[The Nightman]

Code 2EFF keeps popping up so I suspect a new radiator fan is in my near future. It seems that you cannot buy an OE Bosch fan and a fan from BMW is exorbitantly priced. TYC 622990 (Taiwan) is reasonable and looks similar to Bosch (they claim to license Bosch's fan blade and shroud patent). VDO/Continental FA70739 (Thailand) is slightly more expensive but not sure if it is any better than TYC.

Any recommendations or experiences?

[tlow98]

The motors and control units were replaceable separately on earlier BMW models. Is that still the case on the e90?

Maybe just a hood used OE unit on eBay?

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by tlow98

The motors and control units were replaceable separately on earlier BMW models. Is that still the case on the e90?

Maybe just a hood used OE unit on eBay?

As far as I know, that's not possible on the E90. The fan module is integrated so an entire assembly is required. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks for the idea about a used one, I'll look into that as well.

[mainbearing]

Rockauto's VDO is out of stock, and Amazon and other places it costs at least 2x the TYC.

Between a used unit or a new TYC with lifetime warranty, I would try the TYC. I have a TYC starter (1/2 the price of a Bosch) for months now, works great and I am willing to try their other products.

[bmwbob89]

Did you read the reviews on the TYC on Amazon. Horrible. I'd go find a low mileage used one.

[ctuna]

there are many online Euro part stores to choose from .
I have been using FCP Euro .


https://www.ecstuning.com/
https://www.autohausaz.com/catalog/c/bmw/
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/index-SC.htm
https://www.fcpeuro.com/

[mainbearing]

As far as the fan goes, Rock Auto shows both TYCs (manual and auto transmissions) are popular items. I would buy from Rock Auto, not from Amazon. There are only 4 reviews on Amazon, only one in 2022 (the rest 2016-18). I would not read too much into them.

As far as the starter goes, yes, I did read some of those reviews on Amazon (I bought from Rock Auto). Sure there might have been a few QC issues here and there like anything else, but I just figured most likely improper installation.

I used new aluminum bolts and torqued them the best I can. The rear facing one I guesstimated the torque first before the 180 angle turn because my torque wrench would not fit.

Looking at the Amazon reviews, I cannot say the TYC starter is bad at all. Now the factory Bosch that sticks itself to death, that is quite another story.

Originally Posted by bmwbob89

Did you read the reviews on the TYC on Amazon. Horrible. I'd go find a low mileage used one.

[Groganrocket]

I’ve seen continental VDO fan assembly for around $350.

[The Nightman]

I ended up getting the TYC 622990 from Amazon for cheap so it was worth a gamble. The TYC is made in Taiwan (May 11 2022 mfg date) and the fan and shroud are almost indistinguishable from the OE Bosch in both quality and design. However, the important bits such as the controller and motor are different. There are open ports on the Bosch motor housing where the windings are exposed while the windings on the TYC motor are hidden behind a shield - hopefully this helps with durability? I also noticed an absence of balancing clips on the TYC fan, but there doesn't seem to be a meaningful amount of wobble.

I saw a review from 2018 mention that the motor mounting bolts backing off so I inspected mine with the intention of threadlocking them. Turns out mine already came with threadlock from the factory so I feel confident I won't have the same issue.

Anyway, the swap is simple enough with enough finagling. The TYC was a perfect fit. The only question that remains is how long it will last - if it fails prematurely then I will update this post.

Edit: regarding the lack of balancing clips, TYC claims "rotationally-balanced fan blades without the use of weight-balancing clips ensure smooth spinning and longevity of the fan assembly." They also claim to use more durable plastic and wiring than other aftermarket brands. (https://www.genera.com/HVAC.html)

[mainbearing]

Thanks for the review!

When I need to replace mine I plan to use TYC and buying it from Rock Auto. TYC will carry lifetime warranty, therefore I won't have to purchase another one. I am not sure how Amazon handles lifetime warranty, as their typical return period is quite short.

[The Nightman]

TYC's policy makes it difficult to claim though; the part must be installed by certified tech at recognized service dealer and you are responsible for shipping costs of the defective part.

https://www.genera.com/Warranty-Policy.html

[mainbearing]

Warranty claims typically go through the point of sell. When Moog had lifetime warranty I warranty claimed some ball joints without problems. Return shipping either use Rock Auto's discount rate or PayPal's Return Shipping Refund.

Looking at my TYC starter (which is running nice and strong), I see the same easy warranty claim process. I had problems with Amazon years ago with Moog tie rod ends' warranty claim. I heard their warranty process might have improved, but Rock Auto always came through for me. No Amazon for me on car parts.

Just click on the "Request Warranty Replacement" button. That is it! Of course, I will find out how they handle the TYC starter when the time comes. But I think TYC motors should be superior to the whatever Bosch put out.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by Guy Fieri

As far as I know, that's not possible on the E90. The fan module is integrated so an entire assembly is required. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

So it took all of 5 minutes to disassemble the factory Bosch fan assembly. Three screws to undo the fan controller and motor from the shroud and another three screws to remove the fan blade from the motor. The fan controller is integrated with the motor. It's a shame they don't sell replacement controllers/motors separately from the entire fan assembly.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to open the cover on the controller to inspect the internals.

[The Nightman]

So the TYC fan has failed after 17 months and 825 km. Car started overheating at idle and I realized the fan was not spinning. There were no fault codes and live data reported that the fan was supposed to be spinning at 90%. Manually triggering the fan using software resulted in the motor just ticking and the fan would only twitch. Spinning the fan by hand made no difference.


Will try to do a warranty claim but the policy is more or less BS because:
1. warranty only applies to products installed by a recognized service dealer and certified technician
2. return shipping is out of pocket, which will probably cost more than a new fan since I'm in Canada
3. repair or replacement for defective item must receive advanced approval from TYC, so I will be without an operable vehicle while I wait for TYC

[lordnikon]

Its singing the beginning tune of: