[mecheng77]

I’m going to replace my tensioner, idler and belt. The fcp euro website states you need to remove the fan, it looks like it is not required.
My car is a 328i auto, is the fan removal required?

[CTinline-six]

You shouldn't need to remove the fan, I've never had to remove it when replacing belt and tensioners on these cars.

[Serf27]

Just gives you more room to work if you remove it.
You can do it with the fan still installed.

[Kenneykickin]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I’m going to replace my tensioner, idler and belt. The fcp euro website states you need to remove the fan, it looks like it is not required.
My car is a 328i auto, is the fan removal required?

On the 335i i wouldn’t even attempt to do it without removing the fan. Just did it about 2 weeks ago. Not a bad job just it’s right in some areas really

[jsunma]

I've never removed the fan to do this job. OTOH, removing the fan is like removing one screw and disconnecting a plug. So I might do it next time just for the extra room.

[tcphoto]

I would take out the fan so it gives you more room to work. I couldn't imagine trying to remove the belt without pulling the fan, but be careful of the coolant line running over the fan housing.

[mainbearing]

2007 328i N51, change the tensioner once and then the tensioner bolt again. I have never removed the fan, and thought there was plenty of room.

And instead of 18 lb/ft+90 deg I did the 17 lb/ft and about 80 deg this time.

Cracked bolt on top vs new bolt on bottom:

[lowrydr310]

No need to remove the fan on the N51/52 as there's plenty of room to work. On the n54 the plastic inlets are in the way, and removing the fan is easier than removing the inlets.

[StradaRedlands]

N52 person here, have done the job on three cars w/out removing the fan. Didn't even know it was recommended to do it that way! But as stated, it is easy to pull out. Clearing the hoses is the hardest part. Try it without pulling the fan and if you feel you need more room, easy to do. A long breaker bar is more useful than anything.

Have you updated your Mickey Mouse flange yet? Real easy to do while you have the belt off.

[mecheng77]

Thanks guys, I thought it was odd to mention the fan needs removal there is plenty of room. Mickey Mouse flange is updated with Rein and sealing well!
Belt and tensioner are original at 153,000km

[lordnikon]

I'm attempting to do the same as I need to replace the alternator. Might as well change the serpentine belt. It looks original at 165k

[Leucosticte]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I’m going to replace my tensioner, idler and belt. The fcp euro website states you need to remove the fan, it looks like it is not required.
My car is a 328i auto, is the fan removal required?

You don't have to do it but removing it is so easy it's not a big deal.

[mattanderson]

It's easy to remove, and makes the rest of the job much easier. I recommend it.

[jsunma]

I'm usually all about making things easier.

BUT

I will say that on this car, just about every thing that needs to get taken apart or disassembled nearly always results in further issues. So the upshot of that is don't take anything off that doesn't absolutely need to be taken off.

Case in point, when removing the fan, one needs to remove the coolant overflow hose that runs between the top radiator hose fitting and the coolant tank. On higher mileage cars, that hose gets fragile. As does the fitting where it attaches to the upper radiator hose. Mess up either of those things and you're looking at a new hose, and perhaps a new upper radiator hose (as if the fitting breaks, the hose itself is gone). And that's also not encountering a variety of plastic fittings where the fan shroud fits into the radiator housing etc.

Point is, if you can simply access the belt and tensioner without removing things that don't actually need to be removed, you may save yourself some trouble on the job.

Just my opinion.