Write-ups and videos from owners, forums and specialists on removing and fitting this part. Summaries are ours; follow the link for the full steps, photos and torque values, and credit goes to the original author.
ArticleFCP EuroDifficulty: Easywritten for E38 / E39
How to tell a failing V8 viscous fan clutch (whooshing, grinding or stiff bearing) and remove it: the 32 mm nut undoes clockwise, and a home-made plate that holds the pulley bolt head lets you break it loose. Mind the heavy, brittle fan on the way out.
Tools mentioned: 32 mm (1.25 in) open-end wrench, rubber mallet, home-made pulley holding plate
Written on an E39 540i (M62); same coupling PN on E38 V8s.
by Doug Dykaar · fcpeuro.com· link checked 2026-10-08
ArticleTimm's BMW (meeknet.co.uk)Difficulty: Mediumwritten for E31
Contributor photo guide to replacing the M60 water pump together with the viscous fan and coupling on an 840i, done preventively because old fans can disintegrate. The fan unscrews clockwise after a few taps on a 32 mm spanner; O-rings get a smear of silicone grease.
Tools mentioned: 10/13 mm sockets and extensions, 32 mm fan spanner, hammer, silicone grease
by Mick Cat (mcat911), hosted by Timm · meeknet.co.uk· link checked 2026-10-08
ArticleBMW Repair GuideDifficulty: Mediumwritten for E31
Full cooling refresh on an 840i (radiator, water pump, fan, thermostat housing and hoses). Includes what to do when the fan-clutch nut is seized to the pump shaft: check first, and expect to replace the pulley if it won't come off.
Tools mentioned: Fan-clutch spanner, pulley holder, drain pan, flat screwdriver, sockets
by BMW Repair Guide staff · bmwrepairguide.com· link checked 2026-10-08