BMW Repair: Climate control noise, mileage cars, dual climate

Question
I have a 1997 528i with dual climate control.  It works fine but there is an annoying noise coming from the unit.  I think there is a small fan that draws air in a 1 inch square grill and blows it out the other side.  It sounds like the fan bearings are starting to go bad or maybe (hopefully)  there is some dirt rubbing on the fan blades creating the noise.  The dealership wants $550 for a whole new climate control assembly plus labor to install.  As I am a watchmaker/clockmaker  I think that I may be able to repair the bearings if that is the problem.  My questions are several.  Is this a common problem on high mileage cars(216,000 miles)? Can they be rebuilt or repaired?  How do I remove the crazy thing from the dash?  The only possibility for removal seems to be 2 screws in the cup holder assembly which is right below the climate control assembly although I am hesitant to start messing with something that I don't know enough about.  Thanks in advance for your help

Answer
John, common problem with the climate control module. Just carefully lever out the unit from the side. It just pops out. You can probably find a used unit on the internet or E36 websites like bavarian auto sport. New units have to be coded by the dealer diagnostic machine. I don't know of any repair for it, but that doesn't mean it can't be done epecially with a mechanically inclinded person such as yourself.
-Evan