Fan Clutch failures

[macfly]

This is a relatively new and rare issue, but as one of our owners discovered, if it happens it is an expensive mess to fix.

It is a known issue on the S62 motor in the E39 M5's when they get up to the 70k mile range and above, but as Terry pointed out it could also happen because of heat, or just the components aging. Anyhow, the risk of failure outweighs the nominal costs of a new unit. As with other engine systems, the M5 forum had a thread on this topic too, and you can read a great deal more about it in the thread below, and also by following the links in it.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39...what-next.html

The bottom line is the fan clutch assembly is a fairly inexpensive set of parts, coming in at well under $200, so I would advise all owners to simply add these parts to the hoses your going to change at each ten year master service.

[jawz]

Andrew - FWIW - I have just over 60K miles on my car.

[JohnAnthony]

This should definitely be done if anyone is still on their original fan clutch.

The failure is a result of the fluid inside the clutch losing its ability to thin out, thus making the fan run at the same speed as the water pump at all times.

What happens?
The fan accelerates & decelerates in an almost 1:1 ratio stressing the fan & eventually having it burst with enough force to damage your hood.

[///M Blitz]

JohnAnthony, we have been looking into this and there are several instances of this happening; however, this is the first time anyone has explained what the heck causes it. I get it now. Well done!!

[JohnAnthony]

here's some instructions on how to replace the belts and the fan+clutch:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39...placement.html

note the tensioner "leverages/shifts" out of the way to release the tension - DO NOT try and losen the bolt!

[macfly]

Fantastic write up, thank you for the link!

[jawz]

And don't forget, the fan is plastic so if you're going to that trouble, I'd give serious consideration to changing the fan since that's what disintegrated damaging the hood in the process.

[Musta10000]

I asked for a quote from "my" service advisor at BMW of Des Moines and he e-mailed me be back with $799.00 parts and labor with BMWCCA discount. According to the thread on M5 site there are three required parts: V-belt - AC compressor (11287833266), V-belt - Alternator/water pump (11287833264), and the Fan clutch (11527830486). BMW Parts Supply shows the list price for all three at $326.24 and their discounted price as $260.99.

I am not one to do this myself - not sure how much labor is included. Does the $799 sound like a reasonable quote for this job?

[JohnAnthony]

I asked for a quote from "my" service advisor at BMW of Des Moines and he e-mailed me be back with $799.00 parts and labor with BMWCCA discount. According to the thread on M5 site there are three required parts: V-belt - AC compressor (11287833266), V-belt - Alternator/water pump (11287833264), and the Fan clutch (11527830486). BMW Parts Supply shows the list price for all three at $326.24 and their discounted price as $260.99.

I am not one to do this myself - not sure how much labor is included. Does the $799 sound like a reasonable quote for this job?

if they actually replace the belts sure, but for the other $300 you could buy yourself the fan holder tool and get it done in an hour

http://www.amazon.com/Clutch-Holder-.../dp/B00ANT9JRI

[Norcal]

Am I missing something? Why a new compressor?

[Doug Dolan]

It's not the compressor, it's the V-belt for the AC compressor.

[Musta10000]

I asked for a quote from "my" service advisor at BMW of Des Moines and he e-mailed me be back with $799.00 parts and labor with BMWCCA discount. According to the thread on M5 site there are three required parts: V-belt - AC compressor (11287833266), V-belt - Alternator/water pump (11287833264), and the Fan clutch (11527830486). BMW Parts Supply shows the list price for all three at $326.24 and their discounted price as $260.99.

I am not one to do this myself - not sure how much labor is included. Does the $799 sound like a reasonable quote for this job?

Nice surprise - picked up the car yesterday (actually the dealership picked up my wife Tracy during the day from home and she drove it home...) and the Fan Clutch replacement with the belts and labor totaled $551.94 as opposed to the original quote of $799. How often does this happen!