BMW E46 Mechanical Fan To Electric Fan Conversion DIY

[@davidbenji1]

Yep, you are totally correct. The fan on my 1998 540i blew up last week. It knocked off the cooling hose going into the radiator but the worst damage was tearing up the hood liner and putting a crease in the hood.

[@M4D_SLO]

I thought my belt slipped off and snapped after I floored it but it was the fan exploding that cause havoc.

[@racks1711]

Same shit just happened to me

[@racks1711]

The same day I replaced the hood :(

[@davidbenji1]

@@racks1711 Dang!! That stinks! Were you replacing the hood because of damage from a previous exploding fan?

[@w-j7210]

​@@racks1711did you get the hood covered by your insurance?

[@FastBackCa]

I encourage everyone to do this!! My manual fan blew and and damaged, the radiator, expansion tank, power steering reservoir and the water pump. Did all the work myself and it cost me about $400 for parts. Convert to the electric fan and save yourself a lot of money and the hassle

[@bettyferman6553]

Hi I have a question where can I get the fan from? What kind of car does that come off

[@JeffHundo]

@@bettyferman6553 any e46 MANUAL

[@rokk1493]

​@@bettyferman6553 READ THE FKING DESCRIPTION, kinda. ily

[@JT-gq8wv]

Wow ! Saved me a lot of time troubleshooting and executing. Thank you for a good idea and an EXCELLENT presentation.

[@Traceyi1000]

Great video. I will be doing this job tomorrow. Thank you I didn't know I could rent the tools from the auto part store

[@JsUnderWorld]

All your videos are excellent! You do a great job of explaining things

[@Jason-gt2kx]

Two questions 1-Did you notice deleting the clutch fan freed up any hp to the engine? 2-Are you sure one electric fan can cool as much as both the old clutch fan and the ax aux electric fan? I would be nervous it wouldn't cool enough with only one fan.

[@gregosler9181]

I just did this conversion on my ladies 03 325xi. Honestly the hardest part was lining up the slots on the side and bottom. The old fan came off really easy and was surprisingly heavy. Once I work out the other bugs I expect this will increase the acceleration. This took maybe 15 mins tops. The other issue that took most of the time in the garage

[@georgeteo8797]

Good luck… it almost cost me an engine…electric fan went out and car overhead, it only lasted 6monts

[@w-j7210]

​@@georgeteo8797so not to replace it? The manual e46 has the electric fan.

[@Pierofelizzola]

to remove a super frozen fan ive used an air chisel on the bolt Works excellent

[@AzizHACHIMI-DustyPearl-13]

Great job Jason! Your vids make me feel really comfortable doing this! Keep up the great work!

[@IvanGomez-ox7tz]

hey man thank you so much , this video helped me out alot ! saved me money on not buying an auxiliary fan as well !

[@Alex-ti3uf]

I think you have to remove the auxiliary fan to clear the air going thru.

[@jesserobledo3439]

Saved hella money converting it instead of getting all the parts for the manual fan

[@carlosfranciscosanchezvazq8543]

Hi, excellent video. Where did you get the electric fan. Or what BMW model it is, it is seen that it is used. Thank you.

[@134ondarun]

He says at 0:35 all manual e46's came with electric fans except the m3. I missed it the first time too.

[@MrSandor74]

nagyon ügyes a fiatal ember várjuk a további videókat. üdv. magyarország

[@ginopassaro7905]

Best video on this i've seen , and i've watched about a dozen oven

[@juliusduran7286]

I hope you can help me with a problem I have on a BMW 330i. Everytime I unplug my auxiliary temperature switch the fan kicks on. When I plug it back in it shuts off. I dont understand why.

[@shoman24v]

So, just to be clear, you said the auxiliary fan, which uses the same motor as the manual electric fan, only comes on when the AC is on or if engine "over heats". First off, the fan doesn't come on when the engine overheats. The fan comes on by direction of the coolant temperature on both automatic and manual cars. When the coolant temperature reaches a certain point, the fan turns on. The only difference here now is you went from a pusher fan to a puller fan. The function of the electric fan is to cool hot coolant when the car is not moving, at speed, fans will do little, if anything to cool the coolant. It seems that people get all freaked out thinking that if they remove the manual fan, all of the sudden the car is going to overheat.

