Auxiliary Fan (Compression Shroud) DIY [Air Conditioning] - Page 4

upallnight · #1 05-27-2014, 11:16 PM

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 · #2 05-28-2014, 12:40 AM

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 · #3 05-28-2014, 07:09 AM

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 · #4 05-28-2014, 01:12 PM

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 · #5 05-30-2014, 02:10 PM

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 · #6 05-30-2014, 03:12 PM

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

bobschultz · #7 06-02-2014, 09:38 PM

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 · #8 06-23-2014, 08:17 PM

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

Bimmer_Me_Up · #9 07-07-2014, 09:23 AM

Thank you for this write-up. I replaced my fan yesterday and my AC is now working like a champ.

tmacka88 · #10 01-08-2015, 03:30 AM

Hey guys,

I have a 2005 X5 3.0 Diesel. I got a replacement aux fan and was told that it fits but just needs to trim the new unit slightly.

Before I have gotten to that part I am stuck on removing the old aux fan. I have removed the front bumper etc and can move the fan down, but it gets stuck on what looks like the intercooler for the turbo. It sticks out 2/3 inch further than the radiator behind, therefore makes it quite hard to get the fan out. I pull the fan shroud out to the front but still not enough room for it to clear.

Just wondering if any one has come across this as well and what thje best solution is to removing it.

Cheers