Aluminum Fan

[jszeman1]

Did the 230sl's come with an aluminum or plastic fan?

[Garry]

Mine is Nylon.  I dont have any record of it being replaced.

[66andBlue]

I believe the 5-blade fan was made from a magnesium alloy - not aluminum.

[ja17]

Yes, a magnesium alloy. Very light strong and brittle.  Always replace them if they are damaged or bent. I have seen crash damaged blades, break off later and go through the hood!

[mdsalemi]

...and it'll burn like a son-of-a-gun!

[georgem]

Was there ever an option for a higher output fan for a 230 ie one for hot climates with more blades? Or an after market one?

[Benz Dr.]

Most euro 230SL's ( an other euro models ) used a plastic fan. This engine isn't prone to overheating and it's usually a combination of a plugged rad and sediment inside the block.

[Garry]

Thanks Dan for that info.  Have been sitting here wondering how I ended up with the plastic fan on my 230SL when everyone is talking about magnesium and considering if I should change it!

[jszeman1]

I checked the spare parts book 10062 edition A and it lists two fans. The first 180 205 07 06 this is a 4 blade fan, aluminum or magnesium (not sure).  The second number is 180 205 08 06.  The note next to both fans is optional.  The question is does anyone know what kind of fan 180-205 08 06 is?  Plastic??.  Trying to figure out if my car had the plastic fan as original or if it was changed from the metal one.  My car number is 607.

[Bob G ✝︎]

Gary :
your car had a metal fan. five  blade  if it had Air conditioning. 4 was  standard if you did not  I concerted back to pre A/C shed the SL of  all that dead weight and put  back the under dash boards. Have some gremlins but in time  they will be solved. The red plastic fan is the replacement for the medal bladed fans only seen one in a brochure I do not know how  they will stand up to time and heat. I look for a  medal fan in an MB salvage  yard  or on thee net. Have them inspect it for small cracks. You can probably get one from a W108 or W109 check the classic center in Irvine for cross reference.
Bob Geco

[WRe]

Hi,
See thread "6 vs 8 vs 9 blades" or here www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/50-Cooling-System/
230 4 blades, 250/280 6 blades, 280 US with AC 8 blades.
...WRe

[Benz Dr.]

All plastic fans I've ever seen were a kind of greenish-brown in colour. I have never seen a red fan and would consider it to be painted by someone who likes red paint.   Same for red engine blocks.

[Garry]

The SLS one pictured is the same as mine but mine is discoloured from time. JohnS will be interested in what you arrive at for the correct one.The good Dr Benz indicated 4 bladed Nylon in an earlier post.  I think and hope that is correct but cannot match it with the part number you have for sure.

http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/50-Cooling-System/50-a-Cooling-System-230SL/A1802050906-Fan-A1802050906-Fan.html

I also note that they do not have it available, that is because it is a MB only supplied item and they will not sell it in competition with MB, or that is what they are saying.

[66andBlue]

Gary and John,
on the Niemoeller web site the 1802050806 p/n comes up as a 4-blade Nylon fan:
http://www.niemoeller.de/preisanfrage-en/show_part.htm?art_nr=C%2020%20133
Considering that it costs 1/4 of what MB wants I believe it is an aftermarket fan.

[Jordan]

Garry, just so you don't feel like the odd man out, I have the exact same 4 blade nylon fan that you have and I believe it is original to the car.  Mind you the rest of my engine does not look as good as yours