Overheating on fwy with AC on during hot weather

[cozmo kraemer]

I don't believe Nissen is the OEM for the e46 M3 rad (not 100% certain on that, but pretty sure).

I thought it was Baer, or something like that, as OE. I think that is what came when I ordered from BMW. I can check.

OP... I would guess this is your fan clutch. Once it starts to die it obstructs air from traveling through the radiator at speed. I had this issue in Phoenix summers. Funny enough, I removed the clutch fan completely to help while the new clutch was on order, and never had the problem again. I have since never installed the clutch fan again and never had an over heating issue.

Edit: I see you said you replaced it.. but that is what sounds like the issue. Or your aux fan isn't running correctly (which is super rare on this car, but could happen - I had it happen on an e30 I had...same issue..overheat with AC on in super hot PHX weather).

[Obioban]

I don't believe Nissen is the OEM for the e46 M3 rad (not 100% certain on that, but pretty sure).

[Arith2]

We need some numbers and parameters to help. Give us data and we can probably help you pinpoint it being abnormal or not

[heinzboehmer]

Is this when standing still or when moving? Might help narrow down the issue. Also how high is "above normal"?

Regardless, no this is not normal. My temps are stable and stay "normal" with or without AC on.

[NaM3]

I have been experiencing both my water and engine temp rising above normal during hot days with my AC on. If I turn off the AC, the temp will drop back down to normal after a few minutes. Is this normal?

The background of my car is that I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, and fluid with all genuine OEM about a year ago (8k miles ago). The radiator have been replaced maybe 30-35k miles ago with also an OE unit (Nissen branded).

I ran the pusher fan test via INPA and it turns on as it should.

Is there anything else I should be looking at? Is it my radiator that needs to be replaced?