Sounds Coming From My AC Vents

[msdss]

All of a sudden I have this sound coming from my AC vents. It sounds like a squeaky fan blade spinning, or a grass hopper inside the dash board. It only happens when the AC is on low. It is very quiet, but incredibly annoying.

I would take it to the dealer, but sadly my car is just out of warranty, so rather than getting a second mortgage to figure out what it is, I figured I would come here first to see if anyone else has run into this issue.

Has anyone else experienced this and have any idea on how I can get rid of it. I live in Texas, so the AC is always on, so naturally the only thing I hear when I drive is this damned sound.

Any help would be appreciated.

EDIT: Apologies if this is in the wrong section, will re-post appropriately if necessary.

[FrankieP]

I've got the same issue. I'm thinking of taking off the trim panel and vents to access the blower and grease the fan blade with lithium spray.

[JH M3]

Sometimes it's just clogged cabin air filters. I had the same problem on an old E36 and replacing the filters fixed the noise.

[msdss]

@JHM3 The cabin air filter seems easy enough. I'll try replacing that and see if it goes away. It's been 4 years, I'm sure it couldn't hurt to have it replaced anyway. Thanks for the suggestion!

FrankieP , If you take pictures of the process, I would be really appreciative! I'm always nervous taking shit apart when I don't have anything to go on.

[thekurgan]

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech..._Replacing.htm