Removing the Viscous Fan?

[Dave P]

I think the S50B32 water pump is a much stronger unit than the S52 version and as such we don't have the same issues with the viscous fan as American owners. I have seen cars with the fan removed and it looks really odd and personally prefer good cooling over 1-2 bhp and a bit of fan noise - each to their own.

[137699]

That's reassuring to hear. I would have thought if the S50 fan had the same issues this forum would be full of horror stories, but it's not. I guess it's one to monitor but I think I'll leave as-is.
I also prefer the idea of additional cooling and can't help thinking that BMW would not have fitted this fan if they didn't think it was needed....

[urquattrogus]

I think the S52 has a crappy plastic T Stat housing too whereas the S50 at least has an alloy one from memory.

[Dave P]

Originally Posted by urquattrogus

I think the S52 has a crappy plastic T Stat housing too whereas the S50 at least has an alloy one from memory.

Very different set up on the US S52 and I think it may even have a bigger water radiator as they don't have a oil cooler like the S50 and S54

[Howm58]

Left my viscous fan off last year after doing the Vanos.
Checked the engine temp & electric fan cuts in just past normal (just before the second white line) then drags temp back to normal before cutting out. I figured this was fine & never changed the rad temp switch, maybe mine had already been done?
Difference in noise levels is quite dramatic on my car. it was like removing a small jet engine from under the bonnet
I have thought about putting back the shroud but not got round to it, quite like the extra access at the front of the engine.
I think that if the car was used for more than just cruising around (trackdays etc) I may have kept the viscous unit as a 'belt & braces' option.