17 00 009 Checking cooling system for watertightness (N55, N63)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW 550i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT, 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive, and 2016 BMW 535i GT xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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: Supporting Coolant Drip Tray Using 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. Mount special tool (1) 17 0 101 and (2) 17 0 113 from the set of special tools 17 0 100 .

Build up excess pressure and wait approx. 2 minutes. See N55 ENGINE , N63 ENGINE , or N63O1 ENGINE .

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

Fig 2: Checking Pressure Drop In Cooling System

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 traces when the vehicle has cooled down. These toes do not indicate whether the sealing cap is defective or not. When the vehicle has been parked up for an extended period of time, the residual escaping coolant can cause the pressure relief valve in the sealing cap to stick; therefore check the sealing cap again 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 on sealing cap (1) to 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. See N55 ENGINE , N63 ENGINE , or N63O1 ENGINE .

Fig 3: Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Sealing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.