I've done it, (240D) I removed the belt driven fan and replaced it with a SPAL fan I got from Surplus Center. I have removed the A/C from my car, including the evaporator, that reduces the pressure drop thru the radiator. My intent was to see if I would improve mileage. Result - it makes absolutely no difference in fuel consumption. The system works fine, no problems with charging - probably because most of my driving is highway and the fan is not running under those conditions. You be the judge.