I have a 2001 330xi and on the drive home, the cabin fans weren't on for a few minutes. They eventually kicked in and I couldn't replicate the problem. I had the temperature set to 70 degrees auto, auto air control, and AC enabled. Now, it was roughly the same temperature outside but I can't imagine the fans would just turn off like that. I'd like to check to make sure the power cable is securely connected to the blower motor but I don't know where that is located on the car. Could anyone help me out or otherwise tell me if I'm off the mark?
Final stage resistor possibly? There is another thread for an E46 on the board that details something similar to this. Edit: Here you go. http://bmwcca.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5299&highlight=final stage resistor
+ several million. It is the blower motor final stage "resistor" (actually a transistor pack.) They go bad all the time.
Sure enough, that was it. The mechanic also said something about a tear in the air intake or some such. It wasn't an expensive fix so I'm having that repaired, too. He said it was fairly common. Anyone know what he's talking about?
Probably a torn intake boot. Very very common as well. The part is in the $30 range and labor is cheap on that gig.
Moosehead - Any chance you know the intake boot part number, perhaps from www.realoem.com? EDIT - Aha, found it: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV53&mospid=47725&btnr=13_0905&hg=13&fg=15&hl=23 Part no. 13-54-1-438-759
