17 00 005 Draining and adding coolant (N54)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X6, 2009 BMW X6, and 2008 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 2 030

See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

WARNING: Danger of scalding!
These tasks on the cooling system should only be carried out on an engine that 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 partial quantities of coolant, replace these quantities which have been drained with new coolant.

Installation:

Use only recommended coolant . See COOLING SYSTEM - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Observe mixture ratio . See COOLING SYSTEM - OPERATING FLUIDS .

Protective measures/rules of conduct:

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

IMPORTANT: Risk of slipping 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 lifter).

Recycling:

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (00 2 030)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Follow instructions for working on cooling system
Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove INTAKE DUCT .

Unclip Bowden cable for engine compartment lid operation from crossbrace transverse reinforcement (1). Detach A/C line from bracket. Release screws on left and right sides. Tightening torque 51 71 4AZ . Remove transverse reinforcement (1).

Fig 2: Locating Cross-Brace

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Draining coolant:

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

Installation:

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

Fig 3: Identifying Coolant Expansion Tank Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open coolant drain plug (1).

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 4: Identifying Coolant Hose

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With supplementary radiator:

Open coupling on coolant hose below intercooler.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 5: Identifying Coolant Hose

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Adding coolant:
Use only recommended coolant .
Observe mixture ratio . See COOLING SYSTEM - OPERATING FLUIDS .
Observe filling capacities . See COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA (N54) .
Observe venting instructions without fail.
Fill and vent cooling system