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Hey guys - I'm having a real problem changing the engine fan, just the fan blade, on my e12 based '79 633. Under the hood this car's the same as a '79 5er so I'm asking the right guys about this silly problem I'm having. I've pulled the radiator to get the fan clutch and fan off and thought I was home free when I figured out which way the 13mm bolt unscrewed - it's the old style fan clutch (no 32mm nut) and I've never had a reason to go into the fan clutch or water pump. Could someone tell me how to get the fan and fan clutch off so I can replace the engine fan - I'm stumped. I have 2 '85 6ers that I've replaced fan clutches and water pumps on recently....no problem, this '79 though is really throwin me a curve. Any thoughts appreciated.

Different subject, I'm in the process of tryin to buy an '81 528i 5-speed, original car and one owner since new - I'll let this group know if it happens....been lookin for decent e12 for awhile now, this may be the one.

bgriff wrote: (no 32mm nut) and I've never had a reason to go into the fan clutch or water pump. Could someone tell me how to get the fan and fan clutch off so I can replace the engine fan

Try one of these. They can be found for less $$ than this link -

My question may have been confusing - and thanks, alotawatts, for your suggestion, but that tool's not the problem. After pulling the radiator, I can't figure out how to remove the old style fan/fan clutch so I can just replace my engine fan blade. My shop manual doesn't address it, the Bentley manual doesn't and I can't find any info online that would walk me thru it. Do I have to remove the fan pulley to get the fan blade off, if so how do I do that?

Thanks

undo the 4 bolts that hold the fan clutch to the water pump. if you remove the fan and fan clutch together from the car it may be easier to separate them. You may have to loosen the alternator to get some slack on the belt.

First remove the bolt with the 13MM head. It's just regular right hand threads, so no big deal. Next or at the same time, remove the slotted washer that the aforementioned bolt goes thru and bolts up against. Finally just wiggle the fan/clutch assembly off the hub portion of the fan clutch that's bolted to the water pump. You don't have to do anything to the pulley, it stays in place unless you're replacing the water pump.

Perfect!!! Thank you Mike W. - that slotted washer was holdin up the show, I had no idea it was there and it was in pretty tight too, tight enough that the fan wasn't gonna move without some persuasion with a hammer. I really appreciate you chiming in on this - I'll know next time.

Bob G