Re: E30 Air recirculation valve

[Tony Canike <canike@xxxxxxxxx>]

"David Rich" <richd@domain.elided> wrote:
 >> When I push the switch to turn on (or off) the recirculating air in
 >> my 318i I hear a clicking noise like a servo is trying to move the
 >> door but cannot. Is there a common failure for this component?

The flapper valves are controlled by a servo linkage accessible from the 
engine compartment.  The linkage connections are plastic and get brittle 
with age.  They are easy to break while servicing the blower motor or the 
wiper mechanisms.  Would probably only take 15 minutes to open up the panel 
and observe the operation of the flappers.

 >> On other question related to the dash, does the rear defogger
 >> switch have a waring light inside to note that it is on?
 >Yes, there is a 1.2W light bulb behind the switch. The same $1 Osram 1.2W
 >bulb readily available from the dealer that sits behind all interior E30
 >switches. They may tell you that the bulb can not be replaced and you 
need new
 >switches. Just smile politely, insist on buying the bulb and swap it out.

Alex is correct, in every detail, including the polite smile.  Wish my 
timing had been better.  I pulled my dark rear defogger switch from my 
trash can this morning and the bulb is now obvious.   Yesterday I paid the 
dealer $29 for the whole new switch.

Tony
87 325  240kmiles
01 R1150GS 15kmiles

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