Special tools required:

• 51 3 057

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

E46: 

Remove heater bulkhead. See 51 71 080 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEATER BULKHEAD

E46 M43TU only: 

Remove cylinder head.

E46 M47, M47TU only: 

Remove complete wiper console.

Remove air cleaner element. See

E46 M52TU, M54 only: 

Remove engine cover. 11 62 140 REMOVING AND INSTALLING BOTH EXHAUST MANIFOLDS WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (M52TU / M54 / M56)

E46 M57 only: 

Remove intake air manifold.

E46 N42 only: 

Remove cylinder head.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

E46 S54 only: 

Remove intake air manifold. See 11 61 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INTAKE AIR MANIFOLD (S54)

Detach hose (1) in direction of arrow from fitting (2).

Remove cover strip (3) in direction of arrow from guide (4).

Fig 1: Removing Cover Strip In Direction Of Arrow From Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull lock (1) in direction of arrow and feed out flap (2).

Fig 2: Feeding Out Flap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip retainers (1).

Unscrew bolt (2).

Feed out fan cover (3).

Fig 3: Feeding Out Fan Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Pull out fan cover (2).

Installation: 

Make sure fan cover (2) is correctly seated.

Fig 4: Removing Fan Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten plug connection and disconnect.

Release retainer with special tool 51 3 057.

Fig 5: Releasing Retainer With Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Bridge (1) must snap into place in opening (2) of fan motor.

Fig 6: [Bridge must snap into place in opening of fan motor]

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove fan for heater - A/C unit towards front.

Installation: 

Make sure fan for heater - A/C unit is correctly seated.

Fig 7: Removing Fan For Heater - A/C Unit Towards Front

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.