The blower motor in my 2004 Mini S started to squeel this past week. It sounds like the beginning of a new failure. Just a month ago the power steering pump went so I replaced the pump and cooling fan. The Bentley manual states that replacing the AC/Heat blower motor is too complicated a job, and a dealer should do it. Has anyone had this occur on an out of warranty Mini? I'm curious as to what a dealer would charge for this.

 

I had this same problem with my 04 MCS. When I turned on the A/C, I could hear squealing. When I turned it off, it would stop. I thought it was the blower motor bearing. Does this sound familiar? Change the serpentine belt and all was good with mine. It was slipping when the a/c clutch was engaged.
Good luck---