Final Stage Resistor Brand

[ugaexploder]

Hey everyone, I decided to knock this one out since I had the glove box removed already. I pulled the old one which looks to be original from the date on the sticker...ordered the "OE" option through FCP Euro which is supposed to be the ACM 64116923204. I am not sure where FCP Euro is getting their information or distinction on what is OE and what is not...I had to deal with the crappy ULO inner tails which are stated OE on their website, and fit like ass. This FSR also fits like ass, definitely not OE fitment. If you take a look at the photos, the part near the hole which when you are plugging it in would be 4 o'clock position....there is a sharp angle with a short ledge that's not on the original one. This basically makes it impossible to push the FSR in so it clips into place...

Just curious, but what brand did you guys opt for because it's all over the place. This forum says avoid Meyle, but it's the best rated one on FCP Euro...the genuine BMW one costs like $220 with a 2-3 day processing time (not in stock).

ACM FSR Product Page
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...cm-64116923204

64116923204 FCP search query
https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/M3/?year=2004&m=20&e=196&t=6&b=9&d=600&v=&keywords=64 116923204

[PSUEng]

I installed an ACM back in July and after some manipulation and patience, it fit--but I almost gave up and sent it back. I too looked at it, looked at the original, and was like, no way this fits but it did. While you have the glove box out, check your cloth tape around the light wires, mine was degraded so I re-wrapped, and replaced the footwell and glove box bulbs "while I was in there".

EDIT: If I recall, the ACM plastic flange was a very tight fit into the HVAC box, almost snapping into place. If that's giving you difficulty, push harder.

[ugaexploder]

I installed an ACM back in July and after some manipulation and patience, it fit--but I almost gave up and sent it back. I too looked at it, looked at the original, and was like, no way this fits but it did. While you have the glove box out, check your cloth tape around the light wires, mine was degraded so I re-wrapped, and replaced the footwell and glove box bulbs "while I was in there".

EDIT: If I recall, the ACM plastic flange was a very tight fit into the HVAC box, almost snapping into place. If that's giving you difficulty, push harder.

This is pretty much what I'm going through right now. I really don't want to force it in too much, and it looks like if i shave off a little bit of the plastic, it would fit perfect. Just a bit annoyed with the fitment, but it sounds like so far it might be best just sticking with the ACM and making it work.

[PSUEng]

This is pretty much what I'm going through right now. I really don't want to force it in too much, and it looks like if i shave off a little bit of the plastic, it would fit perfect. Just a bit annoyed with the fitment, but it sounds like so far it might be best just sticking with the ACM and making it work.

Well, I was less than impressed with fitment but, BMW may have changed the design; I've not had a Genuine part to compare. But, I made the ACM work--and it's been working great since I installed. Keep at it!

[ugaexploder]

Well, I was less than impressed with fitment but, BMW may have changed the design; I've not had a Genuine part to compare. But, I made the ACM work--and it's been working great since I installed. Keep at it!

hey man, the meyle one finally came in. fitment was a little better but still had a hard time getting the unit seated properly without forcing it in there with a ratchet extension just for leverage.

I think I may chalk this one up to user error as the ACM would have probably worked if I would have forced it in with some sort of tool like the ratchet extension. Would fit even better if I sanded down some of the plastic where it was hanging up.

I just forced the stubborn edge in although it wouldn't click back under the tab until I screwed down the (2) T20 screws.

[PSUEng]

I think the design changed, as the original is an all metal housing and likely for cost savings in the aftermarket, went a plastic of sorts. So it is I guess. If I had a bunch of money to throw around, I'd get the Genuine part to compare out of curiosity.

[ugaexploder]

I think the design changed, as the original is an all metal housing and likely for cost savings in the aftermarket, went a plastic of sorts. So it is I guess. If I had a bunch of money to throw around, I'd get the Genuine part to compare out of curiosity.

for sure, i'm quite curious as well to see if they moved away from the metal housing for the genuine FSR

[PSUEng]

for sure, i'm quite curious as well to see if they moved away from the metal housing for the genuine FSR

I'll be able to tell you shortly, since I think my ACM is shot; going to order the Genuine part.

[Slideways]

I'll be able to tell you shortly, since I think my ACM is shot; going to order the Genuine part.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2105368-Offical-OEM-FSR-FSU-(final-stage-resistor-unit)-to-purchase

Based on my research, I've concluded that the ACM/Sitronic/Valeo is the OEM unit to buy.

[PSUEng]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2105368-Offical-OEM-FSR-FSU-(final-stage-resistor-unit)-to-purchase

Thanks for that, very insightful as yes, there are a ton of brands. I'll be the guinea pig here and compare the ACM to Genuine once it arrives. I had a hard time fitting the ACM when I installed it, but wasn't sure if it was due to a design change or what, but now I"ll be able to check. I"m throwing a new one at this problem, b/c I'm lazy atm, hoping it's not a faulty IHKA that is the source of my problem.

[old///MFanatic]

I installed an ACM from FCP and it fit no issues for me couple of month ago. Yes BMW has changed the design a few times over the years but this seems to be the latest version. It’s not all metal anymore and the heat sink prongs are different numbers and length.

[BL92]

My ACM i bought here in Australia







free screenshot

[sapote]

I has been using this $25 unit from Amazon for the last 3 years with no issues on daily car with cabin blwower running all the time.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DGC32MK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1ZAQM5K0NM959&psc=1

[zzyzx85]

I has been using this $25 unit from Amazon for the last 3 years with no issues on daily car with cabin blwower running all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...5K0NM959&psc=1

i bought something similar off Amazon 2 or 3 years ago as well. Still working though I might have had a related incident where the AC was not coming on, even though the fan speeds were changing properly. It happened once but hasn't happened again.

[sapote]

i bought something similar off Amazon 2 or 3 years ago as well. Still working though I might have had a related incident where the AC was not coming on, even though the fan speeds were changing properly. It happened once but hasn't happened again.

blower fan running should not affect the AC system. If fan not running then it might as the evaporator would be frozen.