1279656
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1389937
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1389916
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1137001
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1666445
Last edited by ARMAN; 10-09-2012 at 11:39 AM.
Scary stuff. I know what I'll be working on tonight.
Where would I locate the blower resistor? Realoem shows the unit, but not where it's located. I know it's in an air duct, but left, right, or middle? It seems there are two varieties. The Behr is $32, and the Seimens is $164.
Last edited by Layne; 10-09-2012 at 01:38 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
this was very helpful and explained the small interior fire. are there any tell tale signs to look for when purchasing a used e34?
Not sure if same issue. I have noticed a burning leaves smell a few times. sort of like some leaves are caught in the blower fan and rubbing on fan or housing. Lasts only a few seconds. In one case I turned the fan on high and it went away quickly. Just an observation and a guess.
thats how fire starts leafes catch fire, read topics i've posted thats also why i avoid parking under trees righnow
I also experienced this. Also if someone has a early car without a cabin filter and the resistor, it is even more of a chance I think.
Post from my thread. See Post 63, tapatalk doesn't show single post.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...8&postcount=63
Chris
Thanks for starting thread and helpful tips.
Adding check fuse rating and for tree debris to the top of my long to-do list. Took delivery of car with pine needles in every nook and cranny. We know how pine trees like to burn baby burn.
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