Grinding Sound on Fan Ventilation

[das boots]

I have this grinding whirring sound and gets louder when I turn the Fan to a higher speed. Sounds like the fan blades hitting or rubbing the shroud. Or possibly a worn bearing.

How do I determine what is the cause of the sound? Who do I take to have the fan trouble shoot and refurbished? In fact, where is the fan located? Is it accessible?

Thanks.

[fredo]

I think your blower motor is going bad.

[alexandre]

Yeah, it's likely that. The replacement part is BMW #64113453729. Looks like the price doubled since I did that job in 2015, I had paid $101 back then.

You should go brand new for that part - they all end up failing the same way.

[das boots]

Ok. Thanks. I will order the replacement part. Unfortunately, I will have to have this done with someone who knows his stuff.

My back will not be able to handle the stress. Should have done this maybe around 10 or more yrs ago.

[NorCalZman]

Yeah, it's likely that. The replacement part is BMW #64113453729. Looks like the price doubled since I did that job in 2015, I had paid $101 back then.

You should go brand new for that part - they all end up failing the same way.

That is the X3 blower motor part number, which fits our cars perfectly. I replaced mine years ago and used that part number instead of the E46 part number that was 2-3X the price for no reason. Seems like BMW has gotten smart to our little workaround and has jacked up the price of our alternate part. Bummer. I hope mine lasts for the rest of the life of my car.

[das boots]

That is the X3 blower motor part number, which fits our cars perfectly. I replaced mine years ago and used that part number instead of the E46 part number that was 2-3X the price for no reason. Seems like BMW has gotten smart to our little workaround and has jacked up the price of our alternate part. Bummer. I hope mine lasts for the rest of the life of my car.

Just want to confirm the P/N. FCP Euro states it does not fit my E46. Only fits X3 for $268 asking price.

[NorCalZman]

Just want to confirm the P/N. FCP Euro states it does not fit my E46. Only fits X3 for $268 asking price.

Yes, that is for the X3 but fits our cars perfectly as long as you remove a plastic plate on the bottom that is screwed on that it comes with. Minor. It’s exactly the same part otherwise. And It USED to cost about 100 bucks.

HOWEVER, I just looked at the blower motor that is listed for our cars and now it is cheaper than the X3 motor ($240). Part: 64119204154 . So you might as well get the part that.

[das boots]

Ok. Thanks for the right P/N.