HVAC/Blower diagnosis?

[skylar]

Hey all! Proud to say I have purchased myself a 1998 318 IS with 170,000kms!! This particular one has an M on the steering wheel (not sure if that designates anything special) and has all options other than leather.

The question I have is in regards to the automatic climate control system. My current diagnosis is I think its the main blower that has worn out, but I would love another opinion as I am new to these BMW's.

Symptoms:
When running at different fan speeds it sometimes sounds like squeeling or scraping against something. If I turn the fan speed up the noise goes away. Its usually around the 25% speed or less. The sound also happens when i turn off the car, but only for about 1-2sec as i think the blower must be slowing down as its powered off. Oh also, at the lower speeds braking and hard cornering even a bumpy road can cause this sound (but not at the higher fan speeds).

If it is the blower motor, is it easily accessible through the engine compartment? Or must the whole dash be taken out? What is the difficulty of the task on a scale of 1-10?

Also, I have a new cabin air filter to install (from inside the vehicle). Is there another HVAC filter that should be changed also perhaps from the engine side again (I read something about a A/C air filter and separate heat air filter?

Any info is much appreciated! Thanks!