Hi LGC - I enjoy your posts, you obviously know a thing or three about cars
We had the same problem with our blower about half a year ago, we did the same as one of the previous here has stated, put the blower up to full (a few bangs on the dash (feels good to hit this car)) and it went away, no problem since, no noise no smells. (but now you mention it could be due to a failing motor, i will keep a closer eye on it)
However we have had just about every other problem in the forum with our migraine. We are outside warranty now (2 years) we got it back from our 5th unplanned visit to the workshop (here in Sweden) for water in doors, and an indicator bulb that keeps blowing. even though we were only a couple of weeks out of warranty and we had taken it in for this problem before renault refused to cover the costs, so the garage (here in sweden renault uses Volvos service network!) too the costs on themselves!
We have the 2.0 litre dynamique with 17 inches wheels and most of the options.
Seems like we will probably be stuck in the same situation that the car won't be worth a jot due to renault "quality" and we will have to run it into the ground. This is no way to treat customers as they are going to learn to their disadvantage.
Strange that the only recall we have had is for the electric window problem when there are far more pressing safety issues these cars should be recalled for.
Anyway I think I will be firing off a very snotty letter to renault headoffice pointing to a list of atleast 15 major problems we have had with the car, and how i feel that 'first years' models should get an extra years warranty due to their lack of testing.
Not due to renault the service network here has been brilliant (probably because its volvos service network).