Ryan Everitt

I have had my 2004 520i for about 3 weeks now and since I got it I have done a hell of alot of long journeys; down motorways etc although I have never ever heard the engine fan run, not even when I park up after a 3 hour nonstop journey..

The bonet of the car gets incredibly hot (sometimes untouchable!)

My car seems to have flaps across the inside of the front grill which look like they freely open when driving against air.

Could I have an issue with my fan? is there a way to keep it on for longer?

Be good to hear some advise! Thanks in advance.

pcy

Does the fan run when you turn the AC on?

Ryan Everitt

I've never checked, ill do it now and report back shortly.

pcy

Turn on the AC and set the blower fan to highest setting. Radiator fan should kick-in.

Ryan Everitt

The fan is actually running, I parked the car in my basement and opened the bonnet and I can hear and see it turning. However the air thats being blown about is phenomenally hot! I think I may have a problem with them plastic flaps behind the grill on the front of the car. Normally I can put my fingers through the grill and just push them open, however this evening I couldnt they seemed to be locked/wedged.I had to gently jab the grill to get them to open in the end.

Are these automatic? How do they work? What are they for?

Ryan Everitt

??

pcy

My car doesn't have those flaps. I have not seen on any car in US... I am not sure about the purpose of those flaps. They may be protecting the radiator from small rocks/debre on the road while driving; however, those flaps block the air going to radiator while driving. There must be a controller/latch mechanism that opens and closes those flaps.

If I were you, as a temporary solution, I'd find a way to keep those flaps open (use a thin wire and tie while they are open) and see if the problem continues.