17 00 009 Checking cooling system for water leaks

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.

Special tools required:

17 0 002
17 0 005
17 0 007
17 0 008

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

Checking pressure drop in cooling system:

Remove cap on expansion tank. Attach special tool 17 0 002 / 17 0 005.

Build up gauge pressure of 1.5 bar, wait approx. 2 minutes.

Cooling system is impervious to leaks if pressure drop is max. 0.1 bar.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pressure relief valve in cap:

Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.

Attach special tool 17 0 007 / 17 0 008.

Fig 2: Detaching Rubber From Hand Pump

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw cap (1) onto special tool.

Build up pressure with special tool (hand pump) 17 0 002; observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.

Compare opening pressure of pressure relief valve.

Fig 3: Screwing Cap Onto Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking vacuum valve in cap

Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 007 and connect to vacuum hose of vacuum pump.

Feed vacuum pump with battery positive voltage.

Slowly apply partial vacuum to cap.

Compare opening pressure of vacuum valve.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Special tools required:

17 0 002
17 0 005
17 0 007
17 0 008

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

Checking pressure drop in cooling system:

Remove cap on expansion tank. Attach special tool 17 0 002 / 17 0 005.

Build up gauge pressure of 1.5 bar, wait approx. 2 minutes.

Cooling system is impervious to leaks if pressure drop is max. 0.1 bar.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pressure relief valve in cap:

Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.

Attach special tool 17 0 007 / 17 0 008.

Fig 2: Detaching Rubber From Hand Pump

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw cap (1) onto special tool.

Build up pressure with special tool (hand pump) 17 0 002; observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.

Compare opening pressure of pressure relief valve.

Fig 3: Screwing Cap Onto Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking vacuum valve in cap

Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 007 and connect to vacuum hose of vacuum pump.

Feed vacuum pump with battery positive voltage.

Slowly apply partial vacuum to cap.

Compare opening pressure of vacuum valve.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.