A video companion for investigating intermittent operation or failure of a BMW E36 IHKR climate-control module. The featured demonstration by techorny focuses on aging capacitors and circuit-board repair.
Identify your climate-control module first
The video identifies the unit as IHKR_E36. Compare the label, housing, connectors and circuit-board layout of your installed module with the unit shown before using it as a repair reference. An E36 model designation alone does not establish compatibility.
BMW models & years: documented applications
ProgRama, a remanufacturer of this IHKR unit, lists the following model/year ranges for OE number 64 11 8 391 512. These are the supplier’s published ranges, not a VIN-specific fitment guarantee or a universal US model-year list. Confirm E36 chassis, market, build date and the installed IHKR module before ordering.
| BMW model | Source-listed years | Required check |
|---|---|---|
| 318i | 1991–1995 | E36 with matching IHKR unit |
| 318is | 1991–1995 | E36 with matching IHKR unit |
| 325i | 1990–1995 | Confirm E36 rather than another chassis; market/build-date dependent |
| M3 | 1993–1995 | Market-specific range; confirm the actual IHKR unit |
Source: ProgRama IHKR application and interchange catalogue. A model name shared with another chassis does not establish compatibility. Later E36 models and other variants are not confirmed here.
Module part numbers & label identification
| Reference | Number / marking | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OE module number | 64 11 8 391 512 64118391512 |
Primary IHKR reference in the remanufacturer catalogue |
| Video label | 64.11-8391512.1 IHKR_E36 |
Markings on the demonstrated unit; the .1 suffix is part of its printed label |
| Manufacturer label reference | 601-0720-001 | United Technologies Automotive reference, also listed by ProgRama |
| Additional label marking | 8391514.9 | Visible on the demonstrated label; not presented here as a standalone ordering number |
The remanufacturer also cross-references 64111387617, 64111387618, 64111466581, 64118390900, 64118390902, 64118391513, 64118391514 and 64118391530. These are supplier-listed interchange references, not proof that all versions share an identical circuit board or can be exchanged without checking the vehicle and coding requirements.
View the module label in the video, around 2:06.
Capacitor specifications visible in the video
The following is a partial visual identification of the demonstrated board, not a complete replacement kit or a BMW component specification for every IHKR revision.
| Component observed | Verified marking | Verification limits |
|---|---|---|
| Large green cylindrical capacitor in the board close-up | 100 µF / 50 V | Marking visible around 2:16. Confirm it on your own board before selecting a replacement. |
| Other capacitors on the board | Not fully verified | No complete, reliably readable list of values, quantities and board positions was established from this footage. |
View the capacitor close-up around 2:16. Temperature rating, tolerance, ESR, ripple-current rating, dimensions and lead spacing have not been verified for this component. The visible capacitance and voltage alone are insufficient to specify an exact replacement part.
Record each original component’s markings, board position and polarity before removal. Match the board revision and obtain suitable replacement specifications from a qualified electronics supplier or repair specialist. Do not apply the separate digital climate-control guide’s capacitor specification to this IHKR module.
BMW E36 IHKR repair video
The creator discusses intermittent switching on and off, eventual loss of operation, and capacitor replacement in the module. These symptoms can have more than one cause; the video demonstrates a repair approach rather than a diagnosis for every vehicle.
Watch the original video on YouTube · Creator: techorny · Duration: 4 minutes 12 seconds.
Prepare before attempting a repair
- Record the module details. Photograph its label, connectors and board before removing components.
- Confirm the fault. Check the vehicle’s applicable power-supply, fuse and wiring information before attributing intermittent operation to capacitors.
- Isolate power. Follow the vehicle-specific service procedure before unplugging the module or handling its electronics.
- Use an electronics work area. Provide good lighting, ESD protection, suitable soldering and desoldering tools, and ventilation.
- Verify each replacement component. Identify capacitance, voltage rating, polarity and physical fit from the original part and reliable component information. Do not select a capacitor solely because it looks similar in the video.
What to check during and after the work
Keep track of component locations and orientation. Avoid overheating pads, lifting circuit-board traces or bridging adjacent connections. Inspect the completed work before reinstalling the module.
After reassembly, restore power according to the vehicle service procedure and check that the climate-control system starts, stays operating and responds to its controls. If the fault persists, further diagnosis is needed rather than assuming additional capacitors will solve it.
Related BMW technical articles
Need help identifying your module?
Contact German Audio Tech with your vehicle details, module-label photo and a description of the symptoms.