Squeaking blower?

[Black 535i]

Recently when the weather is cold, my blower fan is making screaching noises until it warms up or if I turn the fan speed up. I am assuming that this is the problem as it sounds like it is coming from this area in the dash. Is there a place to lubricate anything here or is this a sign of some sort of unit or bearing failure? Real OEM lists the part at $273.00 new and I have better things to do with that money but I may be able to get it much cheaper from a donor car. Is this a good fix or no? Anyone else have any idea what could cause this squealing sound? How does one get to this part to repair anyway?

http://picasaweb.google.com/RecordCampy/BMW

[nirvana19]

You can pick them up used or rebuilt for not so much. Also there was a recent thread on here about swapping the motor and reusing the cage with a cheaper one. Its behind the firewall, I was just reading up on it as mine is making a terrible sound and I' going to replace it this week. If you have the rear expansion tank, you have to move that out of the way and then remove the panel in the firewall that covers it up. Doesn't look too bad but I guess I'll see

[dennyg]

Recently when the weather is cold, my blower fan is making screaching noises until it warms up or if I turn the fan speed up. I am assuming that this is the problem as it sounds like it is coming from this area in the dash. Is there a place to lubricate anything here or is this a sign of some sort of unit or bearing failure? Real OEM lists the part at $273.00 new and I have better things to do with that money but I may be able to get it much cheaper from a donor car. Is this a good fix or no? Anyone else have any idea what could cause this squealing sound? How does one get to this part to repair anyway?

http://picasaweb.google.com/RecordCampy/BMW

From taking out two of them in my parts cars I saw that mice love to build nests in that area. I just sold one to Lou from Canada but his was not working at all. I can sell you my last motor at a reasonable price if your interested.

[Jeff in MN]

Recently when the weather is cold, my blower fan is making screaching noises until it warms up or if I turn the fan speed up. I am assuming that this is the problem as it sounds like it is coming from this area in the dash. Is there a place to lubricate anything here or is this a sign of some sort of unit or bearing failure? Real OEM lists the part at $273.00 new and I have better things to do with that money but I may be able to get it much cheaper from a donor car. Is this a good fix or no? Anyone else have any idea what could cause this squealing sound? How does one get to this part to repair anyway?

http://picasaweb.google.com/RecordCampy/BMW

I have done this on both my e28's (similar location of motor) and they have been quiet for 3 years now. Don't use WD40. Use something like 20 weight. I used 5w-30. As mentioned in the other post, you have to remove the expansion tank and then the fire wall cover. Tedious, but doable in an afternoon.
Best of Luck.

[Black 535i]

Supposed to hit 55 F here in Chicago this weekend so the repair will be more bearable than the -16 F it is now.

[Qube]

Are you certain it's the blower? Is the sound coming from the top or can you hear it louder near the dials?

[Black 535i]

I can hear the horrific squealing and when I turn the fan to a higher speed it quickly goes away. Cannot tell exactly where it comes from. What are you thinking it could be? I'd hate to spend $200.00+ on an unnnecessary motor if not required.

[Qube]

Just one thing. Does it happen if you have the blower OFF, then start the car... ever?

[Black 535i]

...and there was no squeal with the fan off but when I started the car and then turned the fan off it started to squeal from the area of the dash vents.

[Ross]

Your blower motors bearings are toast. Check Shoguns thread on a replacement motor. Lee auto parts in the NW burbs seems to carry it, I have it on order and will post about how it works.