Sorry for being totally off topic,

quick question. Does you aux fan only run when the engine temp is up to its running temp or does it run all the time?

 

Pass, next question please..... I'd personally suspect it kicks in when extra cooling is needed. Otherwise mine would have ran hot (which it doesn't). Has never gone over half way.

Naturally gonna get it fixed.... assume I'm safe enough to drive, just keep an eye on temp. Get it booked in with mechanic for during the week. Also need to find out root cause for it snapping too.... hopefully nothing too sinister or costly.

 

Bearing has collapsed in it, common enough prob on the E39. Get it done asap, it only kicks in really in traffic so should be fine to drive it to your local mechanic.

Btw don't use your AC as that fan is also switches on when you put on the Ac to cool that AC rad.

 

Is it not a viscus fan? In colder weather it shouldnt be an issue but for good measure, get it changed and again, not a big job to do.

 

Sorry for the mini-hijack but in my E39 when I have the blower on and if I turn left I hear a little whine,only left and while the blower is on. This be a similar issue related to the fan maybe??

 

No idea, wild guess... engine mount? Haven't got a clue to be honest

 

Is it the fan that is belt driven if so check your water pump as this pully/belt also drives the pump and the fan and as some of the blades were damaged it may affect the balancing causing damage to the pump bearings .My pump shat itself a few weeks ago , I was lucky that I only had to replace the pump , belt and expansion bottle , and not the complete system.