What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Factory6speed

Starting a major service. Leaks, some suspension, and cooling system parts. And all the while you're in there stuff.

Off to a slow start.



For two days now I cannot get the damn fan clutch loose. I bought the two part tool kit back with the E36 and used it a number of times no issue. This clutch, was replaced by the previous owner at a nice local shop. Green coolant was used. The guy really nuked it on. The jaw of the wrench is spreading rounding the nut off.

I went to harbor freight and bought the wrench kit with 32mm for the air hammer. That should absolutely work in 2 seconds. No dice. 20 minutes of air hammer at 90 PSI and it still will not budge. The torch was added. More hammering. More heat. More hammering. Still nothing. All the bolts of the pulley walked loose. It's completely stuck.

Yes I am turning it the right way.

1000 bucks to anyone can get it separated. I'm going to try putting the impeller in the vise and see if I can get it. My cheater pipe doesn't fit over this wrench. I need a good wrench and a 8ft pipe. I cannot believe the air hammer wouldn't get it. It wasn't too bad getting it out like this actually. Never again. Just a tiny little bump to the left is all you need with that, it tightens the entire time.

You know it has reverse threads right?

[Factory6speed]

Yes I know..

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Factory6speed

Yes I know..

[andrewwynn]

Cut it off with emery wheel in angle grinder or band saw. Replace clutch.

Take pics. I'd love to see a cutaway.

The 2-part fan wrench that I have would not fit onto e53 fan clutch until I put a gentle s-curve into the holding arm.

[Factory6speed]

I think he might have used the air hammer to put it on. I'll be replacing the entire cooling system. Yeah there wasn't really any good room to put the holder. There was one exact spot. The thermostat housing, upper radiator hose and Vanos unit are all in the way. Removing the upper radiator hose expanded that spot a little bit. I was able to get the holder to wedge nicely on the upper fitting for the coolant tank, which I'll also be replacing so it was okay to damage it .. but no damage.

6 ft pipe with that wrench and it just spreads and rounds off. I can't get a good pipe on any of the other wrenches I have. I can't believe the air hammer didn't work. I think if I can get a good strong wrench with enough leverage it'll crack.

Odd that the seller said the radiator was replaced, even showed a receipt for a cheap radiator, and turns out it's original w/ 2005 date code.

[Bdc101]

Seems like sawzall time to me, sir


Not sure where you are located but I drive without the engine-driven fan for most of the year. I only put it on when I am towing my trailer through the mountains in the summer. You can probably leave it off for as long as you need.

[andrewwynn]

It’s attached to the water pump?

[X5chemist]

If the pulley is plastic, ditch it. New pump, metal pulley, and new fan clutch would be my choice. Metal impeller and pulley for sound mind.

[sandbagger]

2 new lower control arms installed today.
I have had a clunk in the left side for almost a year now that I couldnt find. last weekends drive to Chicago for Axpona Audio show it started getting serious. Found it right away, figured if one side is bad the other has got to be close. I had done a complete refresh on the suspension about 100K miles ago.
Upon inspection of the old parts, left side had a small tear in the boot and it was very rusty, right side was not loose but sure wasnt tight but still had reasonable looking grease in it. I figure I got a few more years till the rest needs replacing as the front radius arm bushings still look good.

BTW can anyone explain why after 230,000 miles my rear subframe bushings are still fine?

Oh and speaking of water pumps, my Z4 decided to puke the pump the day the parts from FCP showed up for the X5 UGH

[Bdc101]

Isn't that a new water pump he has in the picture too? He could cut it between the pulley and the fan. Would have to replace the WP before he could put the fan back on, but it looks like he is going down that road already.