Electric Fan Mounting E30 325i & E30 318is - With A/C

[dude8383]

I posted this in the M20 section but I'm not getting any answers and since this is for 24V application, might as well post here too.

I am currently using the E30 318is (m42) radiator and I can't fit my 16" (2.05" thick) fan because it rubs pretty hard against the A/C belt tensioner.

I'm trying to get measurements for the E30 325i radiator and so far I have:

21.375" core width
17" core height
1.3125" thickness

On Nissens site:

550mm core width ~ 21.654"
439mm core height ~ 17.283"
32mm thickness ~ 1.260"

Pics from site below:

E30 - 325i



E30 - 318i



If you could post pictures of the way your fan is mounted I would really appreciate it...

The way I see it from the pics, I think the guys running the 325i radiator are pushing the fan as far left as possible so that it doesn't come into contact with the tensioner. I just can't find any pictures here though.

Thank you very much guys!

[WhatWentWong]

Just curious....does anybody run NO fan, and just use the A/C aux fan?

[ethirtydavid]

^
yes, it's called the mechanical fan delete. very worthwhile mod. search forums - there are a couple things you need to get

[jahnaboi]

Just curious....does anybody run NO fan, and just use the A/C aux fan?

I've ran almost 800 miles on my s52 with no mechanical fan, just using my stock a/c aux fan. I didn't touch any wiring for the fan at all. I have no a/c compressor right now as I will make custom lines to fit the compressor. To tell you the truth when my temp goes up close to half way I just push the a/c button and the fan comes on till the temp gets right before the 1/4 mark and shuts off. If I don't toggle the switch at half and my temp gets to 3/4 mark, the high speed of the aux fan turns on all by itself (without pushing the a/c button). So basically no bad things with no mechanical fan. I do plan on getting a better cfm fan and making a custom shroud between the a/c condenser and the radiator and also change the fan switch temp sensor to a lower degree one.

-Jasper

[russiane30]

im running a 14" fan right between a bumper and ac condensor works perfect for me

[dude8383]

im running a 14" fan right between a bumper and ac condensor works perfect for me

post pics if you can please.

[dude8383]

is no one running a/c with their swaps???

[dude8383]

what do you guys think about mounting a big and powerful fan instead of the aux fan?

i know that the unit is pretty stout, just wondering if there is something better.

[nando]

the stock fan works fine, it's just loud and draws a lot of power. a newer more efficient fan is going to flow more while being quieter and drawing less amps. they will also likely be a lb or two lighter. look for an S-blade fan for something quiet and efficient. Also a 16" fan will *just* fit behind the bumper.

[Beej '86 325es]

Just curious....does anybody run NO fan, and just use the A/C aux fan?

[kishg]

wow.. no radiator even, just fan eh.. impressed :)

[Beej '86 325es]

Notice I opted not to install the engine either. The car is slow, but it saves gas.

[Keanan]

Notice I opted not to install the engine either. The car is slow, but it saves gas.

Everyone is doing the engine delete now a days.
What will the next fad be? Brain delete? or maybe that was what started it all.

[Beej '86 325es]

Everyone is doing the engine delete now a days.
What will the next fad be? Brain delete? or maybe that was what started it all.

That was attempt at humor...because there's obviously not an engine in the car. ;)

[Keanan]

That was attempt at humor...because there's obviously not an engine in the car. ;)

My attempt at humor was in response to your attempt at humor. I'll keep trying, maybe some day I will be a comedian.

Hey what kind of mileage do you get without an engine? I would think it would be pretty good.