Auxiliary Fan (Compression Shroud) DIY [Air Conditioning]

[ssx5]

Hi, I am in the middle of replacing the Aux Fan on my 2005 E53.

I am stuck while trying to pull out the broken Aux fan. Searched and found a few helpful posts. Thank you all.

Most of the posts say that the bumper need not be taken out. But I had to take out the bumper and was brave enough to remove the cross member too.

At this point I have access to the fan and plenty of room to pull it out. Removed the two M6 bolts which I think are the only thing holding the fan.

But the problem is something is still holding the fan. Found the following illustration(assuming I can attach the image) on one of the manuals.

It is pointing to a 'COWL' in the installation section.
"Installation: Attach cowl of auxiliary fan to holders (1) on left and right."

Trying to figure out (reverse from the instructions) how to detach from the COWL.

Any help will be greatly APPRECIATED.

Thank you in advance.
Cheers !

******** I will also open a new thread since this is very old thread************

[bobschultz]

Keeping this thread alive, I'm replacing mine as well for an 2003 E53. There r a number of units available at pricing from $150 and up. What is the general feeling as to which to purchase? I'm considering a TYC for $198 because its a local shop. Appreciate any recommendations.

Bob

[upallnight]

I purchased a Behr which is an OEM manufacturer, but I believe Siemens is the supplier to BMW for the Aux Fan for our X. I would stay away from the made in China fan. The fan is not just a dc motor, but it is also the speed controller for the fan. The fan receives a digital modulate pulse from the DME and base on the pulse it know how fast to run the fan.

[mysweetx5]

Dont bother to buy nothing expensive specially when it comes to that fan, try to find one of the cheapest on ebay for probably less than $150 and just replace your fan easily. I bought mine nearly 2yrs now on ebay for $163 at the time. Every since, didn't do nothing but pushing me some cold freaking air , and keep my baby cool and fresh in the back.

[bobschultz]

Thanks for the feedback. I had asked as some posts indicated their fan sounded like a turbine during start up and wind down. I'll tackle this job over the weekend. Just finished the brakes.

[x5turtle]

I think sometimes getting a better replacement part which would reduce your chance of replacement in the future is a very bright idea. My fan lasted me 10 years and 170K, I don't know if my X is going to last another 10 years and 170K, but I definitely don't want to replace the Fan again... The behr fan is more expensive, but I think it will pay off if anything were to went wrong with the chinese fans.

[triodesteve]

Careful!!! Last year my mechanic replaced my condenser fan with a Behron my 2003. With in 30 minutes, the fan had locked up causing a short, and then a fire. Next thing I know the fireman walks into my business and asks if I have a green BMW. He should have said "had" as it was a total loss. And now my replacement 2004 needs the same part replaced (shocking I know!) He says he can't find a Behr anywhere, but maybe he's just a little freaked out....
I know from a quick search that I'm not the first one who has had this happen...
so be careful!
Steve

[bobschultz]

Just ordered a behr on e bay so it's going in Tuesday. At least I hope so. $360 including shipping.

[bobschultz]

Received the behr fan today and surprisingly it went in with little trouble. Lots of bolts on the bumper but it was pretty simple to take off and reinstall. You had to move the fan around a bit and use a long flathead screw driver to get the two top clips disengaged but a little wiggling and it popped out. Unclip the fan screen first as it makes it easier to remove and install. Also pull out the side plastic cowling on either side of the fan. Great DIY project and thanks for all the input as well as the past threads.

Bob

[Overboost]

Followed these instructions and replaced my auxiliary fan in 2 hours. Solved my AC problem. I want to personally thanks the OP for this helpful post