https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/174040-low-speed-fan-resistor-we-need-solution-38.html
Don’t buy that Doorman crap. Here is the solution I have used after mine failed in 2007 and have not had any issues since. See post 113 in the tread below.
Also I am still using my original fan assembly from 2005.
Mouser Part #: 284-HS100-0.47
Manufacturer Part #: HS100 0R47 5%
Below I have died some pictures of how the Mouser part is mounted and wired. Please review the NAM thread for all the specifics.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/174040-low-speed-fan-resistor-we-need-solution-3.html
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I first installed an aftermarket one and , though it worked, it was noisey and vibrated a lot. Got a stock one from MINI and noticed the fan blades were individually balanced with weights attached at various locations. I also kept my old one so I can fix the broken resistor coil myself and just swap the radiator the next time this happens .
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For what it's worth, I am confident most "fan failures" are actually just the fan relay which is mounted in the fan housing...ala the part just mentioned above from Detroit Tuned. You'll want to do some soldering when replacing the relay, and still need to pull everything apart to get at it...but once you to you'll see the resistor inside that I believe is what primarily fails...it is an extremely simple circuit that absolutely will fail over time...might as well consider it a maintenance replacement item.
This was a common fail that was talked about here on the forum in the past, with DIY resistor replacements outlined...haven't seen much mention of it since the relay replacements became available.
There is a test to determine if your loss of low speed fan is due to the relay...maybe a check of postings on the forum would find the old thread.-
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My low speed went out years ago when you had to get a hole new fan. I got an aftermarket and it has been rock solid for years. Detroit Tuned offers a new relay so you don’t have to get a whole new fan asimble. People have had good luck with it. Here’s a link.
http://www.detroittuned.com/dorman-fan-relay-kit-gen-1/-
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Way Motor Works New Member
We've tried using aftermarket Aux Fan's and they just fail a month or two later so we only install OEM MINI fans now. Buyer beware, they are cheaper for a reason.
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vargasgal Club Coordinator
Do you know if the one manufactured by Dorman is the stock one or is it aftermarket too? I got the impression on NAM they made the original part.
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vargasgal Club Coordinator
Any suggestions on who has a good price on an OEM one? I know darn well it isn't my dealer.
I am pretty sure there weren't any on Way's site when I placed an order for all the other stuff that has crapped out on my car in the past month. -
Going on 2+ years on the TYC fan. Good warranty, good part IMO. I usually prefer OEM, but the OEM is simply defective,, and needs updating IMO.
If you buy an OEM, You will need to buy another one when it fails...if it fails after the part warranty fail...cause it WILL FAIL....
The TYC has a lifetime warranty...depends on where you buy it...and my local mini guy has not had ANY failures of them yet...more than I can say of the OEM making an aftermarket part is to re-engineer a part (mostly copying, but electrical stuff does need some adjustment)....not just copy it to try to save a few $$, maybe the resistor that fails is a bit different...different maker...and if it does not fail...it fixes the weakness in the factory design!!
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Way Motor Works New Member
You have to order the fan specific for your production date, there have been a couple variations. -
lumpy New Member
How difficult is this install? Any worse than pulling and replacing a radiator?
My stage 1 fan just went. 2006 R53 with 58,000 miles. $720 plus tax to have the dealership do the work...no way that is happening. :frown2: -
You still have to pull the bumper and bumper support, unbolt, and fold away the AC condenser...pop the 2 pins that hold the radiator in place....
You may/may not have to go to service mode...Might have been quicker....I did it without it...but it was tight!!
$720 is kind high IMO.....but it is the dealer, and they have lots of overhead for you to pay-for.......nice shiny floors...free coffee...big couches....Heck I know one that has a MINI driving simulator( a seat, steering wheel, an bunch of flat-screens, etc).....and video games....They tend to be nice places...but you pay $$ for it all...it is not free!!
If you are interested in saving some $$$, it is not hard for a DIY...not super simple...but doable.
Most Mini centric shops, Like WMW could probably do one in an hour or so...
Places that don't know MINI's...don't scare me like that!!ut:
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lumpy New Member
Good to know. I've pulled the radiators on Subarus and VWs before, but never on a MINI. I was looking at my Bentley manual last night and then I eyeballed my car this morning - it does not look that difficult. My only question is whether to go OEM or aftermarket. The OEM part does not seem to scream "quality", so I may go aftermarket knowing that I will likely have to replace it again either way. AutoZone offers a Dorman unit with a lifetime warranty for way less than OEM.
Yep, I never expect a deal at a dealership. I spent 9.5 years working in one in a previous life. -
WMW does have great support...I would not hesitate buying anything from him, OEM or not!! -
Zip- Try 1800RADIATOR. Ask if they have an OEM replacement fan or a direct replacement. Chances are they do. I have had very good luck with them. Mini does not make radiators or fans. They source them from company's like TYC, Dorman, Denso, etc. If you can find the same brand the OEM used from another vendor, chances are its the same part but you dont pay for the Mini name on the box. Good luck.
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IMHO go with WMW. You can't go wrong.
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lumpy New Member
I ended up ordering the TYC unit from a recommended vendor on e-bay. $78 shipped.
Hopefully I will not regret the decision, but I'm really not sold on the OEM one being that high quality. If MINI had fixed the obvious design flaw in the factory part, it would be a completely different story. The install is not fun, but I can buy four of these for the price of one OEM... -
vargasgal Club Coordinator
I went with the Dorman one from Rock Auto. Looks like they will have it to my house in less than 24 hrs.
I debated going OEM, but the Dorman one has a better warranty. If it goes bad, all I would be out is another pain in the ass install. Fingers crossed! -
The fact that MINI was passing out new fans under warranty like candy to kids on Halloween (about 3 years ago when I was under warranty....at one point they were out of stock, and told me they would change it "next time"), and still have not changed the basic fan desgin...means that have chosen not too fix the OEM part...MINI/BMW is usually pretty good about revising problem parts.....
My local MINI guy keeps a few in the shop...that is how common this issue is...and he stocks VERY few parts (He works on maybe 30-40% MINI's)...but with the fan, he knows he will use them!!
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