I searched long and hard for this DIY, I had a difficult time finding one online. Halfway through the install I decided to take pics and put this together. I hope its helpful.

After two months of that dreaded squealing from behind the passenger glove compartment. I decided to investigate where the hell it was coming from, as many have mentioned; the Ebox fan is located behind the firewall near that area. I removed the cabin air filter and had my wife start the car and low and below, the squealing was loud and clear!

I contacted BMW of Alexandria and they had the Ebox fan in stock for $124, I ordered it online to get the discounted price and went to pick it up. Since I didn't think of this DIY until midway through the repair, I will just jot down the first few steps until the pics come in. The entire process takes place on the back passenger side of the engine bay.

1. Disconnect the battery (in trunk, left hand side) for obvious reasons
2. Remove the black horizontal rubber strip, Air Cabin Filter Cover/Filter (you will have to disconnect a cable that is connected to a push pin) and bracket (note the three plastic twist locks towards the center of the bracket).
3. Unlock the the Ebox cover lock tab (back right side, a diagram is present) and remove the 5 allen screws and remove cover.
4. Remove the three phillips screws that hold the electronics assembly to the Ebox.

This is where the pics begin...

5. Ebox (2 ECUs) electronics assembly exposed after cover is removed.


6. Reference shot: fan (black) can be seen (from right fender) in the center of the Ebox.


7. Disconnect and remove all cables (5) from the ECU at the top of the Ebox.


8. Once all the cables for the 1st ECU have been removed, pull up and disconnect all rubber grommets from the Ebox that have cable running through them. This will give you room to lift the electronics assembly to access the fan later.


9. Disconnect the fan power connector at the back of the Ebox, you will also have to remove the female power connector from the Ebox to allow it to be raised until you can clearly see the fan. Gently lift the entire electronic's assembly until you have enough room to get to the fan. If you look closely, you will see two screws that hold the fan in place, remove them and take out the fan.


10. Replace fan and reverse instructions.

11. Part number for Ebox fan.


12.Old Ebox fan.


All in all, the install took about 1 hour, I took apart the fan and noticed that the spindle wore out the cylinder that holds it. I suspect you could add a few drops of lubricant if push came to shove to extend the life of the fan or stop the squealing.

One other thing, you will get an active steering malfunction warning when you start the car; I turned the wheel left full lock, back to the center and right full lock while driving in a parking lot and the warning went away.

It took me awhile to get use to not hearing that damn squealing during start up! Enjoy the peace and quiet. The new fan is also very quiet.

 

I had a slight noise like a speaker was constantly on in the car, white noise at high volume. I did the above but added some white lithium grease and it cleared up the issue.