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Radiator fan not turning off.
- Thread starter 323i
- Start date
Major
Active member
Eish, that's no good. Unfortunately E46's don't use a relay for the fan, they use what's called a 'final stage resistor' which fails easily on these cars, and is integrated into the fan housing. If it dies, it keeps your fan on full speed at all times, and will burn the fan motor out very quickly. Some people have had to replace this unit as much as 6 times!
You need to replace #2, the whole shroud including the fan. Unless you can find somewhere that can replace the resistor itself, but seeing as BMW don't sell the part individually you're running the risk of buying something that won't work properly, and burn out your fan completely.
R7355.35 from the dealers, sorry bud. :dropjaw: Your only other option is to wire in a switch that runs into your cabin that turns the fan on or off manually.
You need to replace #2, the whole shroud including the fan. Unless you can find somewhere that can replace the resistor itself, but seeing as BMW don't sell the part individually you're running the risk of buying something that won't work properly, and burn out your fan completely.
R7355.35 from the dealers, sorry bud. :dropjaw: Your only other option is to wire in a switch that runs into your cabin that turns the fan on or off manually.
Thanks Major - I think i can get the resistor.
Know a guy at forsdicks so will make a plan.
Wife is buying a 2002 320D with 154000kms on the clock from him for R55000.00 - he gonna give her a 3year motor warranty(not from bmw) but as long it is serviced by them warranty will stay in tact.
Know a guy at forsdicks so will make a plan.
Wife is buying a 2002 320D with 154000kms on the clock from him for R55000.00 - he gonna give her a 3year motor warranty(not from bmw) but as long it is serviced by them warranty will stay in tact.
Major
Active member
That was quick!
After reading some more it turns out that the E46 had 2-speed fan relays in earlier models (including yours) and the system I mentioned above in later models. I'm really not sure how this applies to SA though, so you're on your own.
One way or another, the relay/resistor/wiring leading to your fan/temperature sensor is stuffed. Replacing the whole fan unit will definitely fix your issue, one way or another, but it's R7400! The earlier models had high and low-speed relays controlling the fan, don't ask me where they are though, if your car even has them.
After reading some more it turns out that the E46 had 2-speed fan relays in earlier models (including yours) and the system I mentioned above in later models. I'm really not sure how this applies to SA though, so you're on your own.
One way or another, the relay/resistor/wiring leading to your fan/temperature sensor is stuffed. Replacing the whole fan unit will definitely fix your issue, one way or another, but it's R7400! The earlier models had high and low-speed relays controlling the fan, don't ask me where they are though, if your car even has them.
323i e46
///Member
still on this radiator fan resister or module issue, or the electric fan regulator.
i bought a new after market radiator fan module from 'Dolphin BMW spares' in Pretoria. they sell new and second hand BMW parts. the only guys who sell the module without the fan.
for R 1200 it goes for a song. its other name is 'ac control unit'. my original was Bosch but this one is "Agape" with 17-120700c written on the plastic packaging. slight difference on looks but the guy gave me a warranty on the part before i paid for it.
fitted the fan myself last night and so far fan works 110% OK.
difficult level 3/10.
for all e46 owners in Gauteng, its worth taking note. new one costs over R 4000 at dealer.:idea:http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/images/smilies/Top24/idea.gif
i bought a new after market radiator fan module from 'Dolphin BMW spares' in Pretoria. they sell new and second hand BMW parts. the only guys who sell the module without the fan.
for R 1200 it goes for a song. its other name is 'ac control unit'. my original was Bosch but this one is "Agape" with 17-120700c written on the plastic packaging. slight difference on looks but the guy gave me a warranty on the part before i paid for it.
fitted the fan myself last night and so far fan works 110% OK.
difficult level 3/10.
for all e46 owners in Gauteng, its worth taking note. new one costs over R 4000 at dealer.:idea:http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/images/smilies/Top24/idea.gif
think I paid 2.5k for a hole new fan at silverton when mine did this at the start of the year 
still got my old fan least now i can buy the control unit could not find one separate and i needed to fix the fan...
still got my old fan least now i can buy the control unit
could not find one separate and i needed to fix the fan...
OppositeLockMT
Active member
Used to have this issue. The fan would get louder when i accelerated - hated it. Was a bit embarassing when i wanted to do quick getaways :fencelook:
Was a broken thermostat.
Was a broken thermostat.
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