Odd blower issue
 

So my blower has been a bit loud (buzzing) lately, and yesterday it stopped working. I thought I needed a new blower, then noticed my "max a/c" function doesn't work either. I thought maybe FSR? then Today out of no where the blower comes on again. Although it's working now, just wondering if I should be expecting a blower/FSR repair some time soon. Anyone have this issue before? Electrical gremlin?

FSR = cheap and easy fix.

So I tried a new FSR and nothing changed, so I did some diagnostics:

Both blower fuses are good, and there is 12V across them. The blower for the rear vents work, so I'm guessing that concludes that the front blower has gone bad?

Before I take apart my whole dash, is there a way of spinning the blower by hand (as some have done on this forum) without taking everything apart, to see if it's actually seized?

Found the problem. It's the blower. I accessed the blower blades from the engine bay, and pushed the blades with a rod and the blower started up again. Turned it off and on a few times, it comes back on sometimes. I guess the motor is just worn out...

Bummer. If you fix it yourself, post a DIY for others to benefit from your experience.

Sounds like the blower motor is not the brushless type and you have one brush or plate that's worn out. If the motor stops in a position where the worn brush is needed to get it going then it won't work. Time to replace it.

Am experiencing the same issue...how did you access the blower blades from the engine bay?
Thanks for any help...

yeah, ditto...

Sadly...here's a double example of no signature containing model/model year/build date or car info that can appear in the upper right. Although the HVAC system is basically configured the same in all e53s...the FIVE different X5 models have SEVEN different engines which have different engine bay configurations.

The OP's unrevealed engine configuration may allow access whereas one or more of the other engine configurations may not allow access. But sadly the OP never revealed which model X5 they have...and neither does the forum member that brought this old thread back to life. :( :(

To those who don't have a signature or car info that appears automatically when you post (click the USER CP link at the very top of the page to create a signature or add car info)...it really does help us to help you better...as well as helps others that are using the search feature in the future to know if your resolution, fix, upgrade, mod, etc applies to them based on the engine, model, model year, transmission, etc. There are also changes that occur during the production run that may occur by a "date" that can apply within a model year...thus "build date" can be important, too. :)

Wow it's been awhile but if I remember correctly, I removed the section that holds the cabin are filters and poked inside one of the air intake tubes going to the blower motor. I think you should be able to see the blower blades fron these intake ducts.