BMW E38 heater blower not working
Why is the E38 heater blower not working?
The most common causes are a blown fuse, a worn blower motor (bearings, brushes), a seized blower or a failed resistor. Check the fuses first and measure them, because a broken filament does not always show. Fuses 20 and 32 and the 30 A fuse are linked to the blower.
What if only some speeds work or the blower acts up?
If, for example, speed one is missing, the fault is usually in the resistor. If the speed fluctuates, the control unit (final stage) is faulty. The facelift model's blower is PWM-controlled (pulse width modulation) and has no resistor pack.
How is the blower replaced and can it be repaired?
The blower is under the upper part of the dashboard, and replacing it usually requires removing the upper dashboard. The job takes a few hours. Renewing the brushes or bearings is not worthwhile because the contact surfaces are worn. Lubricating the bearings only helps for a short time.