17 00 009 Checking cooling system for watertightness (N54, N63)

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Special tools required:

WARNING: Risk of scalding!
Only perform this repair work after engine has cooled down.

Protective measures/rules of conduct

Wear safety goggles
Wear protective gloves
Observe national/country-specific regulations

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 Drip Tray And Special Tool (00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pressure drop in cooling system

Open the sealing cap on the coolant expansion tank. Fit special tools (1) 17 0 101 and (2) 17 0 113 .

Build up EXCESS PRESSURE , wait approx. 2 minutes.

Cooling system is impervious to watertightness if pressure drop is max. 0.1 bar.

Fig 2: Checking Pressure Drop In Cooling System Using Special Tools (17 0 101 And 17 0 113)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pressure relief valve in sealing cap

NOTE: While the driving at high ambient temperatures, the design may cause the pressure relief valve in the sealing cap to open slightly and air together with dissolved coolant to escape. This coolant vapor condenses on the surface of the expansion tank and leaves toes when the vehicle has cooled down. These toes do not indicate whether the sealing cap is defective or not. When the vehicle has been in standstill for an extended period of time, the residual escaping coolant can cause the pressure relief valve in the sealing cap to stick; therefore repeat the test procedure for the sealing cap 2 to 3 times.
Replace the sealing cap only after you have checked three times and there is an incorrect opening pressure.

Checking pressure relief valve in sealing cap

Screw sealing cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 114 .

Build up pressure with special tool (hand pump) 17 0 101 ; observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.

Compare OPENING PRESSURE of pressure relief valve.

Fig 3: Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Sealing Cap Using Special Tool (17 0 101)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.