[@DaS-ys8us]

Great information, narration and camera work in your videos!

[@richardgonzalez7199]

Thanks for the information good job, could you give me the information which car model I should look for that used fan

[@powerbylightfutureisnow1579]

You are the master of life teachers. You are the best 👌.

[@linkin1041]

So to be clear, if we have a Manual E46 it comes with an electric fan?

[@ShopLifeTV]

Yes

[@kent570253]

@@ShopLifeTV Except if you have an early build.

[@nando4755]

So what electrical conection u use for the new fan !! What did u conected to i dnt get it

[@nando4755]

So there was already a plug for the new electric fan

[@keither89]

nando4755 yes all plug and play

[@joevani4220]

Quick question so when you do this conversion does the fan stay on consistent or only when it overheats/A.c. is running?

[@keither89]

Alex D my fan turns on when it gets hot.. but I’m having an issue with it . Now when I turn off the car it will stay on

[@amosy8345]

Alex D I'm wondering the same thing have you got an update?

[@Jamy4ya]

@@keither89 , Its completely normal if the fan spin for a few minutes and then its turns itself off as its cooling certain things from heat-soak.

[@JodBronson]

Do you still have the Vehicle? If yes, maybe do an update and tell People about it? Like Mileage, Cranks, and Heating, etc....??? THANK YOU !!!

[@jomiahbernard8483]

Thank you much Shop life TV. Gr8 talk.

[@gattube]

Thank you very much for these videos. I am wondering whether this electric fan fits the E38 7 series from 1995-2001. I have a 1998 and a 2001 7 series. Please let me know whether there is a plug and play aftermarket fan available online.

[@soundseeker63]

How is this fan controlled? Surely you would have to put in some kind of coolant temp switch to turn it on when the temp exceeds a set point otherwise how will it come on at the right time? At least with the clutch fan you know it is always running even when its not strictly needed.

[@keither89]

soundseeker63 i converted my fan a while ago and it turns on when the car gets hot

[@MrDanoman812]

Thank you bud for the information...!!! Been pondering this option for a while now. Today, replacing the radiator, expansion tank, couple hoses AND gonna' try this mod as well. LOVE the car, hate the cooling issues since i bought it... hahahaha. (car is worth it to me though...) :)

[@georgeteo8797]

I did this conversion on my 2005 330ci and I saw on a e46 group where they also replaced the thermostat so the “auxiliary” fan would cut on at a lower temperature. Does anyone know the part number or where to get that thermostat? Thank you for the video.

[@JasonReadRealtor]

Did this upgrade few years back. Thanks. Question how can you still keep the aux fan for ac connection if your using its plug 🔌. Is there an adapter that has 2 into 1 line?

[@loisvincent4718]

Thank you for the help i did my radiator and my belt thanks to your videos 👌👌🙏🙏

[@crooky66west]

Love your channel ! Has been a great help to me in looking after my 320i E46 here in New Zealand. Question: I want to get rid of the manual clutch fan. Can I remove it and stick with just the A/C fan or do I have to install an electric fan on the engine bay side? Thoughts......cheers

[@gustavoalbertotapia6433]

I have the same question.... do you have any information??

[@crooky66west]

@@gustavoalbertotapia6433 I ended up just removing the clutch fan a couple of years ago now and sticking with the AC fan only, did not change anything else and left it in its original position and it has worked perfectly and holds the temperature exactly where it needs to be. Just run the car at idle after removing the clutch fan with AC off and check that it automatically comes on when the car temperature gets up. Cheers.

[@markhammer9975]

I don't know if you still have the car but somebody just told me that the reason the clutch fan is on automatic is because the extra heat created from the automatic transmission needs the constant air flow apparently. I was kind of concerned with that and that's why I watch this video, I've had my electric fan in for years now and not really had issues​@@crooky66west

[@monkeywentbananas]

Hey brother love your videos both old and new. My 2000 323CI has a bad fan clutch! Does the 2000 year model E46 have the electrical connectors to make the conversion to electric?

