Fan Overworking

gerardm · 07-09-2012, 02:25 PM

So this problem has happened 3 times now and I am not sure what the problem could be.

Scenario:
- After a medium to extended drive 30-45+ minutes
- The main radiator fan basically goes into overdrive
- Within 5 minutes the oil temperatures will plummet 40-50 degrees. I'm talking from 220-230 all the way down to 160-170. It may even go lower I just happened to be arriving at my destination so I turned the car off.

Now the first 2 times I was basically already home so I just turned off my car and went inside once home. This last time however I was still a good 45 minutes drive home so I stopped before the oil temps dropped and immediately restarted the car. The problem didn't occur for the rest of the ride and the fan sounded normal. In all 3 instances I did have the AC on. I'm not sure if it is part of the problem or not but may be viable information.

I am not sure what the issue could be if its a sensor going bad or how to even begin diagnosing the problem really. Also Im curious as to why the oil temps would drop so drastically just because the fan is on kill mode. I do have an oil cooler btw.

Thoughts?

JamesM3M5 · 07-09-2012, 02:33 PM

Check for codes related to water pump operation. The fan may be running overtime due to water pump speed. If that's the case, you're on borrowed time until the WP fails.

gerardm · 07-09-2012, 02:34 PM

I havent seen any warning lights or anything but nonetheless I will check for codes later.

N54_Fan · 07-09-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerardm

I havent seen any warning lights or anything but nonetheless I will check for codes later.

James is correct. Many have reported that this occured just prior to the car overheating and the WP dying. That is when you will get the CEL. Dont wait for that. If your car has over 40K miles just get the WP and T-stat replaced. In fact mine is getting replaced today for the same reason.

gerardm · 07-09-2012, 02:49 PM

Oh wow damn. Was hoping it was something stupid but I guess not.

N54_Fan yours was having the exact same symptoms?

cleex024 · 07-09-2012, 02:57 PM

i think what might be happening is when you have AC on or maybe max AC...when its on max seems like the radiator fan goes into overdrive like you said...this has been happening a lot lately and wondered the same thing...but realized today since its cooler and i dont need AC on that my temps sort of went back to normal at around 230 around town.

N54_Fan · 07-09-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerardm

Oh wow damn. Was hoping it was something stupid but I guess not.

N54_Fan yours was having the exact same symptoms?

Yes. I had already planned to replace them anyway as a preventative maintenance because I am prepping my car to work hard at the track this weekend. Then while they were on order this started to occur last week. So I would probably be doing this in the near future anyway if I had not planned it that way.

Funny thing is that my 8 year old son asked if that a "new mod" because my car sounded different. Even he noticed.

MDORPHN · 07-09-2012, 03:27 PM

OP: you said oil temp, but did you mean water temp?

Neil

gerardm · 07-09-2012, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

OP: you said oil temp, but did you mean water temp?

Neil

No I am talking about oil temps

gerardm · 07-09-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N54_Fan

Yes. I had already planned to replace them anyway as a preventative maintenance because I am prepping my car to work hard at the track this weekend. Then while they were on order this started to occur last week. So I would probably be doing this in the near future anyway if I had not planned it that way.

Funny thing is that my 8 year old son asked if that a "new mod" because my car sounded different. Even he noticed.

Yeah its frightfully loud and I can tell immediately even with the windows and everything closed.

Gugs · 07-09-2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerardm

Quote:

Originally Posted by N54_Fan

Yes. I had already planned to replace them anyway as a preventative maintenance because I am prepping my car to work hard at the track this weekend. Then while they were on order this started to occur last week. So I would probably be doing this in the near future anyway if I had not planned it that way.

Funny thing is that my 8 year old son asked if that a "new mod" because my car sounded different. Even he noticed.

Yeah its frightfully loud and I can tell immediately even with the windows and everything closed.

You guys think greasing the fan will decrease its loudness? I feel it's overly loud lately. Maybe I'm just so used to not hearing it all winter lol

spool twice · 07-09-2012, 09:04 PM

you'll want to check ghost codes, the ones that are stored and don't trigger a CEL light.

JamesM3M5 · 07-09-2012, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gugs

You guys think greasing the fan will decrease its loudness? I feel it's overly loud lately. Maybe I'm just so used to not hearing it all winter lol

Are you joking?

