The fan is mounted between the radiator and the engine and is the main engine cooling fan.
Bmw e46 auxiliary fan relay location.
This relay location requires that the glovebox be removed for access.
While troubleshooting the e46 aux fan is outside the scope of this document i ll point out that the e46 design replaced the individual relays with a speed controller integrated with the fan.
Bmw models that do have an engine driven fan will also have an electric fan mounted in front of the radiator known as the auxiliary cooling fan.
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.
Various relays in the bmw e46 the first set of relays is located behind the glovebox.
Fuse box diagram location and assignment of electrical fuses and relays for bmw 3 series e46 316i 318i 318d 320i 320d 323i 325i 328i 330i 330d.
If the fuse is blown replace it and see what happens.
For cars from 1999 model year without headlight washers.
For the bmw 3 e46 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 model year.
To me it sounds like you re talking about the electric auxilary fan.
If the fan runs erratically continuously with the key removed from the ignition or not at all and the fuse is good the speed controller has.
This is the electrical fuse and relay box under the plastic cover in the passenger side rear of the engine bay.
Bmw e46 electric fan fix and troubleshooting testing fan signal on dme https youtu be rdibbrn3 30.
There is no engine driven mechanical fan.