[@gurdeepsanger4489]

Hi I’ve changed the fan but does it start with a thermo switch? Ie get to certain temp to come on?

[@ShadowMCD]

what do you mean keep the old one for back up? it wasn't plugged in to anything. or do mean keep the front fan installed, in case your fan failed, you could plug the front range in to get you home?

[@BadPandaRacing]

I think so makes sense I have the opposite my ac fan blew up nd I'm left with a clutch fan nd no shroud

[@conradgarcia9389]

Hi there, thanks for your help about working in BMW, l have a 330ci year 2006 having issues with temperature, already change water pump, thermostat, but still heating up, somebody told me is the electric water pump, may you please help me teaching how to test it and how to replace it, thanks so much for your kindness and GOD BLESS YOU

[@enay2255]

Hey man, great video! Can you leave the fan at the front still in or does it need to be removed??

[@georgidimitrov3174]

Hey mate. I just watched this video and it really looks very helpful. I want to do this change on my e46 2.0i, but i am missing the one connector which you disconnected first, the one on the left of the auxiliary fan. Can i plug the new electric fan and just use the connector i have, what happens also with the fan behind front bumper, which is for the AC?

[@s4ms0n1t3]

seeing as you have just swapped out the aux fan connector onto the new electric fan will it only come on when idling? also is this the same proccess on the m3

[@luciusverus7697]

Heya Shoplife. Great vid as always. Can I ask if it's definitely ok to leave the Aux fan on? A few BMW forum threads I've read said that it has to come off. Any thoughts? Cheers

[@FayZz-xp1tw]

U found out coz I just took mine out

[@martynm.449]

Thank you so much for this video. You have really helped me out. Best Wishes from England. :)

[@tomcanada4047]

Nice swap! I'm a little unclear as to how you reconnect the wires. Could you explain what goes where in a little more detail? And what happens to the front ac fan? Thanks

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Tom Canada Thanks! You are eliminating the a/c pusher fan and using that connector for the electric puller fan. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@georgallasj]

@@ShopLifeTV What if you have a manual? any benefits to this over the front fan?

[@mavricxx]

Can you do a video on how to remove the front bumper so we can remove the aux fan? Thanks bro, loved your video btw. I did this mod like 2 yrs ago on my 2003 330i and it works amazingly, I just haven't removed the aux fan due to not knowing how to remove the front bumper.

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Rene G. Solis For sure. Thanks for watching!

[@ericmatheri9394]

Do the electrical fan works effectively with E46 automatic transmissions, in the long run? Also can i leave the auxilliary fan (pusher) to work with the puller one at same time, just there in case of emergency?

[@Ron_ye]

Love your videos. I shop BMW parts stores online that sell OEM parts along side aftermarket parts. The OEM fan is twice as expensive as aftermarket fans. Do you prefer OEM vs aftermarket when making repairs?

[@raqb28q89]

Hi Jason, I have a question about the 2000 z3 2.8 it's this can be work in this car I appreciate your help please thanks

[@andrewa.3304]

Can this be done on a e46 m3? Awesome video!

[@rezalzainal8527]

What model the eletrik fan brother?

[@dulche2656]

I didn't quite understand what you meant with leaving the auxiliary fan on. How do you connect it if you're using the auxiliary connector for the e fan. Does the e-fan, like the auxiliary fan only kick in if ac is on or the car is overheating, or does it just stay on?

[@briansimon1864]

Just wanted to verify... I have an automatic 2002 E46 330i and want to change to the electric fan. It should be okay correct? cannot stand dealing with the fan clutch on the manual fan. I need to replace thermostat and water pump. Is there a brand that you recommend?

[@LaloFoSho]

I bought a cheap 99 328i that came with a blown mechanical fan BUT it is a standard. Is it okay to replace the fan when replacing the water pump or should i buy an electric fan instead(still replacing the water pump)? since you said only automatics came with mechanical fan, it does have the fittings for an electrical fan... thinking maybe previous owner added the mechanical fan without knowing..

