Blower fan noise - BMW Forum

Black2000328i · 04-18-2006, 08:53 PM

Hey guys. My cabin blower fan makes chirping noises at
intermittent intervals. This is very anoying when it happens.
It always happens when it's under 60 deg.F outside. I never
makes this noise when it's warm or hot out. It doesn't chirp
when car is first started but starts to make noise after driving
and car is fully warmed up. Has anyone have or had this problem
with their cars?

441tech · 04-19-2006, 08:39 AM

Yes, I too have had that problem. And, like your issue, it doesn't do it if its warm. There are a couple of things you can do.

1.

Hootie · 04-19-2006, 08:40 AM

Hey tech... wanna finish that post?

441tech · 04-19-2006, 08:57 AM

Yes, I too have had that problem. And, like your issue, it doesn't do it if its warm. There are a couple of things you can do.

1. Live with it.

2. Gain access to the blower fan and lubricate the rotating parts. Howver, this will probably only last 1-2 months or so.

3. It could could be the Final Stage Unit. To my understanding, this has solved the problem in the past for a few.

If you're going to go through the trouble of lubricating it, I would replace the final stage unit while you're in there. I'm showing a list price of approx. $83.70. Might be worth it.

441tech

441tech · 04-19-2006, 08:59 AM

Sorry, I'm at work and had a phone call.

peterkulesza · 04-19-2006, 11:48 AM

how do you gain access to this thing? for that matter, how do you gain access to the back of the stereo unit?

zibby · 04-19-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterkulesza

how do you gain access to this thing? for that matter, how do you gain access to the back of the stereo unit?

The blower motor is located behind the engine. You take the micro filter our and then the housing is removed by 4 torx screws. Behind that there is another black panel held on by two torx screws. Remove that then the fan is right there. There is one screw in the top and is hard to see. After you remove the screw remove the two clips and the front housing comes off. To remove the fan you just release the spring clip at the lower part of the fan motor.

P.S
When removing the fan you have to snake it out through the passenger side of the opening. Be carful not to break the fan, its plastic.

325isBaby · 04-19-2006, 06:10 PM

yes, it is more likely it is a faulty final stage unit causing the chirp...and lucky for you it is easier to get to than the actual blower motor.

zibby · 04-19-2006, 06:50 PM

Just so everyone knows, the blower resistor for an E46 is on the passenger side of the center console almost against the firewall. You must remove the right footwell air duct and an air distribution motor to get to the resistor pack for replacement.
Z.

325isBaby · 04-19-2006, 08:22 PM

Thank you Zibby, I intended to put that but I tend to suffer from CRS

zibby · 04-19-2006, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325isBaby

Thank you Zibby, I intended to put that but I tend to suffer from CRS

Your very welcome Lani !

Hootie · 04-20-2006, 10:52 AM

Hey Black, just to confirm it's your Final Stage Unit that's failing, does your blower also operate erratically (inconsistent flow of air)? That's another symptom.

Black2000328i · 04-20-2006, 08:13 PM

Hootie. The blower works fine on all speeds. Just makes chirping
noise which may last 5 to 10 seconds at a time. The thing is that
it doesn't do it in the warm or summer months. I'm bringing the
car at the dealer next week. Hopefully it will do it when driving
in the cooler morning temp's.

441tech · 04-21-2006, 05:11 PM

Nothin' a BFH wouldn't fix.

325isBaby · 04-21-2006, 09:24 PM

I have seen them before where the blower speed remained consistant but had the chirping, it did turn out to be the final stage unit (so irratic blower is not always a sign of a failing final stage but however is the most common sign)