I seem to remember that there was a lot of air blowing straight upwards when I replaced my blower motor not too long ago. Don't forget that you have the cover going back on top of that motor still. When my car runs (long story) there's plenty of air coming out all vents on all sides, so I wouldn't worry about it.

The blower motor regulators don't last much longer than the blower motors themselves, and it's not much more work to get the regulator out (it should be just beneath the plastic support for the motor). Replacing both at the same time might not be a bad idea.

__________________
--
Steven Harrison

1993 300E2.8 - 196K
2001 E320 4MATIC - 86K