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17 00 008 Draining and adding coolant (N54, N54T)

Special tools required: 

WARNING: Risk of scalding!
Only carry out repair work on the cooling system after the engine has cooled down!
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 part quantities of coolant, replace these quantities which have been drained with new coolant.

Installation note: 

Use only recommended coolant. See RADIATOR -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Observe mixture ratio. See RADIATOR -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Protective measures/rules of conduct: 

IMPORTANT: For dirt contamination of the cooling system (e.g. by engine oil), the cooling system must be rinsed with water until all dirt contamination is removed!
IMPORTANT: Risk of skidding due to coolant on the floor.
Danger of injury! 

Catch and dispose of drained coolant in drip tray (1) and if necessary special tool 00 2 030 (universal hydraulic lifting equipment).

Recycling: 

Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 030)
G05476170Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary work: 

Draining coolant: 

Open sealing cap (1) on coolant expansion tank (2).

Installation note: 

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

Fig 2: Locating Coolant Expansion Tank Sealing Cap
G04725828Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open coolant drain plug (1).

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation note: 

Unfasten and detach coolant hose (1) from thermostat housing.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 4: Identifying Coolant Hose From Thermostat Housing
G06175251Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: Adding coolant:

Use only recommended coolant. See RADIATOR -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Observe mixture ratio. See RADIATOR -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Observe CAPACITIES .

Observe bleeding instructions without fail. 

FILL AND BLEED COOLING SYSTEM .

Visual inspection of cooling system for tightness.