17 00 039 Venting cooling system and checking for water leaks (M57TU, M57T2)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

IMPORTANT: Protect alternator against coolant.
Cover alternator with suitable apparatus (risk of damage) .

Filling and venting instructions with auxiliary heater.

Switch off engine, coolant temperature ≤ 40°
Open cap on expansion tank (AGB)
Open vent screws.
- On EGR cooler thermostat
- On coolant return pipe
Switch ignition on
Seat heating to maximum temperature and fan to low speed (heater valves are opened and auxiliary water pump starts up)
Add coolant slowly
Close vent screws after coolant emerges or after filling up to max. cold fill level
Fill expansion tank to maximum cold fill level
Start engine and run at idle for 5 minutes (top up coolant to maximum cold fill level if required)
Close cap on expansion tank , press accelerator pedal several times to approx. 2500 rpm
Open cap on expansion tank , run engine at idle for a further 5 minutes (bubble-free coolant emerges at vent line in expansion tank)
Fill to maximum cold fill level
Top up expansion tank with an additional 250 ml
Close expansion tank cap

Addition instructions for cars with optional extra independent heating:

Switch off engine
Run independent heating for approx. 2 minutes
Start engine and run briefly at idle
Press accelerator pedal twice up to approx. 2500 rpm
Open cap on expansion tank and add coolant up to max. cold fill level
Top up expansion tank with an additional 250 ml

Check cooling system for leaks.