[@eazydpodcast1945]

Where did you get the fan? Is it exactly the same as the auxiliary fan that is in front of the radiator and also what about the direction that the fan is going isn't the auxiliary fan APUSH fan so another words the new fan that you put on to replace the manual would be a suction fan correct and how do you control that meaning the direction of the fan

[@jvdbrizak2010]

Hello, how are you doing? shop life first thank you for the great video I know is from a long time ago but it would help me a lot if you answered me.. my bmw 323i 2000 does not have the black box-shaped sensor that is above the one you connect in the video also does not have the connector in the harness.. could you tell me if I can put an electro fan on it and remove the fan clutch without that sensor?? Thank you!

[@dennisderp8988]

If you leave your aux fan disconnected, doesn't that prevent your AC from turning on?

[@Djsmiley77]

Great video, thank You. If you don't use fan clutch removal tool but instead use only 32mm wrench and hit it with the hammer clockwise, can fan clutch be damaged by doing so?

[@markhammer9975]

I knew a BMW master mechanic who used to do it that way. He would also put the fan on by starting the engine and hanging the fan next to the rotating shaft. It would thread itself on. 😂 I would absolutely not recommend putting the fan on that way!

[@EminenceFrontX5]

Will this trick work on the 2001 x5 E53? the tabs seem to be the same to me!

[@4423Scott]

@ShopLifeTV Are you able to do same to a 2003 X5 3.0 M54 engine?

[@cstillz2562]

I just did this fix to replace a mechanical fan that had lost all its blades somehow and after installing one I purchased from ecs tuning. the fan keeps running after my car had been turned off even up to an hour after at which point I pulled the connector off. I'm wondering if you know why this might be happening? maybe bad wiring or a relay?

[@bumpasourus]

I've watched a lot of videos on this and yours saved my day.

[@lukas______]

My mech fan comes off with just a big open-ended wrench thankfully. Just bought an electric fan from junkyard for less than $15 and the production date was in 2011. Let's hope it works.

[@TheCrabbyCrabcakes]

i just did the swap from mechanical to electric after two fan blowouts and got it installed and i have no wires to plug in....any ideas? there is a lil box over there with a few wires going to it but it looks like a fuse inside...no connector...

[@joseph_the_human]

At the very beginning of the video, you said that the new fan was going to replace the old auxiliary fan also, So why didn't you take it out? Is it just sitting at the front of the radiator doing nothing now? 🤔

[@rugraz2219]

Very thoroughly explanation. Thanks.

[@shibatatsuya19]

G tobol

[@legends2188]

Hey thanks for the video it’s was really helpful, but I ran into another problem the fan won’t turn kick on even with car at running temperature what can I do to diagnose this problem

[@beaferoner]

I did this fan delete for my 2004 325i. One concern I had was that on my obdII gauge my temps would fluctuate from 96-100 and sometimes 105 but, at this point the electric fan would kick in but never stay on a constant(as you would expect the original aux fan to behave). I tested this on my friends 2005 330i ZSP and the electric fan came on around 90 and stayed on a constant lowspeed unless it reached 98 then would kick in high speed. I know the ZSP's are tuned alittle differently but I wondered how I could get my fan to behave the same. I tryed swapping the fans between the two to see if it was the fan itself but turned out the same. I've since bought an new used 2004 325ci auto and have noticed with the two fan set up my temps run a constant 95-96, and rarely peaks at 98 when in traffic at which time the aux switches on and brings it back down to 95. I would consider doing this mod again but, only if there is some way to get the electric fan to kick on at lower temps and not let the temps spike up and down. Pardon my ignorance but I am not sure if this makes any difference at all but knowing these engines sensitivity to overheating I'd rather stick to whats proven. Searched the forums but no luck on how to adjust the behavior of the electrical fan. If anyone knows how PLS PLS PLS let me know, I've been looking for some time now.

[@ShopLifeTV]

The fans will cut on and off automatically to keep the car in a certain temp range. The fans are only really doing work when the car is standing still, otherwise airflow usually takes care of the rest when driving. As long as you have done maintenance to the cooling system, just relax and drive. Thanks for watching!

