New fan design for v8?

I posted it over on the "other forum" as well, so here it goes:

My friend who has a X5 4.4 (2000), replaced this month his fan, and had to replace the clutch as well, because they have a new design of the fan, and it does not bolt up with the old type clutch. The new fan design apparently overcomes the shattering of the blades. The blades are are all tied together now at the tips. There are new p/n for them.

Maybe the parts from the e53 are interchangeable with e39 v8 parts?

Just thought to let the cat out of the bag, maybe it helps someone.

I see a fan from eac with this part #17417504732. Is this what you are referring to?

I don't know what the p/n is. My friend told me the p/n is updated and new, different from the old one. He was a bit unhappy because it didn't bolt on to the old clutch and ended up buying a new clutch as well 9which apparently has also a new p/n). The bolt pattern is different. He was at the dealer and asked about this, and they told him that it's the new design to overcome the fan shattering issue.

But the fan looks similar to your pic.

Also, I learned today that the diesel versions of e39 use the same design in Europe.

Must be brand new replacement, I bought the old style fan and clutch a few months ago from the dealer.

dave
03 540i6