My 540i has reached 86k miles and I am looking to replace the factory fan before it shreds my hood and radiator. I read somewhere that I can pick up an aftermarket aluminum radiator with electric fan built in to delete the factory fan & cluch.

Has anyone seen this or used it?

if so how well does it work and how much?

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=6134&Product_Code=E389SDCK&Category_Code=CCSE39

Deep pockets not included.

Provided that one replaces the waterpump based on time rather than waiting for a failure, failure of the fan is unlikely. The most common cause of fan failure is wobble from a worn water pump. At 84k and 7 years I'd say that you are overdue for a new radiator and waterpump.

BlackSapphire,

Great! thanks for the link. is it worth the price???

thejlevie,

any suggestions on type of water pump?

BlackSapphire,

Great! thanks for the link. is it worth the price???

thejlevie,

any suggestions on type of water pump?

I think so, I bought one. ;)

With the failure rate of cooling systems on these cars, I considered it invaluable insurance against the inevitable. One of the few 'factory flawed' designs that we have to deal with. I consider this the best option if you can afford it.

I think so, I bought one. ;)

With the failure rate of cooling systems on these cars, I considered it invaluable insurance against the inevitable. One of the few 'factory flawed' designs that we have to deal with. I consider this the best option if you can afford it.


Thanks a bunch

+1
BlackSapphire

+10 i got one after looking at Black's.... awesome radiator and fan setup. Easy install.. ask myself or black if you get lost.

The Zionsville/UUC all-aluminum radiator and recovery tank solution is the ultimate. Many 540i owners begged on hands and knees for years to make this a reality. The M3 community was first blessed with these aftermarket solutions.

It simultaneously addresses the flimsy plastic exploding radiator and coolant recovery reservoir.

The water pump issue is generally secondary. The notoriously unreliable water pump is largely found on 6 cyl E39, not the V8. This may not be apparent reading threads.

On an E39, the OE pump that you get from a dealer is the best option. Their bearings and seals are good for at least 80-100k. The plastic bits in a cooling system are generally good for about 6-7 years or 100k on anything except a V8 engined BMW. The higher heat load and greater mechanical stresses on those cars (compare the top radiator hoses on a 540 and on a 525/530) suggest replacement every 4-5 years or 60k.

I'm quite pleased with my zionsville unit, and would heartily recommend one for any enthusiast. I drive my car hard, and the last thing i need is a radiator issue.

In the process of install, i did discover i had a bad water pump (at 69k miles). I did the water pump, thermostat/housing, upper and lower hoses, and the zionsville kit complete with the 2-stage fan. I like it a LOT. Search for Zionsville in this forum, and you'll see my most describing the install. Took the better part of a day, with a lot of that being wiring time.