[@andyusa459]

Can you exchange a manual fan for an automatic fan on a 325ci / 2005?

[@andyusa459]

The 325ci is an automatic transmission.

[@akaSouths]

or you can just get it tuned so that the fans come on sooner but 10 degrees temp isnt much tbh. Maintenance the cooking system and youll be fine

[@alexibarra7708]

I have a BMW 540i and Am replacing the Radiator fan to an electric fan . Where can I get a fan with all the stuff yo just put on like on your video.

[@Raptorman5174]

I have an 2001 e53 X5 3.0i with the exact same motor. I have been wanting to do this swap in that vehicle would the fan be the same or would it be a different?

[@E46_2ndA]

Did you figure that out?

[@luisorosguerrero3014]

Sup men, my car only as the Aux fan cable I don't have another one for the electric fan, I've hear that I can use the Aux fan cable an use it on the engine cooling fan. Or can I had a second cable to keep the Auxiliary fan also?

hey pal, when the electric fan is supposed to be spinning ? mine doesn’t work in any situation. i have tested it in inpa a it seems to be working fine.

[@etb811]

Hey there, are you sure the aux electric fan is the same as the principal electric fan, i wanna make this conversion, but bought an aftermarket electric fan, and just dont fell secure with the motor that came with, so i was just thinking on using the OEM one that is in the aux fan

[@Legendz167]

You mentioned "filter box", what is that for & when getting a new Electric Fan such as the Behr one, would it bring it or do i have to transfer it over?

[@ingegneriafacile]

Hello, is the fan the same for automatic or manual transmission?

[@rudar825]

I have a 320 ci e46 coupe. It mehinical fan exploded yesterday. Does the fan explosion affect the transmission?

[@JoesayGarseeia]

Would you think its a good idea to do on an M3 considering its a different engine?

[@hilarioguerrero8991]

Hello, good video, I have several questions: Is it possible to do this procedure with a BMW X3 2006? Where can I get a manual fan like the one you show in the video and if it can fit a 2006 x3?

[@americanexpress888]

First thank you for the video. Your video explains everything in detail. Second, my car over heats when it's hot day + A/C on + stuck in traffic. I currently have a clutch fan and do you think if I switch to electric fan my problem will be gone?

[@ShopLifeTV]

+kyung baek It should solve it. Your fan clutch is probably messed up. I would also check for any coolant leaks and make sure your system is bled properly.

[@1980cofla]

Hello, very good, your videos, I congratulate you and thank you always for helping us ... I wanted to ask if I can use the same auxiliary fun of the A / C and change the plastic mounting piece to occupy it and remove my mechanical fan ... I would appreciate your help because I could not find any electric fun of another bmw e46 with electric fun for my e46 320i automatic transmission 2.2cc year 2004 in Chile can you help me with my question please

[@Traceyi1000]

My 2002 BMW 325xi fan blades broke off and it's an automatic transmission. Do you still recommend replacing to electric fan?

[@SGPxLEE]

Same here

[@ninesixworm]

Thank you so much for making this video.

[@warrenoliphant9748]

If you unplug the radiator fan switch on the e46 must the fan run? ... And if you plug it back the in the fan stops... My e46 is overheating.. Can it be that my radiator fan switch is faulty

[@kgaugelochristopher729]

Hi there is possible that i can add another connector and use both electric fans inside and outside or would it cause any electric fault or malfunctions?

[@M4D_SLO]

is a fan relay needed for this conversion? auto e46 325i here

[@LobsterUpgraded]

I got in a wreck and I guess my fan and clutch wheel eventually wobbled loose from the bracket that holds it in place I guess it's pressed into a bearing? so the fan and clutch are already out. can I just leave the bracket less clutch there and pop in an electric fan? then my next question is without a fan clutch how do you size a new one pc belt.

[@chrisfernando606]

Hey man, great video as usual. Quick question. I have a 03 320 automatic, and I'm considering this mod. Can I leave the old electric fan in and not take it out?? Won't it have a negative effect on airflow?? Thanks again for the videos man. Appreciate it !!

