"David Hageman" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> dmin wrote:
>
>> So a GOOGLE on "final stage" or "final stage resistor" - or just go to
>> the dealer and get one. Takes about 15 minutes to install. It's located
>> behind the carpeted panel on the right side of the console/tunnel.
>>
>> Very common problem... the new one has been "improved" and hopefully
>> won't fail as often.
>
> Wow! I was just ready to post a thread with the same problem on my 99
> M3.
>
> The fan will shut down for a couple of minutes and then return to work
> properly.
> When it's 110 degrees Farenheit inside the car that's no fun.
>
> Is that part you describe for the e39 the same for the e36?
>
> David H.
>

Maybe the part is not exactly the same but it performs the same function.
The final stage is nothing more than a fancy resistor circuit like the one
used in other cars, is just that the BMW part is very poorly designed and
more expensive than normal. I had the "final stage" replaced this week on
our E46.