17 00 005 Draining and topping up coolant (M62, M54 and M57)

Recycling  Catch and dispose of drained coolant. Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Draining coolant: 

Separate coolant expansion tank (M62): 

Open cap on coolant expansion tank

Slacken vent plug on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 1: Opening Cap On Coolant Expansion Tank (Separate Coolant Expansion Tank)

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Integrated coolant expansion tank (M54/M57) 

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Slacken vent plug on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 2: Opening Cap On Coolant Expansion Tank (Integrated Coolant Expansion Tank)

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M62, M54 and M57. 

Remove reinforcement plate.

Release screws.

Remove underbody paneling (1).

Fig 3: Removing Underbody Paneling

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M62: 

Open drain plug at bottom of radiator.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation: 

Replace seal.

Tightening torque, refer to 17 11 2AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES - X5 (4.6L) .

Fig 4: Locating Drain Plug (M62)

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Open drain plug on right of engine block.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation: 

Replace seal.

Tightening torque, refer to 11 11 5AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - X5 (4.6L) .

Fig 5: Locating Drain Plug On Right Of Engine Block

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Adding coolant: 

Use only recommended coolant,

refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS MG17 .

1. Turn on ignition.
2. Set heating controller to maximum temperature
3. Set fan to low setting. This opens the heating valves and starts the auxiliary water pump.
4. Perform filling operation slowly.
5. Pour coolant into coolant expansion tank up to Max. cold fill level.
6. Close vent plug when bubble-free coolant emerges
7. Close coolant expansion tank.

Vent cooling system and check for leaks.