On all bmw models up through the late 90s the auxiliary or main fan is controlled by one or two thermostatic switches that are mounted into the radiator side or bottom tanks.
Bmw e39 aux fan relay.
Your problem is either the temperature sensor or the fan relay.
A unlike the older bmw models most models up through 1999 the auxiliary cooling fan on the later models is not just controlled by a coolant temperature.
I have 2001 530i bmw i plan to convert my clutch fan to elect fan the vendor told me that the elec fan will come in as push type but i can change it to pull type which one is better i also plan to leave the aux fan located in front of condenser because the fan is still working when a c is on what do you think.
For the bmw e39 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 model year.
The temperature sensor screws into the back of the radiator on the reservoir side.
Headlight motors relays and switches horns ignition relays and switches wiper and washer motors relays and switches wiring harnesses.
How to diagnose your fan if it s in working order for 10 1998 and up bmw e38 and e39 before this date have a resistor pack that can be changed to fix this i.
The switches turn on the fan at low speed and then high speed as the coolant temperature rises.
It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes and the aptitude and signal friends together with the devices.
So i am thinking that maybe all that needs to be replaced is the auxiliary fan switch aka temperature sensor part 13 62 1 433 077 which controls the operation of the auxiliary fan.
Fuse box in passenger compartment bmw e39.