Gugs · 07-10-2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesM3M5

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gugs

You guys think greasing the fan will decrease its loudness? I feel it's overly loud lately. Maybe I'm just so used to not hearing it all winter lol

Are you joking?

Lol I'm dead serious. Don't u realize it spins on a bearing? Maybe spritz some oil in there. That sounds odd lol

n54door · 07-10-2012, 11:21 AM

Just like muffler bearings.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 07-10-2012, 11:37 AM

You should have some codes or atleast shadow codes. Any other modifications to the car? Do you have a BT Tool? Water pumps are notorious for failure on this car I would get it looked at soon.

BlackedOutBimmer · 07-10-2012, 01:07 PM

If i want the dealer (I don't know of anywhere else, unless a BT scanner which I don't have) to scan my car for "shawdow codes"... should I just take my car there and request this? or should I complain of a problem then ask them to check for codes?

...im assuming it would be a $50 dianogstics fee for checking the codes?

lawwailok · 07-10-2012, 03:11 PM

when my WP died on me, it did not have any symptom but all i could notice was the fan was blasting super loud and super fast. after 5 mins, "tada" yellow coolant warning light 30 sec later followed by a red light and car stalled.... that was the worst since i was stuck in a main road with cars traveling 50mph left and right of me...

gerardm · 07-10-2012, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

You should have some codes or atleast shadow codes. Any other modifications to the car? Do you have a BT Tool? Water pumps are notorious for failure on this car I would get it looked at soon.

Just procede, dci, and meth. I don't have access to a BT anymore but I can check with the procede I guess. Unless the procede doesn't show the shadow stuff I don't remember.

gerardm · 07-10-2012, 03:29 PM

Well my girlfriend is ordering new water pump, thermostat and the screws that go with it I guess. Hopefully this solves the problem, I'll let you guys know how it goes so if anyone else has this issue again its on here.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 07-10-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerardm

Just procede, dci, and meth. I don't have access to a BT anymore but I can check with the procede I guess. Unless the procede doesn't show the shadow stuff I don't remember.

I believe only BMW Diagnostics or BT tool can see shadow codes last I remember. I think the tunes can only see "live" codes that produce a CEL.

gerardm · 07-10-2012, 03:52 PM

Maybe you guys would know the answer to this question. I know nothing is directly linked to the meth system but would any of that need to be undone for the water pump and therm to be installed. Just trying to take caution and make sure the shop knows what to look out for.

