Fan clutch

[shneidr]

Hey folks.

I joined the forum while in Germany. Haven't been on much but I need some help.

I just got back to the states and got done putting about $4500 getting a bunch of stuff fixed. I am told that i need a new fan clutch. The mechanic that I had told me this says it will cost about $1100 to replace it. Is that true? I know that individual mechanics can charge differently but does that sound correct?
Is this something that I could replace?

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[squidzilla]

Too high. Just buy the fan clutch and specials tools and DIy. max 200.00 and that is with dealer prices.

[Joshdub]

This is something a 10yo could replace.

This is for an E46 but it is basically the same thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzD-TU2dJcI

[crystalworks]

At that price, are you sure he meant the fan clutch and not the electric fan? I don't know what X5 you have, but the electric fans can be pricey.

[Kristophe]

I agree with CW, I suspect that price likely means the electric fan assembly instead of the fan clutch. I replaced my fan clutch earlier this year and bought an OEM Behr for $87. The fan clutch tools certainly make this job much easier and you can find them fairly cheap and sold in sets on Amazon and eBay (see below). But if this mechanic is wanting to bill you over 1K to replace only a fan clutch....I'd most definitely find another shop.

[bcredliner]

If it is the clutch fan you can check it. When the engine is cold the fan should turn noticeably easier than when the engine is at operating temp. If the electric fan has failed you can check that also. It does a diagnostic check when you first start the engine so it runs for a short period of time.

[shneidr]

From what I remember he said fan clutch but he could have said electric fan. He said it was the fan that activated when I turned on my AC, which buy the way doesn't work as well.

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[shneidr]

Yeah looking at the invoice it says the error code is 125 electric fan activation.

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[squidzilla]

On the e46 you have to remove the front bumper to remove that fan. Maybe it is the same thing on the e53. If it is, it sounds simple enough for you to DIY. No need to buy a BMW fan for that if there are other options.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by squidzilla

On the e46 you have to remove the front bumper to remove that fan. Maybe it is the same thing on the e53. If it is, it sounds simple enough for you to DIY. No need to buy a BMW fan for that if there are other options.

IF the fan he's referring to is the one I'm thinking of (OP -- how's about a signature so we know what year/engine you have?), the N62 electric fan (no aux fan, just one big-ass electric fan), it's a piece of cake to take out. You have to take the under tray off (not the metal one, the plastic one) and about 4 or 5 screws, unclip a couple of connectors and you're golden.

Give us the details on the vehicle and then we'll know what the mechanic is talking about.

If it is an electric fan, put the part number into BMW PNPC software and find the cheapest replacement.

Now, if you have an older X5 and your mechanic is referring to the aux fan, never mind...