Get the Best Priced BMW 325i Radiator Fan

When you notice the BMW 325i radiator fan not working, it's a repair that you must not delay. If ignored, it can lead to the engine overheating - and that, in turn, can lead to any number of long-term troubles that will cause your expensive engine to wear out and fail that much sooner. The cause of a BMW E46 cooling fan not working may be any number of things. It may be necessary to get a professional diagnosis. It could be due to any number of factors - the E46 cooling fan itself, or a switch or electric relay that has failed.

About Radiator Fans

A radiator fan is a significant part of the automotive cooling system (assuming the vehicle has a water cooled engine). Its main function is to pull cooling air through the radiator and draw it into the engine bay. Years ago, the fan was part of the engine itself, connected to the water pump and driven by the fan belt - which itself, ran off the crankshaft. Today, with many engines being transversely mounted in order to accommodate a front-wheel drive setup, such fans are powered by the electrical system through switches and relays. The BMW E46 electric fan is switched on and controlled by a thermostat. It is for this reason that you often hear the fan continue to run once the car has been shut down - especially on hot summer days.

What If The Fan Won't Turn Off?

If the E46 cooling fan won't stop running, the culprit is usually a defective relay or a heat sensor that has failed. The best thing to do in such a case is to look at those elements. Another cause of the problem might be the coolant temperature sensor - also known as the CTS - which can result in faulty BMW electric fan operation. Most of the time, you'll see the "check engine" light illuminated. Most auto shops and a number of auto parts stores can diagnose this for you free of charge. They will find a code - for example, "P0128," which tells you that the thermostat isn't working. The good news is that sensors such as the CTS are relatively inexpensive and easily replaced.

What an E46 Cooling Fan Costs

Once you have figured out that it is indeed the radiator fan that is not working, there are a number of places you can find a replacement. BMW parts don't generally come cheap - and compared to most makes and models, the BMW E46 electric fan is on the pricey side. Prices run from around $130 to as much as $300. However, by doing some comparison shopping, you can save some big bucks. One good website for generous discounts on auto parts and accessories is PartsGeek.com, which discounts its merchandise up to 80% and offers free shipping on some items. It's worth taking a few minutes to look over their inventory, because you can save a lot.