All of the posts I had read on the final stage resistor just mentioned problems when the car was running, so I did not suspect it was the cause of my fan running when the car was off/battery drain issue. After reading the following post and JCL's post in this thread, I went after the final stage resistor.

http://www.xoutpost.com/285983-post3.html

I noticed that as soon as I had removed the first carpeted panel, the fan stopped right away...the resistor must have known I was coming for it.

As soon as I could see the resistor, I noticed a half inch long burn mark on the back. I've now pulled it out and will go get a new one in the morning.

Which Orange County, CA BMW parts department opens the earliest tomorrow?

Thanks all!