[rlesko]

Took my radiator fan out the other day to replace thermostat and water pump. I can't for the life of me get the Radiator Fan housing to slide back in properly- any tips?



Looking at the picture the bottom right tab on the radiator fan housing should slide into the top of the intercooler, but it just doesn't align when I push the fan housing down. All the other tabs will line up. Any advice?

Car is a '12 335i.

[Revoltos]

It might be easier if the top hose isnt fitted untill you have slid the fan in. It is a bitch of a job though. Ive got a 335i too. I would also consider sliding some card or something infront of the rad because the shroud likes to bend the fins if your not carefull.

[rlesko]

Thats a really good tip on some cardboard to protect the radiator fins. I have already bent a bunch trying to get this thing back in

[visionaut]

Two bolts to temporarily free up the intercooler a bit. Don’t know if that’ll help any though…

[rlesko]

Originally Posted by visionaut

Two bolts to temporarily free up the intercooler a bit. Don’t know if that’ll help any though…

Good thought, I will probably end up trying that. with the intercooler removed I can probably see why that damn tab is so hard to slide in...

[Revoltos]

Its just the angle, you are trying to squeeze the radiator shroud past the top hose on one side, the bottom hose on the other side whilst also fitting it behind the intake hose. Bloody stupid design. Best of luck with it mate, perseverance will pay off!

[rlesko]

Just to close the loop on this- the reason it was so difficult was because the radiator was incorrectly installed. Just goes to show you- not even the dealer gives a fuck about putting your car back together properly

I ended up detaching the radiator and re-seating it. No issue installing the radiator fan housing after that.