KyleB

I'll double check, but I doubt that's the problem. The only modules I've been into in terms of changing parameters is CAPPL, KOMBI, and LCM, and adding a couple of things to the VO. Honestly I think this fan has been gradually kicking the bucket since the day I bought the car. I'm going to go to the dealer today and order a fan. They take care of me up there so it's actually cheaper than what I could find online.

markinnaples

Any luck replacing the fan?
My 2004 545i with 66k miles has a fan that isn't spinning at all. Fuses OK, no codes.
The E60 is new to me so I'm running blind here. Any thoughts as to what I could check? Thanks.

KyleB

yes I replaced my fan. all is well.

there is no outboard relay for the fan. if the fuse is OK, your fan is likely toast. speed is controlled by a PWM signal directly from the ECM, so there really isn't much to check. if you have access to INPA, DIS, or even a multimeter that can measure a PWM signal you can check to see if the PWM signal is present. if you don't have access to any of these things you can roll the dice and replace the fan. they're not cheap, and failure is not uncommon.

good luck.

markinnaples

Kyle, thanks for the update, I appreciate it. I like your explanation about how simple the circuit is (and in some ways thats good, I suppose). Where did you get your replacement? I've found a few sources and one for a somewhat reasonable ~$250 that I might go with. Again, thanks.

KyleB

I have a wholesale account at my dealer, I got a new factory part. I had 'heard' stories of aftermarket fans not working properly, although they could very well be old wives tales with no substance to back them up.

markinnaples

Gotcha. Thanks again.

markinnaples

OK, I replaced the fan and no dice; still isn't working. I probably should have changed the sensor first, but for some reason I just didn't so now that's next. Stupid.

KyleB

Take it to a shop and have them check for PWM signal at the fan connector. Also don't kick yourself for replacing that fan; it was 13 years old, and you may have just prevented yourself from getting stranded.

BMWs seem to be getting more and more complex with more and more parts that can be replaced for preventive measures. My E30 gets a new timing belt and water pump every 4 years; I don't wait for the belt to snap or the water pump to let go, I do it so I don't end up on the side of the road. These electric cooling fans seem to fail almost without warning, especially as they get old. True, it didn't fix your problem, but at 13 years old it was on borrowed time.

Again, check for PWM signal at the connector. shouldn't cost you much to do that. good luck, please report back when you get this resolved.

markinnaples

Thanks for the morale boost, lol. I'll do that and I do appreciate your help.