17 00 005 Draining and adding coolant (N52K)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, and 2007 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove underbody protection, see 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

WARNING: Danger of scalding!
Only carry out work on cooling system after engine has cooled down.

Recycling:

Catch and dispose of drained coolant.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 1: Coolant Expansion Tank And Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E83:

Open drain plug (1) on radiator.

Fig 2: Drain Plug On Radiator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open vent screw (1).

Fig 3: Vent Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Use only recommended coolant.

Operating Fluids MG17.

NOTE: Adhere to the following work sequence when adding coolant.

Switch ignition on
Seat heating to maximum temperature and fan to low speed (heater valves are opened and auxiliary water pump starts up).
Slowly fill expansion tank with coolant.
Close vent screw after bubble-free coolant emerges or after filling up to max. cold fill level.

Vent cooling system.