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Thread: e34 fire?

  1. #1
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    e34 fire?

    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.?

  2. #2
    mckchr67's Avatar
    mckchr67 is offline we eat smart, bacon smart BMW CCA Member
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    Hvac fan control resistor maybe.
    Chris

  3. #3
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    Yes, it is more common than it should be.

    If your blower switch starts working on high speed and none of the others change the resistor or buy some marshmallows.
    Quote Originally Posted by Layne View Post
    I can't speculate on what would cause the POOP alarm, but I would recommend pulling over immediately.

    Specialization is for insects

  4. #4
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    A couple years ago, there was an outbreak of cars on this forum the burned.
    Search it.

  5. #5
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    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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ShapeShifter View Post
    A couple years ago, there was an outbreak of cars on this forum the burned.
    Search it.
    Yup. I've literally bumped that thread on what to do twice now, just as a reminder. Need to remember to down size the touring fuses too

  7. #7
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    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

  8. #8
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    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

  9. #9
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    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.

  10. #10
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    This is why I have a fire extinguisher in my car :/

  11. #11
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  12. #12
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    That'll buff right out.
    Quote Originally Posted by Layne View Post
    I can't speculate on what would cause the POOP alarm, but I would recommend pulling over immediately.

    Specialization is for insects

  13. #13
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    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
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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by sse34 View Post
    This is why I have a fire extinguisher in my car :/
    +1

  15. #15
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    Looks like the plastic intake manifold is virtually fire proof. Interesting.

  16. #16
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  17. #17
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    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

  18. #18
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    this was very helpful and explained the small interior fire. are there any tell tale signs to look for when purchasing a used e34?

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by srad168 View Post
    this was very helpful and explained the small interior fire. are there any tell tale signs to look for when purchasing a used e34?
    Pine tree air fresheners. Several of them.

  20. #20
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    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.
    Thanks,
    Russell


    1995 BMW 525iA, M50TU, build date 1/95, Oxford Green/Parchment/leather/wood, EAT chip, Continental CD head unit, ASC+t, heated seats, lumbar support, HID & premium package abt 243k miles, rebuilt trany

  21. #21
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    thats how fire starts leafes catch fire, read topics i've posted thats also why i avoid parking under trees righnow

  22. #22
    mckchr67's Avatar
    mckchr67 is offline we eat smart, bacon smart BMW CCA Member
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    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

  23. #23
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    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.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by SteveMD View Post
    Pine tree air fresheners. Several of them.
    Oh my... mine came with 5 Black Ice. I think I'm officially joining the ranks as a traumatized E34 owner from here on :|

    EDIT:
    Apologies for resurrecting an old thread and adding nothing important
    1992 525i/5

    Quote Originally Posted by Binjammin View Post
    I doubt it was a bomb victim, looks like most members' cars.


  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by Layne View Post
    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.




    It's on the left side of the HVAC box a bit a bove the gas pedal. remove the carpeted trim piece and you'll see it. $164,
    Also remove either the cabin air filter or final stage unit from the other side for decent access to clean debris from inside the box.

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