Why is my heater whistling at me?

[latinobimmer]

Lately, (actually for a while now) when I start my car up in the morning, I'll let it idle for about 5-8 minutes before I take off, to let it warm up a tad. Well, I also turn my heater on, with the fan on the lowest setting. For some reason, it starts to whistle or whine when, especially when I'm driving and start to brake. The heat works fine, but it has started to decline a bit in the mornings (when cold only). What could be the problem? And also, its just recently started to smell like plastic is burning inside it somewhere. Its really annoying, any ideas? Thanks.

Jaime

[Jordan]

Sounds like worn brushes. Replace them or get a new/used good blower motor.

[bimmerlover]

That's a very common problem.
11 of the 12 BMWs my family has, have whistling blowers.

Used ones are likely to whistle, and new ones cost a fortune.
That's why I've just left mine alone.

Sorry, I can't tell you exactly why they whistle..

[BMW BMXER]

Mine whistles as well.

Meh.

[Mystikal]

Mine whistles, only sometimes, and only on position 2. If it's the blower motor I can live with it.

[Speed25]

Pull the blower motor and spray lube on the center shaft everywhere you can. I was able to make mine stop squeaking even while if I spun it in my hands. Here's a hint..mount the whole blower in a vise and attach a 12V battery to it while you're spraying the lube.

Your interior will probably smell like the lube for a few days (mine did), but it's worth the quiet!

[808BMW]

Your interior will probably smell like the lube for a few days (mine did), but it's worth the quiet!

Use a lube that doesn't stink :P

[Jarvis]

I installed a used blower motor from the Euro Depot weekend. Got it in fine, as I realized that one of the fans was cracked a little. Worked great at first. Then developed a louder, and louder whistling... until I'm pretty sure the cracked fan basicaly BLEW UP. I was pissed, seeing as how I'd been waiting all week for that damn part, I had to drive 300+ miles that afternoon/night, and I had to do all the work parked outside my dorm in 20deg weather with snow blowing all around me. I think I'll write back to the Euro Depot and bitch about the cracked fan they sent me ($53.50 after shipping!).
God damn blower motors. You might want to take it out and oil it/make sure it's not rubbing anything before you keep using it. Hopefully yours won't break like mine did. Brand new from the cheapest online suppliers is around ~$165. Used runs anywhere from $30 to the $45+shipping I paid for mine.

[Super Eta]

Pull the blower motor and spray lube on the center shaft everywhere you can. I was able to make mine stop squeaking even while if I spun it in my hands. Here's a hint..mount the whole blower in a vise and attach a 12V battery to it while you're spraying the lube.

Your interior will probably smell like the lube for a few days (mine did), but it's worth the quiet!

I sprayed mine and yeah lets just say i turned on the blower and WOAH i got nice whiff of the WD40 like lube i put on it, i just turned it to full and rolled down the windows.

[Jordan]

I realized that one of the fans was cracked a little. Worked great at first. Then developed a louder, and louder whistling... until I'm pretty sure the cracked fan basicaly BLEW UP. I was pissed, seeing as how I'd been waiting all week for that damn part, I had to drive 300+ miles that afternoon/night, and I had to do all the work parked outside my dorm in 20deg weather with snow blowing all around me. I think I'll write back to the Euro Depot and bitch about the cracked fan they sent me ($53.50 after shipping!).

Rather then be a ass about it, why dont you just call Joel at the Euro Depot and ask if he might be willing to work out a replacement? Joel is good people, and if you handle it in a tactful manner I'm sure he will help you out.

[Jarvis]

Thanks Jordan... I guess
Yes, I know Joel is a good guy. I'm still happy with Euro Depot's service. I didn't literally mean "bitch" at the them about the part. I have to order more stuff this week anyways, I was just planning on mentioning the blower motor while I was at it, and see what they say. I'm not about to be making any demands or try to be an asshole about it.