1700039 Venting and filling cooling system with vacuum filling unit: Requirements

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cooling system expansion tank must be empty.
There must be sufficiently premixed coolant in the filling unit container, 1 - 2 liters more than the vehicle filling capacity.
- Use only RECOMMENDED COOLANT .
- Observe MIXTURE RATIO .
- Observe capacities.
Position the filling unit container at the same height as the coolant expansion tank.
Compressed-air connection with 6 bar pressure present.
Set vehicle heater to maximum temperature.

Select adapter (Y) according to table and connect to coolant expansion tank.

Connect filler unit to adapter connection (X).

Fig 1: Identifying Adapter And Filler Unit To Adapter Connection

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Shut-off valves (A) and (B) of the filling unit (1) must be closed.

X) Expansion tank connection

Fig 2: Identifying Filling Unit Shut-Off Valves

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Connect venturi nozzle (1) to filling unit (2).

X) Expansion tank connection

Fig 3: Connecting Venturi Nozzle To Filling Unit

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Connect compressed air (1).

X) Expansion tank connection

Fig 4: Connecting Compressed Air Line

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Open shut-off valve (B).

The venturi nozzle produces a flow noise.

Fig 5: Opening Shut-Off Valve

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Then open shut-off valve (A) until the filling hose (1) is free of bubbles.

Close shut-off valve (A) again. The filling hose (1) is vented in this way.

Fig 6: Opening And Closing Shut-Off Valve

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Shut-off valve (B) remains open. Generate vacuum in coolant system for approx. 2 minutes. The final vacuum is reached at a vacuum of -0.7 to -0.95 bar. Green scale on the vacuum meter.

NOTE: The coolant hoses contract during vacuum build-up.

Then close shut-off valve (B) again.

Fig 7: Identifying Shut-Off Valve

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Both shut-off valves (A) and (B) must be closed. Then seal Venturi nozzle (1).

Fig 8: Sealing Venturi Nozzle

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The cooling system must hold the vacuum for 30 seconds. If the needle in the vacuum meter falls, this indicates a leak in the cooling system.

If the vacuum remains constant, proceed with filling.

In event of leaks, check cooling system for leaks.

Fig 9: Testing Cooling System Vacuum

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IMPORTANT: There must be sufficiently premixed coolant in the filling unit container, 1-2 liters more than the vehicle filling capacity.
Position the filling unit container at the same height as the coolant expansion tank.

Fig 10: Opening Shut-Off Valve To Filling Unit Container

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Shut-off valve (B) remains closed during the filling process.

To fill the cooling system, open shut-off valve (A) to filling unit container.

Coolant is now added.

The filling process is finished when the needle in the vacuum meter is at 0 bar or no longer falls.

If necessary, reduce remaining vacuum. Open shut-off valve (B) to do so.

Fig 11: Identifying Shut-Off Valve

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Remove filling unit with adapter from expansion tank.

Adjust coolant level to max.

Close coolant expansion tank.

Fig 12: Adjusting Coolant Level To Max

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Check function of cooling system.

Check cooling system for leaks.