Wish there was a way of installing the replacement arm without having to tear the dash apart
as I had a similar problem with no air from vents, I investigated further on my car and we found no broken stepper motor mount, but the stepper motor did not hold in place with the clips, so we fixed it with zip tie, works like a charm now.
Have made a youtube on my spare IHKA unit to show how the flaps work
How it works aircon top flap control - YouTube
Stepper motor IHKA picture by shogun_bucket - Photobucket
Applies to defroster flap and temperature regulator flap, 2 actuators per car
stepper motor IHKA picture by shogun_bucket - Photobucket
Only applies to leg room flap, rear flap, air re-cycling flap and fresh air flap. Six actuators per car
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/h...m%20holder.jpg
Wish there was a way of installing the replacement arm without having to tear the dash apart
like in the pic here
fixing broken vent stepper motors
E36 325i convertible for your son? Congratulations. I also have an E36 M3, 1998 model. Love it.
For conversion of electric top to manual you might ask on BF E36 section, there is especially one expert called flyfishvt, he owns a 97 328i Vert and knows this best.
Temporary zip tie fix still works, but next time I am in there I will make a solid metal bracket for the stepper motors on each side.
DIY: IHKA mixer flap motor mount completely broken, Repair with pics https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...pletely-broken