[bnd]

Radiator Fan Removal DIY

2008 335xi N54 Auto

Note: I have an upgraded intercooler, do not have an oil cooler and this DIY may or may not work depending on year, engine, transmission, chassis.

This DIY is super easy, but do it at your own risk, I take no responsibility for any damage incurred.

DIY:
Top layout and fan layout for future reference





Step 1: Remove intake duct – 2 T20 screws



Step 2: Pop out coolant hose from 2 clips


Step 3: Remove electric plug from fan. Press and hold 2 tabs on either side of plug and pull plug up.



Step 4: Remove 1 – T25 screw located top left(passenger) side of fan.


Step 5: Raise vehicle (jack and jack stands, ramps, lift) or do this at the beginning if you want.

Step 6: Remove belly pan – 10mm screws

Step 7: Remove 1 – T25 screw located under the vehicle at drivers side. This screw attaches the exchanger to the radiator fan.



Step 8: While gently holding the coolant hose towards the engine and out of the way, slowly pull and wiggle the fan straight up. Check for hang-ups, snags and clearance while pulling up. Think I had to reach down and gently hold a hose out of the way. Fan slid up and out very easily, just take your time.

Reinstall reverse order, taking care while sliding the fan back in making sure that it goes into the guide stops on either side of the space. It may slide into another set of guide stops on the bottom where it meets your intercooler.


I removed my fan to gain clearance for the serpentine belt, tensioner and pulley replacement. Provided tons of space to work and made the job quick and easy.

Enjoy!

[BashShah]

Very good Guide..... Awesome detail.
One thing I did not see in the guise was the hardest part.
The second rubber guide on the same side as the release clip.
How to remove......I took a long screw driver and turned it side ways....like 90 degree.

DN

[bnd]

Originally Posted by DarkNemesis

Very good Guide..... Awesome detail.
One thing I did not see in the guise was the hardest part.
The second rubber guide on the same side as the release clip.
How to remove......I took a long screw driver and turned it side ways....like 90 degree.

DN

Thanks for the input! I did see a rubber guide of some sort on the driver side, but due to limited sight in that area I couldn't really see what was going on with it and the fan released easily enough when pulling out. I'll take a look and circle the location on the fan where it attaches.

Also, I edited my screw size from T30 to T25... I was writing from memory yesterday, but confirmed the size this morning.

[bnd]

Is this the rubber guide location?

[Sgop335]

Great contribution!

[Kenxleh]

Hey fellas,

I know plenty of folks hace benefited from the DIY so your insight is much appreciated.

I'm trying to remove the radiator fan & after unlatching & screwing (top left & bottom right), the fan seems to be stuck on the driver side.

Any advice?

[Kenxleh]

Originally Posted by BashShah

Very good Guide..... Awesome detail.
One thing I did not see in the guise was the hardest part.
The second rubber guide on the same side as the release clip.
How to remove......I took a long screw driver and turned it side ways....like 90 degree.

DN

For the life of me I can't get passlt that rubber! I don't wanna break the plastic and that's how it feels when I take my screw driver and turn it

Any suggestions?

[BashShah]

Originally Posted by Kenxleh

For the life of me I can't get passlt that rubber! I don't wanna break the plastic and that's how it feels when I take my screw driver and turn it

Any suggestions?

The Rubber Flexes quite easily, just twist it out.
when reinstalling it, it just slides on to it.
the Bentley Manual states, "Make a removal" ....or some poor words like that.

the Plastic Clip condition is Pretty STRONG Plastic, I say risk it.
worst case.
Get a Strong Zip tie and tie it if the Plastic Breaks.

PS: I struggled with it for like 3 hours on and off.
but the screw driver twist was what worked.

2 options
1) Turn BIG Screw driver side ways and Lift radiation straight up.
2) Turn Screw driver and force the rubber to disconnect from the Plastic.

the rubber grommet is oval shape facing left and right.
the Big Head Screw driver makes the rubber Oval shape facing front and back.

[funkygonz]

My fan just went bad, to replace it would I follow these steps and just use a new fan?

Thanks!

[Andrewah05]

I broke the two tabs on the side of the fan plug and I do not know how for the life of me to remove the plug now. Any ideas?

[bnd]

Originally Posted by Andrewah05

I broke the two tabs on the side of the fan plug and I do not know how for the life of me to remove the plug now. Any ideas?

you get the plug out? I can take a look at mine for reference, but you will probably need one or two small flat screw drivers to pry while you pull the plug.

[HB E90]

subd

[Pot_Pie_35i]

Thanks ya'll, can't wait to PM!!

[dsabine213]

Originally Posted by bnd

Radiator Fan Removal DIY

2008 335xi N54 Auto

Note: I have an upgraded intercooler, do not have an oil cooler and this DIY may or may not work depending on year, engine, transmission, chassis.

This DIY is super easy, but do it at your own risk, I take no responsibility for any damage incurred.

DIY:
Top layout and fan layout for future reference





Step 1: Remove intake duct – 2 T20 screws



Step 2: Pop out coolant hose from 2 clips


Step 3: Remove electric plug from fan. Press and hold 2 tabs on either side of plug and pull plug up.



Step 4: Remove 1 – T25 screw located top left(passenger) side of fan.


Step 5: Raise vehicle (jack and jack stands, ramps, lift) or do this at the beginning if you want.

Step 6: Remove belly pan – 10mm screws

Step 7: Remove 1 – T25 screw located under the vehicle at drivers side. This screw attaches the exchanger to the radiator fan.



Step 8: While gently holding the coolant hose towards the engine and out of the way, slowly pull and wiggle the fan straight up. Check for hang-ups, snags and clearance while pulling up. Think I had to reach down and gently hold a hose out of the way. Fan slid up and out very easily, just take your time.

Reinstall reverse order, taking care while sliding the fan back in making sure that it goes into the guide stops on either side of the space. It may slide into another set of guide stops on the bottom where it meets your intercooler.


I removed my fan to gain clearance for the serpentine belt, tensioner and pulley replacement. Provided tons of space to work and made the job quick and easy.

Enjoy!

Awesome guide!! I was struggling to get he fan out and after checking your post, realized I do have to jack the car to get the bottom screw!! This IS NOT in the Bentley Service Guide. Thanks Again!!