Radiator Fan Exploded - Page 4

caspian65 · 2nd December 2011, 05:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by notenoughboost

it happened to me again 2 fridays ago. no noises other than the fan exploding and hitting the hood again. this was a new fan and clutch assembly that lasted a whole 9 months. definately time for an electric fan. i was merging on the highway at about 3500 rpms and then it happened. all the great things about this car to find out its biggest flaw is the rad fan. will be fixed next week. just in time to park her for the winter.

What brand of fan clutch did you have? Assume the fan was new OEM?

notenoughboost · 2nd December 2011, 13:03

the fan was from our local bmw dealer. my insurance company fixed the car both times it happened now.

khiroshima · 2nd December 2011, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Need4Spd

. . . . A few lucky ones inspect the fan clutch by grabbing it/turning it (while the engine is OFF)

HaHa

sor118 · 2nd December 2011, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by khiroshima

HaHa

?

The best test really is to grab it with the fan running (I use my bare hand/fingers-doesn't hurt) or stick a bit of newspaper into the blades to see if it stops smoothly without much effort. If it doesn't, change the fan clutch asap.

CarbonCopy · 2nd December 2011, 20:25

If it doesn't stop smoothly how many fingers does one have left? (I had to ask...) I think feeling it statically with engine off gives a better qualitative feel of resistance.

Diny · 2nd December 2011, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarbonCopy

If it doesn't stop smoothly how many fingers does one have left? (I had to ask...) I think feeling it statically with engine off gives a better qualitative feel of resistance.

Use a newspaper or wear a glove. Also, it won't always stop. It should be checked when the engine is already warm.

khiroshima · 3rd December 2011, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by sor118

?

The best test really is to grab it with the fan running (I use my bare hand/fingers-doesn't hurt) or stick a bit of newspaper into the blades to see if it stops smoothly without much effort. If it doesn't, change the fan clutch asap.

I was laughing at the recommendation to test the clutch while the engine is off, I pity the fool that tries to test a fan clutch with the engine ON . . . KH

Santib · 1st January 2012, 03:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santib

Just happened to me yesterday. 140k . Getting on the highway in sport mode. Revved to 7k and heard a bang, lots of debri comming out from behind car. Got off next exit about 1/4 mile away and pulled off the road to inspect. When opening the hood I noticed a outward dent in the hood with the paint cracked. Open the hood and all kind of debris from the exploded fan blade and shroud. Checked for leaks, all ok. Started engine to check for any noises but all was fine. Nursed it around all day until I was able to return home. I was able to remove the fan clutch assembly and all is well for now. Think it's time to go with an electric fan and aluminum fan shroud from Zionsville. Very lucky that the radiator survived. Just need to get the hood and and front bumper fixed. It seems that a piece of the fan blade went thru the side of the passengers front bumper. I will need to check for any other damage but have been unable due to work.

Will post back with more details after further inspection.

Update : Had everything covered under insurance. Except the fan clutch that caused the damage. Very happy to have my beast back. Just returned from road trip to Florida! 1500 miles no problem!

rated ///M · 1st January 2012, 17:06

Mine blew up on the dyno, cost me a nice long tow back to the shop.

M540i · 2nd January 2012, 03:31

While we are talking about the installation of new fan clutches and blades, I was thinking of sending the M5 clutch and fan blade down to the 540i to replace the broken fan blade on that one (had a fin break off - no damage caused) but was intersted in putting a Z8 fan blade on the M5. Anyone know if this will fit? I assume they have the same diameter. If the clutch does break and the fan "runs into" the fan shroud then the individual blades won't break due to the design of the fan as all the blades are connected/ protected by plastic on the outside.

I'm not sure if anyone knows what I am talking about with this. I did an internet search and was unable to come up with any pictures of the fan, though I have seen it in person on Z8s. Can anyone confirm this? I highly doubt that a dealership would be willing to blindly order a Z8 fan blade and have to send it back if it wouldn't work.