Supplemental cooling fan resistor

[lynnbilodeau]

Fortunately, it isn't brutally hot right now in Oklahoma. We are normally between 95 and 105 for highs this time of year, but staying in the 80's right now.

Noticed my car getting hot when sitting in traffic. Never goes above 5/8 on the temp gauge, but never used to get even half way on a 110 day.

Supplemental cooling fan is not working. Bypassed the resistor briefly and it came on. So, I know it needs a resistor.

Probably would not matter, but as luck would have it, my fan clutch isn't grabbing full on when hot (used to be able to hear it when it grabbed and moved a LOT more air). So, I must fix one or the other right now. I will get around to both, but figured the resistor is the easier of the two. I have upgraded to an E32 fan and clutch, so the radiator has to come out to get the fan off.

RealOEM shows part number

64121388069

Which is a "repair resistor kit". Availabel from Max at $70 or so. But real OEM says it is superceded by part number 67328371873.
When I search those two numbers on ebay, I see pics of way different parts, and neither looks like my original resistor.

Questions: 1. Is the old style resistor simply not available?
Mine lasted 34 years and 320k miles before it died. I would like to use the same exact part.
2. Any one have experience with either 64121388069 or 67328371873?

3. Anyone know the actual resistance numbers for the original resistor in ohms? I have an old firewall mounted ignition resistor sitting on the work bench. Shows 20 ohms. What if I put install that one?

Thanks for any help.

[DesktopDave]

My only experience is with the chunky ceramic types on my E30. IIRC they were made by Beru and lasted forever. I've also seen them on Volvos and Mercedes, probably the same part. I'll pick off a few the next time I'm at a salvage yard.

RTS Auto put up this useful article for the E30, it had two different types too. Might help you with part numbers.

As for resistance, the part numbers you listed had some pics large enough to make out the values: 0.5 ohms-85 watts.

[lynnbilodeau]

Well, for sure I have the top one.
Wish I had seen your post before going ahead and ordering one.
I ordered the "new" part number as supplied by RealOEM.
This one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E28-E30-...53.m2749.l2649

Just sent the seller a request to cancel.

None of my searches last nite for "bmw fan resistor" showed the older style. I searched for the part number posted on that link,17401373177. and sure enough, here it is at only $21.93 and free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-BMW-E12-...53.m2749.l2649

Worst case scenario, I am out a few bucks and have a 5 ohm resistor in my electrical parts stash.

Thanks