07-09-2012, 02:25 PM	#1
gerardm Captain 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rocky Point, NY iTrader: (5)	Fan Overworking - Oil Temps Dropping So this problem has happened 3 times now and I am not sure what the problem could be. Scenario: - After a medium to extended drive 30-45+ minutes - The main radiator fan basically goes into overdrive - Within 5 minutes the oil temperatures will plummet 40-50 degrees. I'm talking from 220-230 all the way down to 160-170. It may even go lower I just happened to be arriving at my destination so I turned the car off. Now the first 2 times I was basically already home so I just turned off my car and went inside once home. This last time however I was still a good 45 minutes drive home so I stopped before the oil temps dropped and immediately restarted the car. The problem didn't occur for the rest of the ride and the fan sounded normal. In all 3 instances I did have the AC on. I'm not sure if it is part of the problem or not but may be viable information. I am not sure what the issue could be if its a sensor going bad or how to even begin diagnosing the problem really. Also Im curious as to why the oil temps would drop so drastically just because the fan is on kill mode. I do have an oil cooler btw. Thoughts?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-09-2012, 02:33 PM	#2
JamesM3M5 Some dude 93 Rep 1,780 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	Check for codes related to water pump operation. The fan may be running overtime due to water pump speed. If that's the case, you're on borrowed time until the WP fails. __________________ RRT E92 335i/6MT with stuff and things
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-09-2012, 02:34 PM	#3
gerardm Captain 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rocky Point, NY iTrader: (5)	I havent seen any warning lights or anything but nonetheless I will check for codes later.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-09-2012, 02:49 PM	#5
gerardm Captain 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rocky Point, NY iTrader: (5)	Oh wow damn. Was hoping it was something stupid but I guess not. N54_Fan yours was having the exact same symptoms?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-09-2012, 02:57 PM	#6
cleex024 Lieutenant Colonel 108 Rep 1,529 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Woodbridge iTrader: (2)	i think what might be happening is when you have AC on or maybe max AC...when its on max seems like the radiator fan goes into overdrive like you said...this has been happening a lot lately and wondered the same thing...but realized today since its cooler and i dont need AC on that my temps sort of went back to normal at around 230 around town. __________________ Space Gray l 6MT l OSG LSD w/ VAC Race Diff Cover l Cobb e30 l Morr vs8.2 l UUC SSK w/ DSSR l VSRF Catless Dps l RPI Intercooler l CDV Removed l HID AE 8000k l ETS Catback l AST 5200 w/ Vorshlag Camber Plates l ER Dual Oil Coolers l Rear Camber and Toe Arms l K&N Drop In l Solid Tranny/Diff/Subframe Bushings l Bridgestone RE-11
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-09-2012, 03:27 PM	#8
MDORPHN Colonel 298 Rep 2,898 Posts Drives: AW 1M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wash, DC iTrader: (0)	OP: you said oil temp, but did you mean water temp? Neil
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-09-2012, 09:04 PM	#12
spool twice Rainbow Racer 1019 Rep 2,539 Posts Drives: BMW M4cs Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Area iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 M4cs [0.00]	you'll want to check ghost codes, the ones that are stored and don't trigger a CEL light. __________________ -Loe P.- Prior Car:'14 Audi S5 3.0t DSG [ APR ECU/TCU \| Pullies + basic bolt-on mods \| 10.861@127.90mph ] Current Car: F82 M4cs \| TT-RS \| On Order: i4 M50
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 11:21 AM	#15
n54door Banned 89 Rep 808 Posts Drives: 09' 135i 6AT FBO - MHD Tuned Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: DFW iTrader: (5)	Just like muffler bearings.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 11:37 AM	#16
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3474 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	You should have some codes or atleast shadow codes. Any other modifications to the car? Do you have a BT Tool? Water pumps are notorious for failure on this car I would get it looked at soon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 01:07 PM	#17
BlackedOutBimmer Colonel 849 Rep 2,828 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 m40i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (-1)	If i want the dealer (I don't know of anywhere else, unless a BT scanner which I don't have) to scan my car for "shawdow codes"... should I just take my car there and request this? or should I complain of a problem then ask them to check for codes? ...im assuming it would be a $50 dianogstics fee for checking the codes? __________________ 2019 X3 m40i:Carbon Black:Executive:Premium:Adaptive:Vernasca:699M:HK: Ambient:IND trim:M Mirrors:15mm spacers:Maxton lip:20% tint windows/pano:dsg paddles:TLG mudflaps 2008 328i E90 Jet Black:6MT:RWD:Premium:Sport:Xenon:MTEC V3 AEs:Front Splitters:CF spoiler:19" VMR FF v710
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 03:11 PM	#18
lawwailok Lieutenant Colonel 153 Rep 1,922 Posts Drives: E90 335i, E70 X5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (18) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [8.00] 2009 E70 xDrive30i [0.00]	when my WP died on me, it did not have any symptom but all i could notice was the fan was blasting super loud and super fast. after 5 mins, "tada" yellow coolant warning light 30 sec later followed by a red light and car stalled.... that was the worst since i was stuck in a main road with cars traveling 50mph left and right of me... __________________ -eric E90 335i TiAg STOCK see my garage for mod list.. E70 X5 SGM try to stay stock :/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 03:29 PM	#20
gerardm Captain 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rocky Point, NY iTrader: (5)	Well my girlfriend is ordering new water pump, thermostat and the screws that go with it I guess. Hopefully this solves the problem, I'll let you guys know how it goes so if anyone else has this issue again its on here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 03:52 PM	#22
gerardm Captain 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rocky Point, NY iTrader: (5)	Maybe you guys would know the answer to this question. I know nothing is directly linked to the meth system but would any of that need to be undone for the water pump and therm to be installed. Just trying to take caution and make sure the shop knows what to look out for.
	Appreciate 0 Quote