17 00 039 Venting cooling system and checking for watertightness (N20)

WARNING: Risk of scalding!
Open sealing cap only after engine has cooled down.

IMPORTANT: Electric coolant pump!
FOLLOW NOTES FOR CARRYING OUT REPAIR WORK ON THE COOLING SYSTEM .

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.

Only when refilling!

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

Observe mixture ratio. See RADIATOR -- OPERATING FLUIDS .

Perform filling operation slowly.

Adjust coolant level to maximum.

Fig 1: Locating Expansion Tank Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Close coolant expansion tank.

Installation note:

Close the sealing cap (1) until the arrows line up.

Fig 2: Locating Coolant Expansion Tank Sealing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: The following bleeding procedure is necessary e.g. when a part is replaced in the cooling system or when the cooling system is refilled.

Adding coolant:

Fill cooling system with VACUUM FILLING DEVICE .

Overview of bleeder screws in vehicles without high speed package.

Bleeder screw on radiator return hose.

Fig 3: Identifying Radiator Return Hose
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Venting cooling system:

Fill cooling system using the vacuum filling device, after completing the filling procedure, remove the vacuum filling device.
Overfill expansion tank (to below the tank ventilation line).
Open the bleeder screw on radiator return hose (1) until coolant emerges without bubbles and then close it again.
Close bleeder screw on expansion tank
Massage coolant hoses (supply and return radiator).
Connect battery charger.
Switch on ignition and low-beam headlight. Switch on the low-beam headlights to perform the bleeding procedure. If the low-beam headlights are not switched on, the ignition (Terminal 15) will switch off automatically after a certain period of time and interrupt the bleeding procedure.
FES (driving experience switch) must not be in ECO PRO!
Set heater to maximum temperature and turn blower down to lowest speed.
Press accelerator pedal for 10 seconds to floor. Engine must not be started.
The bleeding procedure is started when the accelerator pedal is pressed and takes approx. 12 minutes. (Electric coolant pump was activated and shuts down automatically after approx. 12 min).
Then adjust fluid level in coolant expansion tank to maximum level.
CHECK COOLING SYSTEM FOR WATERTIGHTNESS .
Close coolant expansion tank.
After the bleeding procedure, let the engine run until it is warm and the electric fan starts running.
If venting has to be carried out again (e.g. if cooling system is leaking), allow DME to fall completely (leave ignition key removed for approx. 3 min), then repeat from Point 3.

Installation note:

Close the sealing cap (1) until the arrows line up.

Fig 4: Locating Coolant Expansion Tank Sealing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.