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<E36> re: Air Distribution Control

As the new part number cam unit was delivered very rapidly by BMW UK, I can 
give my own answer to the first of the questions I asked in v05.n101 (quoted 
below). The new part does indeed have a modified cam design, which allows 
overlap of the air outlet flap valves. It has dramatically improved my car's 
air conditioning, as confirmed by extended road test of the cool feet, cool 
head principle.

The cam of the original part consisted of a channel moulded into one face of 
a plastic disc and the 'follower' pegs of the upper and lower flap levers 
both sat in this one channel. In the new part, channels are moulded into 
both faces of the disc, so each lever has its own cam. Obviously this gives 
a lot more design flexibility.

Fitting was simple - though a bit fiddly in a right hand drive car, as you 
have to work around the steering column. Price in the UK was 14.17 GBP(no 
discount). I doubt a bigger improvement could be made to the car for less 
than twenty times as much. Thanks for the impetus, Dave! 
   
>In n084, David Kroth contributed an article about a replacement cam unit 
>with modified profiles which alter the way the fascia control sets the 
>distribution flaps in the Heater/Air Conditioner. David confirmed that 
after 
>fitting this unit he is able to divide the blower airflow between any two 
of 
>the three sets of outlets and to vary the split between them - something he 
>couldn't do with the original configuration.

>I have the same problem with my UK Spec 318iS (with manual control A/C), so 
>I tried ordering the part David quoted ( Part # 64111468537 - Gear Box ) 
>from my local dealer. They have not heard of the part and were not able to 
>find it in the BMW UK parts computer, but I then called BMW UK Customer 
>Service. After doing some research, they came back claiming that part was 
>"US Only" and that it has now been withdrawn and replaced by Part # 
>64118391298, which has world-wide availability.

>Can anyone confirm the new part really does have a "softer" cam profile 
than 
>the standard unit? Also, since BMW UK don't appear to have heard of the 
>problem (let alone know the solution), does anyone understand why it 
doesn't 
>affect every E36 and why it isn't notorious?

Bob Avgherinos (ravgherinos@domain.elided)