Lee_R21Turbo

iTrader: (1)

Got a mate who asked me today what I thought the problem might be on his 530i. He was sat in traffic for a while & his temperature started creeping up, as soon as he started moving again it dropped down perfectly.

I had a look briefly today outside the gym but it was lashing down. Obviously it has a viscous fan but there is also an electric one sat there aswell. Is that just for the air con or does that act as a secondary rad fan - if so it might just be down to a faulty fan switch which I believe after looking at it is in between the bottom rad hose & the radiator itself....am I right here?

Any one else got any thoughts? Water level is fine, runs perfect otherwise - any known faults?

T3ORA

iTrader: (1)

were do i start


how many miles am on it

its normal just the viscous fan

they am ment to be changed after so many mile's
but people dont bother

turn the ac on when the cars running and make sure the elec fan works

if not it may be the swicth in the left hand side of the rad or the ac fucked

Lee_R21Turbo

iTrader: (1)

Miles alot - approx 160k

What you mean by 'its normal just the viscous fan' - does that mean its only the viscous fan that cools the radiator? AFAIK it hasnt been changed ever - hes had the car a good while now.

Will try the A/C thing next time I see him.

Switch in left hand side of rad - the one I was on about then?

Ta for your help.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

I'd say a blockage in the cooling system somewhere, either in the rad, sticky thermostat etc. Could also be water pump fucked?

T3ORA

iTrader: (1)

was ment to put

it's normally just the viscous fan that fucks up

they am a service item

they should be changed about 80000 i think

know one never change's them

they am only about 55 plus vat and not that hard to change

Lee_R21Turbo

iTrader: (1)

What planet are you on son?

Richie - Nice one mate - will let him know.

carlo

iTrader: (4)

These engines are really bad for the plastic impellor(sp) on the water pump breaking but when you look down everything looks fine because its not leaking & turning ok.Shit design worth a check.

T3ORA

iTrader: (1)

i was goin to say that but seeing as it only done it once in traffic try the viscous fan first

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

What do you mean? Surely the symptoms are indicating a cooling system that is working, but no efficientely enough.

westus1

iTrader: (6)

i'd try the fan 1st, changed loads on beemers, is a common prob
failing that its usualy water pump but sounds more likee the fans fooked imo

Lee_R21Turbo

iTrader: (1)

Well if the water pump was fooked then I doubt he'd be able to drive it further than a few miles - he went to Harrogate in it this weekend without any problems except in traffic. Blockage would show no matter what the driving conditions where - idle or flat out. Sticky thermostat would also show up in all driving conditions not just idling.

Fans sounding more & more like its the problem.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Although I totally agree with you that the fan is likely to be at fault, a thermostat on one of my old cars would not fully open. It was fine when driving along, but when sat stationary the temp would rise. Just going on personal experience thats all!

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

I would've thought possibly water pump as well.