Upallnight, thanks for the info!

I think you are right that it is mostly for the AC, and the AC is performing well since the fan change. But it also gets hot enough here that the engine cooling function of the fan is needed, as evidenced that while the fan was broken, coolant temps got up to 100 even with the AC off, as opposed to the usual less than 95 I see running without AC an a working fan. It was driveable though, and I see many members do go without the fan in cooler climes.

Also, I am kind of paranoid with regards to BMW cooling systems, and I noticed a few times that slightly elevated temps were symptoms of a problem...I caught a leaky expansion tank and radiator on separate occasions when I noticed temps slightly elevated. Both times when I replaced the leaking parts, temp went back to usual.

Right now I'm thinking I might have a fan clutch that's not 100%, that's causing the electric fan to work harder. Doing more research on it.

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04 X5 3.0i auto
03 X5 4.6is