How you guys diagnosed the need for a new fan. my AC/heater is not working so I might be next in line

03/2003 E53 X5 4.4i M62 FB 33

I don't think the heater would stop working because of AUX fan. If anything, the heater would work better if the coolant is hotter. I noticed my car will operate at normal coolant temp while driving around town. But when I turned on the A/C it would start to overheat if I was at a standstill (with less air flowing over the radiator).

I obviously didn't use the A/C. I had my father (mechanic) test it out and Aux fan is receiving electricity and all the wiring is good, but the fan motor was just dead.

If you turn the car on, let it get to normal temp, then turn on the A/C, I believe the aux fan should just come on immediately. It may even come on directly with the a/c button on. Go out, open the hood and look in there. That would be a starting point.

Yep, that was how I worked mine out. The AUX fan never came on with the AC operating and the vehicle at standstill (which obviously was the only time I could visually check it).

Figured a new fan was cheap enough, and seemed to be a common fault, so took a punt.

It paid off.

Yup. Looks my issue too. Thanks guys

Got my radio back from pixel repair. Looks great. Total cost $118, quick removal/install and 5 days mailing back/forth.

http://i60.tinypic.com/28irksj.jpg

Used these guys:
BMW MID Multi Information Display Radio LCD Dead Pixel Repair E38 E39 E53 X5 - German Auto Recycling

This guy does the best instructions for removing the radio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvV8iut1nrw

Also, if anyone is interested, apparently this is the correct battery for the keys. I bought a different one on amazon and the little pieces on the battery are not in the correct orientation so you must modify it. With the new battery, I followed the normal reprogramming and now the doors open via remote no problem.

Rechargeable Battery for BMW Remote Key 2pcs-in Alarm Systems & Security from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

thanks for your time to tell us ,I`m sure there are some x5er`s here that need there pixels fixed or battery replaced.

Replaced a dead ccfl ballast. Had to modify the connections a bit but all is good now. I think the old one died prematurely because it had a bad connection and kept going on and off.

Tore apart a friends spare transfer case in preparation for a rebuild. Ordering a new chain and a seal kit.
Probably won't get started on the tear down of the x for a while though. Have to wait for parts and next weekend I have to do a timing chain job on a 7.