Help!

Chadm · 12-14-2022, 07:32 AM

My brother-in-law recelently purchased a used 2020 118i (F40). Lovely car. However, it has a broken centre vent control mechanism, meaning that on one of the two vents, the horizontal vanes cannot be controlled, so the air flow just blows wherever. I have bought a repair kit to remedy this, but I am not sure how to fit the replacement parts.

I've had a quick look and can't see a way to remove them from the front, so after doing some Googling I am wondering if the alternative is to remove the entire panel, then separate the front trim from the main unit in order to get access (clips circled in red on rear photo). Has anyone done this before? Can anyone advise if this is the correct method, and if so, how to get the full unit out?

Obviously BMW don't sell the replacement parts, and they advise a full new control unit is required, for over £1000!!! Second hand is around £150, but requires re-programming which will add cost. And the repair kit is a much more reasonable £25, hence why I am going this route.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Chadm · 12-15-2022, 02:44 AM

In case anyone else stumbles across the thread with the same issue, it was super-easy to do in the end. Didn't need to remove anything or disassemble anything, other than the old broken vent pieces.

All you need is a long thin flat-blade screwdriver. There are no screws to undo, just a single retaining mechanism to release which will allow the vent to pop out, as per the arrow on the photo.

You need to slide the screwdriver between the retaining piece and the vent open/close wheel, where the vertical line is. Once the screwdriver is in place pull out what is left of the vent slats and they will pop out, then you can refit the new one. Piece of cake

Setright · 12-15-2022, 02:48 AM

I cannot claim to have tried exactly this operation, but I think you are right. Those clips are holding the air channel and you need to open them and pull the channel off.

No doubt, it will involve some strong language and a need for patience. These things are meant to be clipped into place and never taken apart again.

Pull the unit out, and bring it indoors and give it 30 minutes at least to heat up, this will ensure the plastic is less brittle. You might want to heat it slightly above room temp, with a hair dryer or similar.

If you break something and need to glue it, use a glue that doesn't set solid, like Super Glue "gel".

12-14-2022, 07:32 AM	#1
Chadm Private 13 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2019 330e Sport Pro Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oldham, Lancs iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 330e Sport ... [0.00]	Help! - Centre Vent Replacement My brother-in-law recelently purchased a used 2020 118i (F40). Lovely car. However, it has a broken centre vent control mechanism, meaning that on one of the two vents, the horizontal vanes cannot be controlled, so the air flow just blows wherever. I have bought a repair kit to remedy this, but I am not sure how to fit the replacement parts. I've had a quick look and can't see a way to remove them from the front, so after doing some Googling I am wondering if the alternative is to remove the entire panel, then separate the front trim from the main unit in order to get access (clips circled in red on rear photo). Has anyone done this before? Can anyone advise if this is the correct method, and if so, how to get the full unit out? Obviously BMW don't sell the replacement parts, and they advise a full new control unit is required, for over £1000!!! Second hand is around £150, but requires re-programming which will add cost. And the repair kit is a much more reasonable £25, hence why I am going this route. Any help greatly appreciated! Attached Images
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12-15-2022, 02:44 AM	#2
Chadm Private 13 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2019 330e Sport Pro Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oldham, Lancs iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 330e Sport ... [0.00]	Sorted! In case anyone else stumbles across the thread with the same issue, it was super-easy to do in the end. Didn't need to remove anything or disassemble anything, other than the old broken vent pieces. All you need is a long thin flat-blade screwdriver. There are no screws to undo, just a single retaining mechanism to release which will allow the vent to pop out, as per the arrow on the photo. You need to slide the screwdriver between the retaining piece and the vent open/close wheel, where the vertical line is. Once the screwdriver is in place pull out what is left of the vent slats and they will pop out, then you can refit the new one. Piece of cake Attached Images
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12-15-2022, 02:48 AM	#3
Setright Car Enthusiast 20 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 120i M-Sport 2022 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	I cannot claim to have tried exactly this operation, but I think you are right. Those clips are holding the air channel and you need to open them and pull the channel off. No doubt, it will involve some strong language and a need for patience. These things are meant to be clipped into place and never taken apart again. Pull the unit out, and bring it indoors and give it 30 minutes at least to heat up, this will ensure the plastic is less brittle. You might want to heat it slightly above room temp, with a hair dryer or similar. If you break something and need to glue it, use a glue that doesn't set solid, like Super Glue "gel".
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