17 00 005 Draining and adding coolant

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2008 MINI Cooper, 2007 MINI Cooper, 2006 MINI Cooper, 2005 MINI Cooper, and 2004 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Work on the cooling system may only be carried out on the engine after it has cooled down.

Recycling:

Catch and dispose of drained coolant.

Comply with the waste disposal regulations applicable in the relevant countries.

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

After adding coolant, vent cooling system and check for leaks.

Refer to appropriate article about venting cooling system and checking for leaks.

Draining Coolant:

Unscrew pressure relief cap (1) from filler neck.

Fig 1: View Of Pressure Relief Cap

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove underbody protection. Refer to 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION (ENGINE) .

Disconnect lower hose connection on radiator (1).

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 2: Locating Lower Hose Connection

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release connection of heater hose (1).

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 3: Identifying Connection Of Heater Hose

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release vent screw (1) in heating distributor pipe.

Fig 4: View Of Vent Screw In Heating Distributor Pipe

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release vent screw (1) in upper radiator hose.

The cooling system is vented during filling.

Fig 5: Locating Vent Screw In Upper Radiator Hose

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adding Coolant:

Pour in coolant at filler neck (1).

Tighten down vent screws as soon as coolant emerges.

Tightening torque, refer to 17 00 1AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES - COOPER .

Pour in coolant at filler neck until level reaches lower sealing surface (no bubbles visible).

Fig 6: Identifying Filler Neck

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fill expansion tank up to maximum level (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Maximum Level Of Expansion Tank

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Start engine and run at idle; top up coolant at filler neck if level drops.

Continue running engine until liquid level stops dropping.

Switch off engine.

Top up coolant at filler neck to lower sealing surface.

Top up expansion tank to maximum level (if necessary).

NOTE: Before filling, turn on ignition and set heating control to maximum temperature. Set fan to slow setting. Add coolant slowly.

Use only approved coolant.