2012 X3

mikee30 · 07-03-2022, 07:00 PM

Hi all,
I noticed today the passenger side vent seems to be stuck in the closed position. When I turn the knob to open to vent, it is much more loose than the knobs for any of the other vents. Also looking into the vent with a light makes it seem like the vent is stuck shut.
I am assuming the flap being controlled by the knob broke but wasn't sure if there was something more complicated with the vent system that I am not thinking of.
Any suggestions?
Also, to replace the passenger side vent, I am assuming I need to first remove the aluminum trim (wood for other models) on the dash in order to access the bolt holding down the vent?

Would the vent be repairable or should I start trying to locate a replacement?
Thanks!

Wgosma · 07-03-2022, 07:56 PM

This looks like what you need:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-fresh-air-grille-right-64229217442#fitment

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=WX53-USA-10-2011-F25-BMW-X3_28iX&diagId=64_1834

You might be able to repair, need to disassemble to inspect.

pole1980 · 07-04-2022, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikee30

Hi all,
I noticed today the passenger side vent seems to be stuck in the closed position. When I turn the knob to open to vent, it is much more loose than the knobs for any of the other vents. Also looking into the vent with a light makes it seem like the vent is stuck shut.
I am assuming the flap being controlled by the knob broke but wasn't sure if there was something more complicated with the vent system that I am not thinking of.
Any suggestions?
Also, to replace the passenger side vent, I am assuming I need to first remove the aluminum trim (wood for other models) on the dash in order to access the bolt holding down the vent?

Would the vent be repairable or should I start trying to locate a replacement?
Thanks!

It's a very easy job, you just have to pry/lever out the decorative strip (trim) and then it's just two screws, that's it. See picture:

mikee30 · 07-05-2022, 04:19 PM

Thanks everyone! On a different note, is there a repair manual available for these cars online? I was curious where the screenshot came from

Wgosma · 07-05-2022, 04:51 PM

The site is newTIS.info. It is a bootleg site that was shut down my BMW legal last year. TIS is BMW's Technical Information System, complete repair instructions- the guide is used by Dealer technicians. BMW has an internet site where you can, for a fee, access the information.

You might be able to get site access to the bootleg as the site is still operable, check the link, you may be able to submit your email address and gain entry.

07-03-2022, 07:00 PM	#1
mikee30 New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2007si Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	2012 X3 - passenger side vent Hi all, I noticed today the passenger side vent seems to be stuck in the closed position. When I turn the knob to open to vent, it is much more loose than the knobs for any of the other vents. Also looking into the vent with a light makes it seem like the vent is stuck shut. I am assuming the flap being controlled by the knob broke but wasn't sure if there was something more complicated with the vent system that I am not thinking of. Any suggestions? Also, to replace the passenger side vent, I am assuming I need to first remove the aluminum trim (wood for other models) on the dash in order to access the bolt holding down the vent? Would the vent be repairable or should I start trying to locate a replacement? Thanks!
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07-03-2022, 07:56 PM	#2
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,905 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	This looks like what you need: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-fresh-air-grille-right-64229217442#fitment https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=WX53-USA-10-2011-F25-BMW-X3_28iX&diagId=64_1834 You might be able to repair, need to disassemble to inspect.
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07-05-2022, 04:19 PM	#4
mikee30 New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2007si Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone! On a different note, is there a repair manual available for these cars online? I was curious where the screenshot came from
	Appreciate 1 Wgosma806.00 Quote

07-05-2022, 04:51 PM	#5
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,905 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	The site is newTIS.info. It is a bootleg site that was shut down my BMW legal last year. TIS is BMW's Technical Information System, complete repair instructions- the guide is used by Dealer technicians. BMW has an internet site where you can, for a fee, access the information. You might be able to get site access to the bootleg as the site is still operable, check the link, you may be able to submit your email address and gain entry.
	Appreciate 0 Quote