Expert: Don Berlan - 8/18/2006

Question
I have a 1997 BMW 528 (vin # wbadd6322vbw29872) with 160k miles and recently it has been overheating ( I noticed the temp gauge creeping up)but only when the car is stationary or idling. As long as I am moving the temp is normal. I took it to a mechanic and he said the auxilory fan was the problem so I had it changed. But now still after a new aux. fan it still is getting hot while stationary. Now he says that the fan clutch could be bad. Would the fan clutch have anything to do with the temp rising? What else could possible be wrong? Thanks
Sam A.

Answer
Well the fan(clutch) could cause a problem with the temperature rising.With the engine cold the fan should have a slight resistance tit when turning the fan.The aux fan works when it is extremely hot or the a/c is on.
I would look into how the air flows through the radiator,there may be debris in between the radiator and the a/c condenser.A problem many don't look at,you can see if it is plugged easily but just looking in between the two.It can be flushed with water or air.