Your Thoughts: Blower Resistor or Motor?

[Wapiennik]

About a month ago, when I my blower motor sounded like it had a bad bearing. I didn't hear the typical cricket noise that's related to the resistor pack. All of a sudden, it stopped working altogether.

I left the setting on medium speed, and while I was driving down the interstate, it came back on. This happened again a week ago. I took the car through a drive-through car wash and when I was going through the dryer, it kicked on again.

It seems that enough outside wind-flow pushes the blower motor enough to get it started. I'm assuming it's the blower motor, but I just wanted a couple second opinions before I invest the money.

Thanks everyone.

[Rrrockhound]

The resistor cuts down the power to let your blower blow at speeds less than full. So if it blows at less than full speed, I'd guess it's not your resistor. Besides, the resistor either works or it doesn't. It shouldn't just start working when the blower gets a "push" from the wind.

That would be my guess, anyway.

[coolbear1]

I think I may be able to help, I just went through what you discribe with my 93. But models are different.
I 'm sure we are talking about a BMW, a older 3 series? E36?

Rrrockhound is right on about the resistor pack.

You most likely have dead spots on your blowers rotor atenuator. That is the part of the motor that the brushes ride on.

That is what was wrong with mine and it was doing the exact same thing.

I live in Florida, and on hot days I would use my leaf blower to start my blower. Not kiding.
If you have a E36, it is a real job to change.

You have to remove the intake manifold and the valve cover to do it right. Otherwise you could break the plastic blower wheels.

An easy way to check the motor is, remove the air cowling, (it is under the intake vent between the wipers), and turn on the blower, spin it, but watch out it doesn't take off a finger. If it starts, get a motor, the one with the plastic wheels included.

[bimmeupe36]

Kudos on the leaf blower! I have the same problem, bad spot on the rotor. Took it apart as far as I could without removing the intake mani, spun the wheel a little and it works!

[beastfromtheast]

I have a 1998 318i and my blower motor is intermittent, more off than on. The motor makes a bit of a squeeky noise and the dash controllers are prone to packing in. My father lost fan control on his 1997 318is, as in, the dash controls lit up, but nothing happened. He replaced the electronic controller and all was good.

I think I am due for both, so next week I will be putting in both: motor and controller. The controller is easy to get at, the motor is brain surgery.