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Thursday, May 1, 2025

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Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI

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BMW E36
HVAC Blower Replacement DIY

Page 4 of 4

(Image: Aux Fan)
The sound of crickets on a warm summer night can be a comforting thing...unless you're in
a BMW with the windows rolled up and the air conditioning on.

Highlights Continued

(Image: Closeup of airbox section as viewed from outside)

Another perspective of the left section of the airbox, this time from the side.

 (Image: Closeup of airbox left section showing mating grooves)

Rear of the left section of the airbox. Note the grooves that mate with the airbox.

 (Image: Closeup of airbox left section as viewed from inside)

Inside of the left section of the airbox.
(Image: Perspective of airbox before fan removal)

With the airbox dismantled, the fan is decidedly more accessible.

 (Image: Closeup of fan wiring)

Carefully remove the wiring from the fan using a long nose pliers (Arrows 1 and 2). If you replace the retaining clip you'll have to clip the tywrap (Arrow 3). The final stage unit is also visible here (Arrow 4).

 (Image: Cutting left side squirrel cage with diagonal cutters)

Now for some carnage. Using a pair of diagonal cutters, cut the squirrel cage supports to free it from the motor.
(Image: Closeup of relief in body used to remove squirrel cage)

Fortunately, BMW had the foresight to cut reliefs in the body to facilitate removal of the squirrel cages.

 (Image: Closeup of hook tool used to remove blower retaining clip)

I used this hook tool to grab the hole conveniently provided in the motor retaining bracket.

 (Image: Closeup of old blower motor armature and brushes)

If the blower motor starts making noise, it's brushes are probably spent as well. Mine were probably 6-12 months from failing.
(Image: Closeup of center of airbox interior)

A closeup of the interior of the airbox.

 (Image: Closeup of top center of airbox interior)

Top center interior of the airbox.

 (Image: Closeup of airbox air door)

Closeup of the door that lets air into the interior.
(Image: Technique used to install right side squirrel cage on new blower)

Before you secure the new motor, tilt it forward, install the new squirrel cage, and remember to install the armature retaining clip.

Donations Requested

The creation of this DIY required approximately twelve hours, nearly three times that required to perform the work on the vehicle. If you've found it helpful, please consider a donation to this site. Thanks! 		(Image: Closeup of new blower motor installed and wired)

Finished (well, almost)! The new blower motor is installed. Reinstalling everything from this point took another hour or so.
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