Replacing Fan Clutch

[FreshVibes]

Hey guys, just wanted some clarification for a fan clutch replacement.

So I have your typical faulty fan clutch, it's always engaged and fan speed increases with RPM speed (sounds like an airplane). I've read on fan clutch replacement DIY's and the job is fairly straight forward, but I just wanted to know if there's anything else I should be replacing while doing the job like AC drive belt, etc. It's a 99' 528iA with 163k if that'll help with any info needed.

Thanks in advance!

- James

[Ed CT]

To R&R the Fan Clutch, you only need to (half) remove the Fan Shroud and Expansion Tank. There's no need to open the cooling system (except for the small dia. return hose under the Shroud).
If you're due for new belts, probably not a bad time to change them, while the Shroud is out. If you're due for a cooling system refresh (pump, t-stat, hoses, radiator, exp. tank), that's a bit more involved.

But, at least change that Fan Clutch before the fan blades grenade off and ruin the engine bay.

[RuskiE39]

Not much you can replace while you are in there, the clutch fan removal only requires you to slightly raise the fan shroud.

[edjack]

Left-hand thread. If you need a 32 mm wrench, get one at a bicycle repair shop.

Consider replacing the fan, too. The blades are getting brittle with age and heat. Broken blades can also dimple the hood.

[schatzy62]

Not much you can replace while you are in there, the clutch fan removal only requires you to slightly raise the fan shroud.

Except for a belt, tensioner and pully, maybe a new thermostat, upper radiator hose. Those all need at least a little movement of the fan shroud. And why move it two or more times when at 163k it very well need many of those items.

[RuskiE39]

Except for a belt, tensioner and pully, maybe a new thermostat, upper radiator hose. Those all need at least a little movement of the fan shroud. And why move it two or more times when at 163k it very well need many of those items.

It takes less than 10 minutes to get the shroud in position to remove the clutch fan. If you insist on doing all that other preventative you might as well do the OFHG, Vanos seals, a complete cooling system flush, and why stop there? Go ahead and lift the car up and replace the clutch while you've got the fan shroud off.

Left-hand thread. If you need a 32 mm wrench, get one at a bicycle repair shop.

Consider replacing the fan, too. The blades are getting brittle with age and heat. Broken blades can also dimple the hood.

A lot of auto parts stores sell the flat 32 mm wrench too. Napa, Auto Zone, O'reillys.

[FreshVibes]

To R&R the Fan Clutch, you only need to (half) remove the Fan Shroud and Expansion Tank. There's no need to open the cooling system (except for the small dia. return hose under the Shroud).
If you're due for new belts, probably not a bad time to change them, while the Shroud is out. If you're due for a cooling system refresh (pump, t-stat, hoses, radiator, exp. tank), that's a bit more involved.

But, at least change that Fan Clutch before the fan blades grenade off and ruin the engine bay.

Not much you can replace while you are in there, the clutch fan removal only requires you to slightly raise the fan shroud.

Left-hand thread. If you need a 32 mm wrench, get one at a bicycle repair shop.

Consider replacing the fan, too. The blades are getting brittle with age and heat. Broken blades can also dimple the hood.

Except for a belt, tensioner and pully, maybe a new thermostat, upper radiator hose. Those all need at least a little movement of the fan shroud. And why move it two or more times when at 163k it very well need many of those items.

Exactly what I was wanting to hear! PO has had the cooling system overhauled (unsure at what miles it was all redone) but I might as well do them myself to know that it was replaced. Thanks again for the help!

[geargrinder]

Can also try the $15 eBay bmw fan tool sets - the better of which include a better fan thicker wrench than a bicycle type, as well as the holder-wrench.

[computiNATEor]

Can also try the $15 eBay bmw fan tool sets - the better of which include a better fan thicker wrench than a bicycle type, as well as the holder-wrench.

I recommend these wholeheartedly. So much easier than trying to smack the 32mm I have from AutoZone with a dead blow.

[JaxPlanet]

+1 replacing the fan with Genuine BMW fan
Google search: e39 exploding fan

[fullthrottle540]

I replaced fan clutch for first time, last week, without removing any other parts. I had more than enough room, it was surprisingly easy (knock on wood). Hardest part was getting the 32mm loose. Using the fan clutch pry tool was waste of time. I had to hit the 32mm with mallet like a golf swing.

[computiNATEor]

I replaced fan clutch for first time, last week, without removing any other parts. I had more than enough room, it was surprisingly easy (knock on wood). Hardest part was getting the 32mm loose. Using the fan clutch pry tool was waste of time. I had to hit the 32mm with mallet like a golf swing.

The V8 cars have a lot more room than the I6 cars, for sure. I like the counter holding tool that is widely available on eBay.

[RuskiE39]

I replaced fan clutch for first time, last week, without removing any other parts. I had more than enough room, it was surprisingly easy (knock on wood). Hardest part was getting the 32mm loose. Using the fan clutch pry tool was waste of time. I had to hit the 32mm with mallet like a golf swing.

Never had any issues using the little holder tool, and yeah, the 540 has a lot more room to get the blade out. You don't even need to move the shroud. 530 is annoying.

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

Yeah, well, the inline six is longer.

[RuskiE39]

Yeah, well, the inline six is longer.

That's what she said.

[dovlet]

Here in Turkmenistan you it is difficult to find e39 with fan clutch. All of us removed it and replaced our OEM A/C fan to e60 A/C fan. Works great. No need fan clutch any more.

[computiNATEor]

Here in Turkmenistan you it is difficult to find e39 with fan clutch. All of us removed it and replaced our OEM A/C fan to e60 A/C fan. Works great. No need fan clutch any more.

Do you have a DIY you can share that shows how you did that?

[Firstbmw528]

I got my full fan clutch tools on Amazon for $16 dollars 2-day shipping to Florida with prime and got my meyle fan clutch for a decent price from FCPeuro. it wasn't that bad to get off though be careful when the nut breaks loose that you don't skin yourself like I did.

[dovlet]

Do you have a DIY you can share that shows how you did that?

Remove your OEM fan and connect e60 fan.
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Also, one friend of mine did the same with m54b30 engine
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