17 00 005 Draining and adding coolant (M54, M56)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Danger of scalding! These tasks on the cooling system should only be carried out on an engine that has cooled down!

Recycling:

Catch and dispose of drained coolant.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

NOTE: Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Use only recommended coolant.

Draining Coolant:

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 1: Identifying Cap On Coolant Expansion Tank

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove front underbody protection. See 51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01)

Grip radiator adjusting screw (2) and undo drain plug (1) on radiator at bottom.

Fig 2: Removing Drain Plug On Radiator At Bottom

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation:

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque: 2.5 N.m.

Open drain plug (1) on engine block. Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation:

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque: 25 N.m.

Fig 3: Opening Drain Plug On Engine Block

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adding Coolant:

The procedure is described in Venting cooling system and checking for leaks, refer to 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (M54 / M56) .