How to Replace the Auxiliary Fan on a BMW E34

The E34 chassis was BMW's platform for the 5-series between 1988 and 1996. The E34 was a blend of size and sportiness with quite a few powerful engine options, some of which required increased cooling from an auxiliary fan. The auxiliary fan helps move air over the face of the radiator so that it can cool faster.

Instructions

1

Drive the BMW sedan to a location where there is ample room around the front of the car for you to work. Put the E34 into Park and engage the parking brake. Turn the car off and pull the hood release latch. Prop the hood up with the hood prop stick. The auxiliary fan is located on the front of the radiator, behind the kidney-shaped front grilles.

2

Disconnect the power leads from the side of the fan and place them to the side. Be careful to keep the exposed tips separate so that they do not drain the battery. Remove the bolts on each corner flange of the auxiliary fan. Pull the fan up and then out of the engine bay.

3

Slide the new fan in and line up the bolt holes with the holes on the radiator housing. Slide the bolts in each flange hole by hand first to make sure they all line up properly. Once all the bolts are in, tighten them down with a wrench. Slide the red wire into the red port on the fan and the black wire into the black port. Turn the car on and go back to the engine bay to make sure the fan is rotating. If it is, then shut the car off. If the fan is not running, then check the power wires to ensure they are properly seated.