Strange noise in driver's footwell.
 

I'm a longtime Benz driver and have just added a cherry 2000 S430 to my fleet. First post on this forum, so be gentle.

While running, there is a hushed whine under the instrument cluster. It sounds like a brushless DC motor with failing bearings. Upon shutting the car down, I can hear the device power down then slow to a stop in maybe two seconds. It is somewhat of a slowing pulse like spinning fan blades. I'm new to the W220 and have a lot to learn. Any ideas on what may be the culprit?

Thanks,

Sam

'00 S430
'90 190E 2.6
'91 190E 2.6
'76 300D
'82 300Dt
'83 300Dt
'96 Miata (BRP Supercharged)

For others searching: here's the resolution.
 

It turned out to be the HVAC blower motor. More specifically, it was the plastic squirrel cage fan. A few of the blades came loose at the outside ends and were gently tapping inside the casing. The sound manifested in the driver's side floor area at the heated air outlet.

Since the motor was good and the fan was not mangled in any way, I fired up my plastic welding rig and reattached the two blades. Ran it out of the car with battery power to check for imbalance and found nothing of note.

Reinstalled and she is silent again.

Sam

Thank you for the feedback, samdon.

Hi there

I think I have the same noisy blower fan issue as you had. It certainly sounds like it.

I attempted to remove the fan this past weekend but came into difficulty due to no access to all Torz screws holding the blower casing and a very akward position for myself to work in.

I found that some of the Torx screws holding the blower casing on were covered by some dashboard at the front under the glove box, could you let me know how you got to all the Torx screws to gain access to the blower fan.

Also, once casing is off, does the fan come out with simply more screws?

Thanks in advance

Kevin,

I removed the glove box before I really got into this specific project and don't remember any torx fasteners being too difficult to reach. Try that. It is super easy to remove.

Once in there, I think there are three fasteners holding the fan in place. Unplug the wiring harness and extract them and you're home free.