BMW E46 330i FSU replacement DIY

This is the full DIY for replacement of the final stage unit resistor for the BMW E46 330i.

The final stage unit or resistor is a critical and common to fail part in the E46 and will cause your heater fan to run strangely, pulse, or even not at all. This part can be called the final stage resistor, or final stage unit, blower motor resistor or even the 'hedgehog'.

All in all the replacement isn't very hard and just takes a few simple tools plus the new unit. Shops though tend to charge a lot of time to do this work just from the hassle of doing it. Save yourself a few hours of shop time is worth it, doing it yourself.

Good lighting and patience is the key to do this work, especially once you are trying to get the FSU out. You may laugh, but I found it was easier to get my head under the dash and at the right angle to see the FSU by laying upside down on the passenger seat, with my feet hooked around the headrest!

Required parts and tools:
Blower motor resistor/Final Stage unit/FSR/Hedgehog
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hella-par...
philips screwdriver
flat bladed screwdriver
t-20 torx driver

Nice to have:
Plastic trim tool kit
https://avinusa.com/5-pcs-trim-moldin...
Good headlamp
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Good lighting
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/d...
Good music - BB King is always good for car work!
http://www.bbking.com/