Please provide insight

1988 528e with ~250k miles has a cyclical chugging noise originating from the front engine compartment. Suspecting the fan clutch I sprayed some lithium grease while running the engine and the noise immediately ceased. In the process of ordering the new clutch I mentioned the problem to the person on the phone and they, being an aftermarket stockist of BMW parts, informed me that the fan clutch does not make noise when it is about to quit working.

One shop adjusted the drive belts but this did not solve the problem or even minimize the noise.

Is anyone familiar with this situation?

Also, the radio is not accepting the code that I have used in the past and received from a local dealer.

Any suggestions?

Regards,

Start by replacing the belts, even if they appear perfect. Email me if the noise is still there.