[@ShopLifeTV]

You can, it will effect airflow, but it is not severe. My gf's e46 still has the aux fan attached and we drove the car cross country.

[@chrisfernando606]

ShopLifeTV thanks man. I was a bit scared to do this. Guess I'm doing it lol!! Thanks again for the great vids. Pls keep em coming

[@yourdignity-5039]

I Heard that it was bad to do this if you had an automatic transmission because your automatic transmission can overheat without a clutch fan is this true ?

[@Redaxted]

Can I upgrade the mechanical fan to the electric fan and take out the auxiliary fan in front of the radiator also? Have only the one electrical fan?

[@gabrielito88]

Oh i forgot one question. Is it possible to remove the fan clutch bolt without the pulley holder? I mean using the belt friction to hold it.

[@Z0neDrift]

Yes, but you will most likely need to use a hammer to whack it loose.

[@ryantedesco6594]

Gabriel Lee I tried this once and it's a pain in the ass. Get the tool if you haven't done it already

[@MrGio24]

how it will work on Automatic transmission?

[@SilveradoXST]

Can this conversation be done on an E53? Specifically on 2006 BMW X5 3.0 using a 4.4 or 4.8 fan? At what temp does the lower hose activate operation?

[@goku-fb3nt]

How the elec fan will start working. Is it working consistently or starts working with senser?

[@luka.tepnadze]

HI i want to know what does this improve? i have 2002 restyling e46 330i automatic is it good to replace mechanical fan to electric Thanks!

[@murigerick]

Hello, My name is Eric and i am in Rwanda in Africa. Well, I watched your video about the mechanical to electric fan modification and i also wanted to do it. I am a diy mechanic for Bmws and Mercedes only. So tell me, how do you get the electric fan to run after engine start without using the A/C compressor, I tried the modification but i was always putting it on together with the A/C and driving whole day with A/C isn't economic at all with fuel, is there any tip you can share with me so that I can have my e46 run much quieter. I am sorry am not a social media person that's why i used your email. Hope to hear from you very soon and I really highly appreciate your input to sharing what you know about these cars. regards, Eric

[@zievs9025]

Hey, I don't know if you still answer to questions here. For some reason the previous owner has had the original fan shroud pretty much deleted so the fan is exposed. I can find the cables for the motor fan but not the temp sensor cables. Could you tell me where I can possibly find that and if I can track it down so I can install an electric fan? Great content btw!

[@M4D_SLO]

Here in 2024 for this job lol. Why auto 325i ones did not come with electric fans, like the manual ones?

[@hagopsarkarian]

Hello :-) What is the BMW part number for the electrical fan? I have 2002 BMW 330xd touring, 4WD with m57 diesel engine and 184 horse power. I'm willing to take my car's mechanical fan out. Thanks in advance :-)

[@Casper-nq6ug]

BMW-17117561757

[@MattRiales]

Basically, pretty much good info. Thanks!

[@demik1553]

will any of these videos relate to the 2006 M3 or no??

[@marcwalker9610]

So, do you completely remove the electric auxiliary fan setup from the front, or can you reconnect it as a back up?

[@HolyFix]

Can I do this on my e46 M3 smg? My aux fan shows signs of corrosion on the module and has no parts available to replace it. I’ve been struggling with overheating with a/c on when it super hot it. Only when it’s like 30 degrees plus it overheat on idle

[@M3goon]

I’m confused, did you remove the auxiliary fan in front of the radiator? Or did you leave it in there and also can you just remove the viscous fan and replace it with an electric fan is there a need to remove the auxiliary fan?

[@ShopLifeTV]

I like to leave the auxiliary fan there as a backup just in case you are in the middle of nowhere and the electric fan goes out then you can just plug the aux fan back in. This exact thing happened to me on one of my cross country trips. Depending on your climate, the aux fan may need to be removed for more airflow.

[@bobfakih5504]

i have 325ci 2004. but why to change from mechanical fan to electrical fan? do this prosses get rid of the fan noise that comes when the car is heated?