17 00 005 Draining off and topping up coolant (M54)

Recycling 

Catch and dispose of drained coolant.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• E85: Remove radiator cover  . See Removing Radiator Cover  .
• Remove engine underbody protection.

Draining coolant: 

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 1: Opening Coolant Expansion Tank

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open drain plug (1) on radiator at bottom.

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Open drain plug (2) on coolant expansion tank at bottom.

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Installation: 

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque, see 17 11 2AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Draining Coolant From Radiator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open drain plug (1) on engine block.

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Installation: 

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque, see 11 11 5AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Opening Drain Plug On Engine Block

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adding coolant: 

Open vent screw (1).

Fig 4: Releasing Vent Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Before filling:

• Switch ignition on.
• Set heater control to maximum temperature.
• Set fan to low setting. This opens the heating valves.

Perform filling operation slowly.

Close vent screw when bubble-free coolant emerges. Fill coolant expansion tank to max. cold fill level. Marking (2) is then on a level with upper edge of coolant expansion tank.

Vent cooling system  and check for leaks. See 17 00 039 Venting Cooling System And Checking For Leaks (M54 / M56)  .

Fig 5: Identifying Coolant Filling Level

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.