Cabin fan stopped working, got it working with WD40 but not spinning very fast....

DanMZe90 · 06-07-2021, 03:03 PM

OK, the cabin fan stopped working last week on my 204k 2005 e90 330D. After checking the fuse and the cabin filter weren't the culprits, I decided to attempt the 'hack' I've seen done successfully with this problem, whereby I dropped some WD40 onto the rusty central fan bolt from above and used a screwdriver to nudge the fan. Indeed this started the fan spinning but nowhere need the speed needed to create any effect in the cabin through the vents on any of the settings.

My first question is, obviously the fan is capable of spinning but does its now poor performance imply it is bust rather than the relay...or both? From what I've read/Youtubed it is usually worth replacing both if either of them go. I'm not sure, from a simplicity and speed point of view whether to bite the bullet and buy both knowing the car probably doesn't have the greatest length of time left!

Secondly, if I replace both are the parts easy to source cheaply (where?) or is the fan/relay one of those 'must buy oem' type parts that I shouldn't scrimp on?

Thanks

Dan

Phil325i · 06-08-2021, 06:43 AM

You might find this useful. It's for left hand drive but you get the idea:

DanMZe90 · 06-08-2021, 01:48 PM

Thanks for this.

I watched it on my lunch break and on the way home I was debating whether I wanted to try and refurb it as per video or just have done with it and buy replacements...then there was a whoosh as the fan kicked in properly!

Not sure how long it will last but obviously the WD40 eventually freed something enough for it to work normally...good thing as I've been in a jam for about an hour!

06-07-2021, 03:03 PM	#1
DanMZe90 Private First Class 20 Rep 107 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330D SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Devon iTrader: (0)	Cabin fan stopped working, got it working with WD40 but not spinning very fast.... OK, the cabin fan stopped working last week on my 204k 2005 e90 330D. After checking the fuse and the cabin filter weren't the culprits, I decided to attempt the 'hack' I've seen done successfully with this problem, whereby I dropped some WD40 onto the rusty central fan bolt from above and used a screwdriver to nudge the fan. Indeed this started the fan spinning but nowhere need the speed needed to create any effect in the cabin through the vents on any of the settings. My first question is, obviously the fan is capable of spinning but does its now poor performance imply it is bust rather than the relay...or both? From what I've read/Youtubed it is usually worth replacing both if either of them go. I'm not sure, from a simplicity and speed point of view whether to bite the bullet and buy both knowing the car probably doesn't have the greatest length of time left! Secondly, if I replace both are the parts easy to source cheaply (where?) or is the fan/relay one of those 'must buy oem' type parts that I shouldn't scrimp on? Thanks Dan
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06-08-2021, 06:43 AM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 639 Rep 3,212 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	You might find this useful. It's for left hand drive but you get the idea: __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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06-08-2021, 01:48 PM	#3
DanMZe90 Private First Class 20 Rep 107 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330D SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Devon iTrader: (0)	Thanks for this. I watched it on my lunch break and on the way home I was debating whether I wanted to try and refurb it as per video or just have done with it and buy replacements...then there was a whoosh as the fan kicked in properly! Not sure how long it will last but obviously the WD40 eventually freed something enough for it to work normally...good thing as I've been in a jam for about an hour!
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