Serious Blower Motor Assembly Problem

[AV325i]

I bought a 1990 325i and there was a pretty loud clicking noise when you turned on the blower motor. The seller said it was something rolling around in the fan assembly and I was dumb and believed him.

When I took the blower motor out, I found that the plastic behind the fan was all busted up. A closer look at the car makes me think it has been in an accident, because there is a suspicious weld and bent metal in places along the firewall - all nicely repainted! I attached a picture of the back plastic piece. You can see a crack on the left side and places where the blower motor blades are rubbing.



Do I have any option other than replacement of that back plastic piece that hold? It looks to me like you need to remove the entire dash and control panel to get at it.

If I need to take off the dash, is there some step by step instructions posted anywhere? It looks like it will take a long time.

Winter is coming to Minnesota! I need to get this fixed! Thanks

[Jean]

Try and fit a blower motor in there and spin it by hand, if it catches on the plastic you'll be better off replacing the blower box. It's not too complicated, I've done it twice (early and newer boxes aren't the same as I learned).

You will need to pull the dash (also not rocket science), and you'll want to buy some new gaskets since you'll be there :)

If you have any questions let me know and I'll try to help..

Some pictures that might give you some insight on what it will take -

http://www.briangt.com/gallery/album86

[AV325i]

The motor catches on the plastic is several places, so I think I need to replace the blower box.

Thanks for the like to the pictures. That helps.

It looks rather complecated. How long did it take you to do the first time? I suppose if I have it done in a shop it will cost $$$.

It looked like in the pictures they replaced the whole blower assembly, not just the plastic box. Is it easier to do that for some reason, or can I just do the box

I did see the box for a 1989 325i at my local junk yard. Do you think that would work, or can you buy new?

[Jean]

I replaced the whole thing, but you can replace just the blower box and transfer your blower motor/resistor and/or wiring harness onto it. it would just be easier to replace the whole thing and keep your spare blower motor ..

The blower box is $$$ from the dealer, there is not reason why a used one won't work if it's not broken. The early ones had a different wiring harness, so get one from an 89 for your car

[mattdk318i]

ive got a nice condition blower box. and all of the parts to go with it

[AV325i]

What year car is from? Seems like I need one from an 89 or 90 from the post above. Which parts do you have? How much do you want from them? Thanks!