Bmw Clutch fans?

[AusBmw]

Ok im not sure if the newer bmw's have them, but my i6 e39 has one, I was wondering, should I renew it?

I ask because I've heard some story's about them failing and sticking on or completely jamming up and exploding.

I know mine only comes on mostly in summer when it's hot, the cars AC is on and I've been stuck in traffic or sitting at a set of lights, I know it comes on because when I take off it sounds a bit like a jumbo jet, then stops.

Hopefully some one can shed some light on this thing.

[bdaw]

I was wondering, should I renew it?

I have mine on a PayPal Subcription so I don't have to worry about renewing it every month.

[Gran Turismo]

Assuming you're meaning the radiator fan:
If you can hear it taking off at a stop while the engine is idling, then I would say that you don't have one of the clutch type (driven by the engine), but one driven by an electric motor and controlled by some thermostatic switch or the engine management unit.
So as long as you can hear the fans at idle on a hot day, I wouldn't worry about anything.

Do you still have a water temperature gauge? If so, that's another thing to keep an eye on during a hot day. The water could overheat also for other reasons, i.e. a stuck thermostat.

[AusBmw]

Talking about this device, which has the huge fan around it.

[Richard in NC]

Talking about this device, which has the huge fan around it.

I have heard they have issues on e39s. However, if you have the electric fan, it only needs the other fan on the hotest of days.

I recall my '99 540i clutched fan was very loud but never failed. My '02 M5 fan got noisey (a strange whiring) and was replaced under warranty. It was a 2 minute job. It didn't help the noise (which was finally fixed by tightening the belts at the 60k service).

[AusBmw]

I have heard they have issues on e39s. However, if you have the electric fan, it only needs the other fan on the hotest of days.

I recall my '99 540i clutched fan was very loud but never failed. My '02 M5 fan got noisey (a strange whiring) and was replaced under warranty. It was a 2 minute job. It didn't help the noise (which was finally fixed by tightening the belts at the 60k service).

Thanks Richard, yes she's got the electric fan at the very front:thumb:

Edit: Oh and thanks GT, yes I've still got a water temp gauge, in two years of owner ship never seen it go past half way at all! Which is a good thing when I comes to e39, given the cooling system horror stories I've heard.