17 11 509 Flushing radiator

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5, 2002 BMW X5, and 2001 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If oil has penetrated the coolant circuit, you must flush the radiator and coolant expansion tank with cleaning agent, refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .

CAUTION: When working on the oil, coolant or fuel circuit, protect the alternator against contamination (not applicable to alternators with coolant jackets). Cover alternator with suitable materials. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in an alternator malfunction.

Separate Coolant Expansion Tank:

Remove radiator. Refer to 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M62, M54 AND M57) .

Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54/M57) .

Integral Coolant Expansion Tank:

Remove radiator. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) .

Prepare approx. 2 liters of cleaning agent.
Fill radiator and coolant expansion tank and shake well. Wait a few minutes until oil has separated.
Drain radiator and coolant expansion tank.
Reinstall cleaned radiator and if necessary coolant expansion tank.
Fill entire cooling system (heating control to "warm") with hot water and thoroughly flush by changing water several times.
Check drained flushing fluid for traces of oil. If necessary, repeat Procedure 5.

After cleaning procedure, top up coolant. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) .