Blower, oh blower, why art though not blowing?! - BMW Forum

Danbot · 01-18-2006, 08:38 AM

Yes, you guessed it, my blower is on the blink - it usually blows perfectly, then, while I'm cruising along, I suddenly feel really hot and sweaty, and try turning the blower on, only to discover it is on max already!!! Aircon works fine though, even though the blower isnt blowing.
Then, a day later, it works again.
I've checked the fuses. Nothing wrong.

Any other suggestiong from you guys?

BMWJNKY · 01-18-2006, 01:08 PM

What year and model BMW?

Danbot · 01-19-2006, 03:45 AM

Sorry, its an 89 325i, 4 door.

ldsbeaker · 01-19-2006, 06:21 AM

your blower resistor board might have taken a dump. I'll find a link.

Red_Rocket · 01-19-2006, 09:45 AM

you might need new brushes, although, iI recall its hard to find the right size, i had to grind some bigger ones down for them to fit

BMWJNKY · 01-19-2006, 08:19 PM

First I would try replacing the blower resistor since it is a common problem after some years of use. It seems the blower resistor is the weak link in the HVAC system of all the BMW's both past and present.

Starmavin · 01-19-2006, 10:29 PM

On the resistor there is a relay like contact, try cleaning this first with a points file or emery nail file. This opens up in case of an overload so you don't blow the resistor coils. It get funky with rust and stuff after a while.

luckycat · 01-20-2006, 08:03 AM

my vote is for the brushes. They may just be stuck, so a little contact cleaner will get it blowing again, but most likely they are worn down. If you can't secure a new pair from BMW, look for a shop that sells small motor parts for electric drills and such. They can ususally find something close, then you can file it to fit. (the carbon is very soft) I've done this with good success.

Good luck!

BMWJNKY · 01-20-2006, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starmavin

On the resistor there is a relay like contact, try cleaning this first with a points file or emery nail file. This opens up in case of an overload so you don't blow the resistor coils. It get funky with rust and stuff after a while.

Personaly, if this was me and I was in there and had the resistor out I'm just going to replace it with a new one. Its a fairly cheep part and just not worth it to me to take the time to clean and reinstall it just to hope it works again.

Starmavin · 01-22-2006, 03:12 PM

You don't have to pull it out to clean it. Takes about 5 min. This would also tell you if you need to go deeper.

CadDaddy45 · 01-28-2006, 02:04 PM

I have a 92 Cabriolet (E30) and am having the same problem. It works and then it doesn't for no apparent reason. I'm told there's a blower relay mounted adjacent to the blower motor. Is this the same thing as the board you're talking about?

Starmavin · 01-28-2006, 06:46 PM

Is it only the blower motor or are there other electronics cutting out?

Danbot · 01-29-2006, 01:10 PM

Its only the blower, but when I turn my lights on, the dim beam warning light comes on, on the mirror unit - anything there?

Starmavin · 01-29-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danbot

Its only the blower, but when I turn my lights on, the dim beam warning light comes on, on the mirror unit - anything there?

The headlamp system isn't connected to the blower that's another issue, I'd pull the pannel off the blower motor and see if it takes much force to spin the blower, if it stops just after you spin it, you may need to get another, if there is too much drag on the motor it'll pop the relay contact on the thermo-resistor.