What is this and should something be plugged into it??
 

Was installing my HID fogs the other day and while snooping around the engine I saw this "box" located just above the cooling fan that I am not sure what it is for. Also, it has a connector on one end with nothing connected to it. Anyone know what this is and if it should have something plugged into it?? (I know, I know, I need to clean the engine bay)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...s/HPIM0270.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f8...s/HPIM0269.jpg

sorry - dont know what it is. but what's the best thing to use to clean the engine bay? i need to do mine as well. and before i get the search suggestion - I'm going to do that now..

Most people I have seen use Simple Green or a similar degreaser.

thanks - just saw that in the posts.. will go to my local parts place and look for it. Was goin to ask - does that box have a part # on it?

any pictures on your HID fog light ??

Yep there are few sets of numbers on top - just thought someone might know immediately without having to do too much research.

Jumbosushi - no pics yet. I need to finish up the install and then I will get some taken. They are a good match to the factory xenons, but the main reason I wanted them is because I have not been able to find an H3 bulb that last more than a few months, so I am hoping the HIDs will eliminate that issue.

looks like it has to do with the electric cooling fan.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...lowerRelay.jpg

Thanks Zulu - I saw that wiring harness (X82) with the plug on it (not attached to anything) and tried to plug it into the box, but it just did not seem to fit right, so I left it unplugged just in case it wasn't supposed to be there. A few months ago I had the water pump, tstat and belt replaced, so maybe the shop just didn't get it plugged in good enough.

That little box is what used to be the control module for the fan. BMW had a recall bulletin some time ago that replaced that with a larger (functional!) unit that most dealers were zip tying to an area below it. Look around that area and below and see if there is a bigger control module attached to the harness in a non-factory style. That's the newer "upgraded" control module. my 01 X had this same thing.

Could not find any other control boxes. I was finally able to get the plug to stay in the end of the box and I could see where the wiring harness used to go - looks like the repair shop broke off the tabs that secured the harness in place, it probably dropped and in turn pulled the plug out of the control box.

FLX5Nut - how did you know about the replacement control unit - was it something BMW just did or did you see the car was running hot or you got warning lights, etc.???