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

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

Aux fan
 

the aux fan pull out from under the bumper

I am trying to get it through the bottom, but it keeps hitting the intercooler underneath it which sticks out. Therefore there is not enough room to pull it down.

I was just wondering if that is normal or if it's a diesel problem?

Seeing that non of the gasoline E53 X has an intercooler I think this is a diesel problem.

OK I have the same Diesel X5 2006 and did this today. With the intercooler in the way you have to remove the steel bar which supports the plastic bumper and is the real steel bumper bar to get access. That big bar right across the front can be removed.

There are about 7 bolts on each side of the radiator and 2 underneath hold the bash bar and then you also have to remove the plastic vents that are pulling air into the engine bay. So it is more work but it gets you great access.

Infact it would work on all models this way. ok.

Also if you want to test your fan before removal the simplest way is to turn on the air con switch in the car and then remove the plug to the high pressure sensor switch on the air con line inside the engine bay.

If the auxiliary fan is good then it will turn on without the air con actually working.

Mine was broken but now I still cant get the compressor clutch to engage so that it looks like I will have to replace the compressor next.

And tmacka88 thanks for your post because it prepared me for what was going to happen. Without your post I would have spent more time thinking it could be done without removing the steel bumper and trying to move the intercooler.

Pictures of front without and with steel bumper.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ibfsoyw9k9...13.56.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jqqfi8jb81...54.56.jpg?dl=0

Before throwing parts at it, verify that the clutch coil for the compressor is receiving voltage to engage. If you have voltage, check the clutch coil to see that the coil circuit is good. Could be the air gap between the pulley and coil is more then allowed. Here's a video on the air gap and fixing it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNx0X4INfiw

Thanks for that was interesting and informative.

I want to check the voltage to the compressor but I was looking at it today and I can see and barely reach the socket connection. I cant see how it is held on and I have looked at images on the net of compressors and see the black sheath that it plugs into.

Do you just pull it straight back to unclip it or is there some unseen clip holding the male and female parts together.

There is probably a tab that you need to push in order to release the connector so that they come apart.

Here are a few photos of the plug.

First is position to show how tight it is to get your one hand in.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ysgn85b45c...15.33.jpg?dl=0

Second is a close up of the plug itself. Cant see any tabs.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/691816e9e4...13.15.jpg?dl=0

Third is a photo of the little wire at front leading to the magnetic clutch.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qfg7ilgk58...39.27.jpg?dl=0

Fourth is an image of a compressor.

http://static.schmiedmann.dk/Product..._93005_big.jpg

You can see the sheath the plug is going into.

I have tried pulling on it but it does not just come out and only having access with one hand makes it very hard.

Any ideas? Inside there is only one wire so the connection maybe a flat metal pin or a round metal pin. Seems to held in place into those slots on the sheath.