Help with blower motor replacement

[bstarr3]

I've been trying to replace my broken hvac blower in my new-to-me 91 318. I got a replacement motor from a parts car. It was confirmed working before I bought it.

First problem was that I couldn't get that band clip back in place. I tried using a zip tie but to no avail. I can't get it secure enough to keep it from wobbling/rubbing when its on.

So, that's one problem. Second problem is that even though I have a good resistor, it only works on high setting (4). I actually pulled the resistor when I picked up my replacement blower motor so I have two resistors. They both appear intact. I've used them both with the same problem.

I had to button it all back up so I can drive to work tomorrow, but the next time I go behind that panel I want to 1) know what's wrong (why it only works on high) and 2) have a plan a, b, and c for securing that damn motor.

I appreciate any help anyone can offer. This has been an annoying little job for one that looks so easy on paper.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[bstarr3]

Anybody? I know this has been discussed before but all the techniques I've read about how to mount the motor are not working. Not to mention the weird thing about only working on hi, even though the resistor's good.

[long tall eta]

that metal clip gave me trouble the first time too. try this, before you slide the blower back in, take a good look up in there and see where the top of the clip hooks in. then clip it in there w/o the blower in. next, hold the bottom of the clip straight up and out of the way and slide the blower in. the tricky part is getting it secured on the bottom but once you do it you will feel really stupid, it's that easy. you are trying to clip it in the wrong place. see if you can find a pic for orientation. it really does just clip right in. make sure the motor is seated correctly and spins w/o any rubbing. and if your motor only works on #4 then both your resistors are bad. grab a new one for 30 bucks or so. they don't have to look bad to be bad.

[Morfhieus]

on my recent blower and resistor replacement on my car (had the same problem with only working on high) I swapped it out with a new one. I had to roll the motor housing around in the case a bit to get it to seat properly. once I eyeballed it with the flashlight to verify it was nestled properly the clip went right on by hand. The Bentley manual also mentions that you have to locate it properly in the housing when installing. and I also confirmed the myth that Z3 blowers fit e30s....at a 66% cost savings too!

[reelizmpro]

It's a solid state resister coil pack. Scuff up the contacts before installation. Wd40 or contact cleaner will help as well. Can't help u with the motor installation, its pretty straight forward. Goodluck.

[bstarr3]

I finally got that clip in. Once you have everything seated properly it goes on so easily its ridiculous. I messed with it for several minutes after i got it because I couldn't believe it clipped in just like that.

However, I'm still getting a funny sound from it even though it spun freely without rubbing on anything when I placed it. And also it still only works on 4 even though I bought a brand new resistor. I'm giving up on this project.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[iChase]

Maybe you cracked your fan putting it in? I cracked mine and it makes a buzzing noise on high speed :/