Blower motors are in charge of providing airflow that goes through the HVAC system and comes out of the airvents. The blower motor of the BMW E90 is known for eventually failing or malfunctioning, leading to no air coming out of the vents or noises coming from the glovebox area.
Fortunately, the E90 blower motor is a part that is easily replaced. Located in the passenger side close to the glove box, is it acessible just by removing a few screws. You can save yourself the hassle going to an auto shop by replacing it yourself.
We’ll take a look at some symptoms of blower motor failure, the parts required to replace it, and step-by-step replacement procedure:
BMW E90/E91/E92/E93 Blower Motor Replacement
BMW E90 HVAC Blower Motor with Regulator
Quick Overview
- Replacement for part #64119227670
- Blower Motor Fan Assembly with regulator
- Direct replacement for the OEM part
- Fixes squeaks, grinding, or nonfunctional HVAC fan
This part is a complete replacement for your blower motor assembly. It includes the blower motor and resistor, which is another component that is known for failing.
Although this is not the OEM part, it is identical to the BMW-issued component in terms of size, materials, connectivity, fit, and finish. This means it will fit your E90 BMW guaranteed, and it comes with a lifetime warranty which is good to know. If you hear the problematic sounds coming from your dashboard and you cannot really tell what the cause is (motor or resistor/regulator), it is better to buy a complete set like this and replace the whole system.
OEM Valeo Blower Motor for BMW E90 3 Series
Quick Overview
- Replacement for part #64119227670
- OEM Valeo part
- Blower motor assembly with blower motor regulator
Another well-designed and affordable option is this product which also includes the blower motor assembly with the integrated regulator.
This is an OEM part, and the same part that BMW uses. It’s manufactured by Valeo with OEM standards, which means it is as durable and dependable as the factory part.
The seller offers a full 1-year warranty for peace of mind. It comes ready to be installed, and it doesn’t require any wiring or soldering. Just position it correctly and plug the connectors for a simple-plug-and play replacement.
Blower Motor Fan Assembly with Regulator BMW E90
Quick Overview
- Blower motor fan with regulator
- Cost-effective replacement
- Fan cage included
- Part Numbers: 64119227670 64119144200 64116933663 8EW351104791
Since the blower motor itself is the one that has been known for failing, you can get just a fan and replace the OEM part. It would be cheaper than buying the whole assembly, but the installation process will be the same.
1-year warranty covers any premature failure of the part, but due to the high user ratings on this part you can expect this replacement blower motor to outlast the rest of the usable life of your E90.
This electric motor with the fan is built with the highest standards and guaranteed to fit. As you expect, it is compatible with all 3 Series of the E90 generation. Please note that this product will include the blower motor and the resistor.
Blower Motor Resistor 2006-2013 BMW 3 Series E90 E91 E92 E93
Quick Overview
- HVAC fan blower motor resistor/regulator
- Cost-effective replacement if only the regulator has failed
- Needs a functioning blower motor fan
Even though in most cases it is wiser to replace the while blower motor and resistor unit, sometimes your blower motor is actually in order, and the resistor or regulator is the one giving you trouble. If you manage to determine that this is the case, we suggest looking for something like this – a Motor Emission’s resistor, which is sold as a separate unit.
We do recommend replacing both the blower motor and the resistor with one of the other kits that include both parts. However, replacing only the resistor is a very cost effective option.
Compatibility and fitment
- 2006-2011 BMW E90 323i 325i 328i 330i 335i Sedan
- 2006-2011 BMW E91 323i 325i 328i 330i Touring
- 2007-2013 BMW E92 328i 335i Coupe
- 2008-2013 BMW E93 328i 335i Convertible
Symptoms of a malfunctioning HVAC blower motor
1. Weak airflow
When the blower motor is bad, airflow coming from the HVAC vents will be weak or severely reduced. This may be due to a failing motor or regulator reducing the speed of the fan.
2. Noises coming from the air vents
You may hear a grinding noise coming from the air vents or the dashboard on the passenger side. This is a symptom of a broken blower fan or bad blower fan bearing. If the blower motor squeaks only when cold it might signal that it may fail soon.
3. Unresponsive heat and AC controls
If you turn on your heating or A/C and nothing happens or you can’t control the fan speed, you could be having a problem with the blower motor regulator. The regulator is connected to the motor, and your best bet in solving the problem is to replace the entire blower motor assembly.
How to replace the blower motor on a BMW E90
E90/E91/E92 blower motor location
The blower motor on the BMW E90 is located behind the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle. This means you will have to remove the glove box to access it. We suggest moving the passenger seat all the way back in order to get more room to maneuver.
Tools needed
- T20 torx bit
- Trim removal tool
Step-by-step process
- Locate two screws holding the panel behind the glove box and remove them
- Slowly remove the trim panel and disconnect the electrical light connector
- You have now gained access to the blower motor assembly, but before you removed it, detach the air duct and disconnect the connectors.
- Then, you will be able to remove the blower fan and resistor assembly
- Before you physically remove the fan, you need to unbolt it and remove it from the blower box.
- If you are looking to remove the resistor as well, you will need a T20 Torx screw head to unbolt this part
- Since the resistor is separate from the motor itself, you can change it without removing the blower fan
If you are still having trouble, here is a helpful step-by-step video instructions for all left-hand drive BMW E90’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of the blower motor?
The blower motor controls the high-speed airflow that distributes the air from the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system. All of the air that comes out from the airvents is produced and circulated by the blower motor.
How much does it cost to replace the blower motor on a BMW E90?
A BMW dealership will charge approximately $500 to replace a blower motor assemble in an E90 328i, for 1 hour of labor plus parts. A independent auto shop can do it for around $300 including parts and labor.
Can you replace the E90 blower motor yourself?
Yes, it can be done with standard tools in around 30 minutes. You will need a T20 Torx screw tip and plastic trim remover. We recommend you do it in your garage since a trip to the dealership may set you back hundreds in parts and labor. You can do it yourself with some patience for just a fraction of that price.
Can you replace only the blower motor resistor?
Yes, you can replace only the blower motor resistor/regulator if you have confirmed that the defective part is only the resistor. However, we recommend replacing both the blower motor and the resistor/regulator as the blower motor will eventually fail. If you replace both you can ensure you’re not going to have the need to do it again.
Closing thoughts
The blower motor of the BMW E90 will eventually fail, especially if you use the heater or air conditioning often. It is completely normal for this part of the car to fail as the electric blower motor fails, and the bearings of the fan will worn and start making noise after years of use.
We hope that our guide helped you make a decision regarding the part you need to fix a failing blower motor and it’s replacement procedure.