New to me x5 4.4 - "overheating" issue

[robmines]

Hey guys,

Happy to be apart of the e53 family! Ive owned many bmws in the past, a few e30s, e38, e36 but this is my first SAV!

I recently purchased a 2003 x5, premium and sport pack, 4.4, 1 owner @ 116k. Really clean inside and out. Car fax was clean, service history good, and no real issues in the past.

However, the vehicle seems to heat up very quickly (moving or not) and it smells like its overheating (sweet coolant smell) but the engine heat never seems to go passed the midway point on the gauge. I took it to a local mechanic in san diego, he ran a pressure test and said there are no leaks.

Whenever I get home from a drive I inspect both under the car and within the engine bay for any signs of leaks/overflow. Coolant level is fine, I actually had to add some as it was on minimum the day after I purchased.

Ive seen smoke from the engine bay only twice, but I was in traffic and was unable to get out and check. The only thing I can think of at this point is my auxiliary fan will not kick on. Never the less, the vehicle always seems to smell like coolant.

Ive search for the passed few days and cant really find a thread that has a similar synopsis. Do any of you fine ladies and gentleman have any experience with this, or a thread in which the symptoms sound similar.

Any input is appreciated.

AGAIN I DID SEARCH, I am not new to forums. I try my darnedest before jumping in.

Thanks!