[OURMANDAN]

I can't say for sure .. but technically your 01 should match the E46 info.

I am assuming you are aware that is a PWM driven fan . you can test is with INPA but it won't turn on just because you have power.
Other fanatics suggest you test each level inpa offers . Its difficult for me to swallow , but other fanatics say they've encounter a situation where fan level works, and another won't. So as mundane as it is, I suggest you test each level on the INPA test screen.

fuse map .. searchable with broswer "find"

 

[OURMANDAN]

PWM driven is correct. I’ve never used INPA, but I’m hoping it can help me narrow down what’s wrong.

As my air-conditioning works with the fan non-operational and I can’t figure out why it’s not turning on correctly, I may end up installing a switch in the cockpit to operate it. That or wiring in some type of temperature controlled sender.

You can't quite do that with just a switch. Such is the nature of pulse width modulation. See if it comes on with INPA. That is the key. If it comes on with INPA, then we know its not being triggered. If memory serves it is triggered based upon the temp sensor at the bottom of the radiator on the passenger side .. but resist the urge to do anything there until you test with inpa. You need to know if the fan works. For whatever its worth i just did the exact test with INPA. I have a few extra sensors so if you get to that point ask & I'll take a resistance reading for you, and you can test it.
Wither INPA or the hidden menu has the ability to display the temp of that sensor, which might be useful.

 

[OURMANDAN]

Definitely trying INPA before I do anything and I hopefully we can get the fan to run properly

Both my old fan and new fan run with 12 V applied directly to the motor and bypassing the control module.

If I install a switch, I would bypass the fan control module and wire directly to the motor.

I have a track event next weekend, so I want to make sure I have some kind of fan working, even if temporary.

I was not aware BME had one of those. I'm not sure what help INPA will be. If you want you can find a part number on that fan I'll look it up & see if there's anything more I do to help.

BTW .. I thought you might be interested in this .. at the top of the radiator on the passenger side have you noticed that little black box with a couple of wires coming out?
We've had our beamers 2 years & just lately I found out that is a stink detector! It has nothing to do with the radiator.. It just smells for bad odor and when one is detected it briefly closes the fresh air flap in the HVAC system so it doesn't get in the car.

I keep looking for a cow pasture near the road so I can if it works (laughing). In actuality I mention it just so you don't think it has anything to do with fan or radiator .. it does not.

At the bottom of the same side however is the coolant temp sensor. The DME uses that temp to manage the electric fan.

I'm suspicious your prior owner put a non bmw fan in that needs only 12V. That is not necessarily bad, but INPA won't see it.

 

[OURMANDAN]

I get it. But I still see a 3rd wire on there (the skinny one) and its likely that's a Pulse width Modulator wire (PWM) The common way to check that is with an oscilloscope .. but you can read it with a cheap analog voltmeter easily (it needs to be analog they have it at lowes .. about 15.00)
but i doubt you'll need it with INPA.