Today’s AC problem and the fix. AC / air conditioner / Auxiliary Fan

X5 2004 3.0i. 130K miles.

Symptom: AC blowing cool or at ambient temp. 100 degree day during golf trip (La Quinta, CA) – very poor performance. I thought the AC system had a leak. Very sad.

Need Help. I appreciate any recommendations on a brand for a new AC auxiliary fan.

What I did.
Inspected the belt, AC clutch, and 2 service valves, and AC auxiliary fan.

Good. Belt and clutch were operating.
Good. 2 service valves (common leak point) had dust under the caps and no residue (not leaking).

Problem 1 . AC auxiliary fan controller connector was UNPLUGGED! Wire was hanging. I felt very stupid because I was the last one to touch it. Thought that I found the problem, but wanted to get the AC serviced by a pro since it had been over 5 years. It was 60 degrees so no easy way to test the AC operation. But, I’m feeling very lucky.

Indie Mech. $315 (SoCal)
Evacuate and recharge AC frion + add Dye to test for leaks.
No visual issues. Frion level was on the low side of the scale(potential bad sign)

Problem 1 (again). Auxiliary fan NOT WORKING. Failed. Sh*T the Bed . . . . .nuts!
AC performing ice cold while car is moving (Thank the maker!), and coolish while stopped (no air flow due to failed Aux. fan).

Mech. recommended new BMW Aux Fan ($1,000 to replace. $550 parts/ $450 2.5 hours); and return in 1 week to visually inspect for leaks (look for dye with a special light ).

Outcome: I will likely replace the AUX fan myself once I zero in on a non-BMW brand fan that costs less than a new set of golf irons.

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X5 3.0i BMW 2004 E53 Model
M54 engine. 3.0L. 140k and running strong.