17 00 005 Draining and topping up coolant

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: After filling the cooling system, vent the system and check for leaks,
refer to 17 00 039 BLEEDING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR WATER LEAKS .

Drain coolant

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

Recycling

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

Unfasten cap on expansion tank.

Fig 1: Unfastening Cap On Expansion Tank

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M62

Unfasten cap on expansion tank.

Release vent screw.

Fig 2: Releasing Vent Screw

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If necessary, remove front underbody protection.

Unscrew drain plug at bottom of radiator.

Installation

Replace seal.

Tightening Torque,

refer to 17 11 2AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 540i .

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 3: Unscrewing Drain Plug At Bottom Of Radiator

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M62

If necessary, remove front underbody protection.

Cars with automatic transmissions:

Turn hose plug (1) to left and detach towards bottom.

Cars with manual transmission:

Remove drain plug at bottom of radiator.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 4: Turning Hose Plug

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Unfasten drain plug on engine block.

M62

Remove drain plugs on left and right of engine block.

Installation

Replace seal.

Tightening Torque,

refer to 11 11 5AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 540i .

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Fig 5: Removing Drain Plugs

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Top up coolant

Slacken vent plug (2) on expansion tank.

Fig 6: Slackening Vent Plug

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On vehicles with M52 engines, also unfasten additional vent screw.

Fig 7: Unfastening Additional Vent Screw

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On cars with latent heat accumulators, do not turn on ignition when filling cooling system.

Follow venting procedure,

refer to 64 12 VENTING LATENT HEAT ACCUMULATOR (LWS) .

NOTE: Before filling:

Switch on ignition.
Set heater control to maximum temperature.
Set blower to low setting. This opens the heating valves and sets the auxiliary water pump in operation.

Perform filling operation slowly.

Fill up expansion tank fully and wait until bubble-free coolant emerges from vent point. Close vent plugs.

Fig 8: Filling Expansion Tank Slowly

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NOTE: Use only recommended coolant, refer to OPERATING FLUIDS - RADIATOR .

M62

NOTE: Before filling:

Switch on ignition.
Set heater control to maximum temperature.
Set blower to low setting. This opens the heating valves and sets the auxiliary water pump in operation.

Perform filling operation slowly.

Fill up expansion tank fully and wait until bubble-free coolant emerges from vent point. Close vent plugs.

NOTE: Use only recommended coolant, refer to OPERATING FLUIDS - RADIATOR .

Fig 9: Ensuring Ball On Float Needle Is On Same Level As Top Edge Of Expansion Tank

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