From digest.v7.n1 Thu Jul 24 09:02:20 1997
From: Jim Holmlund <Jim.Holmlund_at_Eng.Sun.COM>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 01:11:57 -0700
Subject: Re: <E30> eta -a bunch of remarks/questions

> I stuck a rolled up newspaper into the radiator fan while the
> engine was idling at normal temperature. It stopped the fan. Does this
> mean I need a new fan clutch, or should I try the test again when the
> fan is actually moving some air?

I had an overheating problem in my es, in stop and go traffic. When moving at normal speed, it was ok.

I believe that the fan is clutched so at slow speeds, when not much air is entering the rad, it runs at full power. The faster you go, the more it starts slipping because you don't need it when you are moving fast enough to cool the rad.

So, I (carefully) stuck my finger in the fan (no one told me about rolled up newspaper :-)) while the engine was idling. Sure enough, I could stop it with no problem. I tried this on a friends 325e and couldn't stop her fan. So, I replaced the clutch and it works like new again; no overheating.

So, I would say, yes, you need a new fan clutch.