Originally Posted by gregk

OK I have the same Diesel X5 2006 and did this today. With the intercooler in the way you have to remove the steel bar which supports the plastic bumper and is the real steel bumper bar to get access. That big bar right across the front can be removed.

There are about 7 bolts on each side of the radiator and 2 underneath hold the bash bar and then you also have to remove the plastic vents that are pulling air into the engine bay. So it is more work but it gets you great access.

Infact it would work on all models this way. ok.

Also if you want to test your fan before removal the simplest way is to turn on the air con switch in the car and then remove the plug to the high pressure sensor switch on the air con line inside the engine bay.

If the auxiliary fan is good then it will turn on without the air con actually working.

Mine was broken but now I still cant get the compressor clutch to engage so that it looks like I will have to replace the compressor next.

And tmacka88 thanks for your post because it prepared me for what was going to happen. Without your post I would have spent more time thinking it could be done without removing the steel bumper and trying to move the intercooler.

Pictures of front without and with steel bumper.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ibfsoyw9k9...13.56.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jqqfi8jb81...54.56.jpg?dl=0