17 00 039 Venting Cooling System And Checking For Coolant Leaks (N52K)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger of scalding!
Open sealing cap only after engine has cooled down.

IMPORTANT: Electric coolant pump! Follow instructions for working on cooling system.

IMPORTANT: Lifetime coolant filling: Never reuse used coolant! When replacing and removing components which rely on the corrosion protection effect of the coolant, it is essential to change the coolant. The cooling system must therefore be drained and refilled. In the case of other removal work involving the draining of partial quantities of coolant, replace these quantities which have been drained with new coolant.

Only when refilling!

Use only recommended coolant.

Observe mixture ratio.

Perform filling operation slowly.

Adjust coolant level to MAX.

Close coolant expansion tank.

Installation:

Close cap (1) until the arrow marks line up.

Fig 1: Identifying Coolant Level

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: The following venting procedure is necessary e.g. when a part is replaced in the cooling system or when the cooling system is refilled.

Adding coolant:

Fill expansion tank slowly with recommended coolant up to lower edge until fill level stops dropping.

Observe mixture ratio.

Venting cooling system:

NOTE: Do not leave the coolant expansion tank cap open during the venting procedure.

Connect battery charger.
Switch on ignition.
Set heater to maximum temperature and turn fan down to lowest speed.
Press accelerator pedal for 10 seconds to floor. Engine must not be started.
The venting procedure is started when the accelerator pedal is pressed and takes approx. 12 minutes. (Electric coolant pump was activated and shuts down automatically after approx. 12 minutes).
Then top up fill level in coolant expansion tank using measuring container with 300 ml above max.
Check cooling system for leaks.
If venting has to be carried out again (e.g. if cooling system is leaking), allow DME to fall completely (leave ignition key removed for approx. 3 minutes), then repeat from Point 2.

Close coolant expansion tank.

Installation:

Close cap (1) until the arrow marks line up. See 17 00 009 Checking Cooling System For Water Leaks