BMW X1 Overheating: Radiator Fan Issues & Solutions

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars, and I dealt with a similar issue on my 2018 BMW X3 last summer. The symptoms you're describing sound very familiar. Initially thought it was just the fan too, but turned out the speed sensor was defective, which was causing the fan control system to malfunction. Took it to my workshop and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. Total repair cost me 250 Euro, including parts and labor. Worth every penny since it solved the overheating completely. Before I can give you more specific advice, could you share: Does the fan not work at all, or does it work intermittently? Any other warning lights besides the check engine? Have you noticed any coolant leaks? Also, as a BMW X1 owner, check if you're still under warranty, might save you some money there. I've also owned an X5, so I'm quite familiar with how these cooling systems work. Let me know those details and I can help point you in the right direction.

Thanks for the detailed response! My X1 just hit 82380 KM and had its latest service two months ago. The fan works intermittently, sometimes kicks in at startup but mostly stays silent even when the engine's running hot. No coolant leaks that I can spot, and it's just the check engine light showing. Unfortunately, my warranty expired a few months back. The timing's just perfect, right? Your experience with the speed sensor issue is really helpful, I was just focusing on the fan itself and hadn't considered the sensors could be the culprit. Did you notice any specific symptoms before your sensor completely failed? I'm trying to figure out if I'm dealing with the same problem before heading to the workshop.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your X1. You know what's funny? That's exactly how mine started acting up too, that intermittent fan behavior is like déjà vu. Yeah, before my speed sensor completely gave up, I noticed the fan would out of nowhere kick in at startup (just like yours), and then decide to take unusual breaks when it should've been working hard. Really nerve-wracking, especially during longer drives. My car had about 78000 KM when this started happening, so pretty close to your mileage. Here's what sealed the deal for me to suspect the sensor, the fan would sometimes work perfectly fine in the morning, then act up later in the day. The workshop explained that temperature sensors can get "confused" when they start failing, sending wrong signals to the fan control module. Quick tip from my experience, while you're waiting to get it checked, keep an extra close eye on your temperature gauge, especially during stop-and-go traffic. That's when I noticed mine struggling the most. Since you mentioned getting it serviced two months ago, might be worth giving them a call too. Sometimes these issues can be related to recent work, and some shops will cut you a deal if that's the case. Just throwing that out there since I wish someone had told me that back then! Want me to share what specific tests my mechanic ran to diagnose it? Might help you know what to expect when you take it in.

Thanks so much for all this info, it's incredibly reassuring to hear your experience matches mine so closely! Yes, please share those diagnostic tests your mechanic ran. I just called my service center, and they can see me tomorrow morning. They mentioned they'll run a full diagnostic scan, but I'd like to know what specific tests worked for you so I can discuss them. You're right about the stop-and-go traffic situation, I've been babying the car and keeping a constant eye on the temp gauge. The morning/daytime difference you mentioned is spot on too. Mine's been more predictable in cooler morning drives but gets fussy by afternoon. I'll definitely mention the speed sensor possibility to them. At least now I won't walk in completely blind, and I have a better idea of what the cost might be. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's exactly the kind of firsthand insight I was hoping for when I posted this question!