BMW X1 Fan Failure Leads to Dangerous Overheating?

I had the exact same issue with my 2012 BMW X3 last year. The overheating and limp mode symptoms were identical. Turned out the cooling fan wasn't activating due to a faulty wiring connection at the control module. The mechanic found corroded terminals and a loose plug connection that was causing intermittent electrical failures. They had to replace the entire wiring harness for the cooling system since the corrosion had spread. While they were at it, they also replaced the fan control module as a precautionary measure. It wasn't a quick fix, but it completely solved the overheating problem. This was definitely a serious issue that needed immediate attention to prevent engine damage. My car's been running perfectly since the repair. I'd recommend getting it checked soon, as driving with an overheating engine can lead to bigger problems. The electric fan is a common culprit, but the wiring should be inspected too.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful since I've been worried about the potential damage. Would you mind sharing how much the repair set you back? Also curious if you've had any other cooling-related issues pop up since they fixed it? I want to get a sense of what I might be looking at cost-wise and whether this could just be part of a bigger problem.

Hey there! Happy to give you an update. After taking it to a mechanic last week, they confirmed it was indeed the electric fan system, just like I suspected in my first post. The issue turned out to be much simpler than what I experienced with my X3 last year. They found a damaged cable connection that was preventing the fan from working properly. The total repair only came to 95 € which was a huge relief compared to my previous repair that needed the whole wiring harness replaced. Since they fixed it, everything's been running perfectly, no more overheating warnings or limp mode issues. The temperature gauge stays right where it should be, even during longer drives. I can tell you from my experience, getting it fixed immediately was definitely the right call. I haven't had any other cooling-related problems pop up since then, and my X3 continues to run smoothly. Much better outcome than I initially feared when I first replied to your post! Sometimes we get lucky and it's just a simple fix rather than a major repair.

Thanks so much for all the updates! I actually just got back from the mechanic today. Took your advice and had them check it out right away. Just like in your case, it wasn't as bad as I initially feared. The mechanic found a damaged fan relay and some dirty connections that were causing the fan to malfunction. The total bill came to about €120, including parts and labor. They cleaned all the connections and replaced the relay. Did a test drive afterwards and everything's working perfectly now, no more overheating warnings or limp mode. The engine temperature stays steady, even when I'm stuck in traffic. Really glad I didn't put this off any longer. The mechanic also mentioned that catching it early probably saved me from more expensive repairs down the line. Think I've finally found a reliable mechanic too, they were upfront about everything and didn't try to push unnecessary repairs. Thanks again for helping me figure this out. It's such a relief to have this sorted without breaking the bank!