fan noise at temp and/or ac on

[poltroon]

So the fan seems to be (near?) dead, the noise is virtually unbearable. When the car gets to 50%(ish) temp and/or I have the ac on, the fan comes on. At which point the most horrendous noise starts and doesnt go off untill the car cools and/or ac goes off.

Assuming the thing is shot, which it seems fairly obvious it is, does someone have experiance with its replacement that might offer a tip or two? Perhaps a good spot to get a new (used?) one?

I've got a book, but, experiance > first try. (mind you, im fairly handly with wrenches... but, havent had a reason to crack at the guts of the baby bimmer yet..)

thanks in advance,
-= jim =-