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17 00 005 Draining Off And Topping Up Coolant (S54)

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WARNING: Danger of scalding! Only carry out work on cooling system after engine has cooled down.

Recycling: 

Catch and dispose of drained coolant.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 . . . INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM. .

Release screws (1).

Remove front underbody protection.

Fig 1: Locating Front Underbody Protection Screws
G03118465Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cars With Reinforcement Plate: 

Remove reinforcement plate.

Lower car to such an extent that coolant drip tray can still just be slid underneath.

Draining Coolant: 

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 2: Opening Cap On Coolant Expansion Tank
G03118466Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release expansion rivets (1).

Remove intake hood (2) and intake pipe (3) in direction of arrow.

Remove fan cowl. Refer to 17 11 031 REPLACING FAN COWL (S54) .

Fig 3: Identifying Expansion Rivets
G03118467Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull retaining clip (1) upwards and detach coolant hose (2) from radiator.

Fig 4: Locating Retaining Clip And Coolant Hose From Radiator
G03118468Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull retaining clips (1) and (2) upwards and detach coolant hoses (3) and (4) from radiator.

Installation: 

Check O-rings. Do not under any circumstances coat O-rings with antiseize agent.

Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.

Fig 5: Identifying Retaining Clip And Coolant Hoses
G03118469Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open drain plug on engine block.

Installation: 

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque, (25 N.m.).

Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.

Fig 6: Opening Drain Plug On Engine Block
G03118470Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adding Coolant: 

No bleed screws on radiator and thermostat housing!

The cooling system is vented during the filling procedure.

NOTE: The vent plug on the radiator feed connection must not be opened for venting. Before filling, turn on ignition. Set heating controller to maximum temperature. Set blower to low setting. In this way, the heater valves are opened and the auxiliary delivery pump fitted if necessary operates. Perform filling operation slowly. Top up coolant until the fill-level indicator in the expansion tank is at the top edge. Seal off expansion tank. Allow engine to warm up until thermostat opens. Allow car to cool down until coolant temperature drops below 30° C. Open sealing cap on expansion tank slowly in order to gradually reduce residual pressure. Correct fill level until fill level indicator is at top edge of expansion tank (see illustration on top side of expansion tank).
Fig 7: Identifying Fill Level Of Expansion Tank
G03118471Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: Use only recommended coolant. Vent cooling system and check for leaks. Refer to 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (S54) .