Ever been stuck in your BMW on a hot summer day and found that your car’s AC system is not functioning as expected? If so, you know how uncomfortable that can be. But what if the issue isn’t just the air conditioning but the HVAC blower that provides the air conditioning? The blower in a BMW’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is designed to circulate air through the heating and cooling system and into the car.
If you need to blast the AC during summer or turn on the heater during winter, the blower is the component that helps with the process. Without the blower, air flow in the HVAC system is impossible and your car can turn into a hot box. Here are signs that your BMW HVAC is failing.
Symptoms That Your BMW’s HVAC Blower Is on Its Way Out
- Weak Airflow: A very clear indication that an HVAC blower has developed a problem is when the air coming from the system is not as strong as it used to be. For instance, if you have set the fan to high speed but the amount of air produced is little then it may be a problem with the blower motor.
- Unusual Noises Coming from the Blower: If you have turned on your HVAC system and heard some unusual sounds such as grinding, squeaking, or rattling, then you have a problem with the blower motor. It is normal to hear these noises as a result of worn-out bearings, debris lodged in the blower, or a bad motor. If you disregard these sounds, then you are likely to end up with a total failure of the blower and you may not get any airflow at all.
- No Air: Earlier, we talked about having weak airflow in the vent, but it is also possible to have a situation where there is no airflow at all. If your BMW does not produce any air at all, then there are chances that the HVAC blower is faulty. This can occur if the motor is burnt out or if the electrical system is faulty. Sometimes this is followed by a burning smell which is a clear sign that the motor has overheated.
- Blower Only Works on Certain Speeds: Another common symptom that is associated with blower motor problems is when the blower only runs at a particular speed. For instance, you may find that the blower operates only on the highest setting and not on the low or medium ones. This can be as a result of a faulty blower resistor. The resistor is used to regulate the speed of the blower motor and when it fails, the blower will not be able to operate at all speeds, reducing your capacity to regulate the climate within your car.
- Delay to Start: If your HVAC system is slow to start blowing air once you switch it on, then it can be a result of a faulty blower motor. Such delay can be attributed to a motor that is starting to malfunction or clogged by debris making it hard for the blower to begin spinning.
What to Do If You Are Sure That the HVAC Blower Is Defective
- Check the Fuse and Relay: First, you should always look at the fuse and the relay of the blower motor. If any of those parts are bad, replacing them could be the solution to the problem.
- Inspect the Blower Motor: In the case where the fuse and relay are not the issue, one needs to assess the blower motor. Pay attention to the signs of wear, debris accumulation, or any other visible defects. Sometimes, if the motor is dirty, then the cleaning of the motor can solve the problem.
- Visit a Professional Mechanic: If you are not sure about how to diagnose or fix the problem on your own, it is recommended to go to a mechanic who works with BMW. They can inspect the systems and repair all the faulty areas to ensure that the HVAC systems are working correctly.
Who Should You Entrust Your BMW To In Green Bay?
If you are looking for a European shop to 
repair or maintain your BMW’s HVAC blower, come to us at Dell’s Service Center. We are not just experts on BMW vehicles, we also cater to other luxurious European car brands for drivers in Green Bay and its nearby cities like Manitowoc and Sturgeon Bay, WI. Our technicians are well-trained and can easily diagnose the root cause of the problem, and make the necessary repairs to get the HVAC system back in order. Call us now to make an appointment with our BMW specialists.