Filling the coolant circuit with the vacuum filling equipment

Vacuum filling equipment

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Vacuum filling equipment - connected to the high-temperature coolant expansion tank

Precondition

The coolant expansion tank for the cooling system must be empty. The fluid tank of the vacuum filling equipment must have a sufficient quantity of pre-mixed coolant, 1 l to 2 l more than the specified capacity for the vehicle. The fluid tank of the vacuum filling equipment must be positioned at the same height as the coolant expansion tank. The compressed air connection must have a pressure of 7 bar. Ignition is switched off.

The vacuum filling equipment must be functional and free of dirt.

NOTE: Notes for working on the engine cooling system.
For additional information see: NOTES FOR WORKING ON THE COOLING SYSTEM .

NOTE: Immobilization period-long fill of coolant!
Do not reuse used coolant.
The coolant must be replaced when replacing and removing components which depend on the anti-corrosion effect of the coolant. The cooling system must therefore be emptied and refilled.
In the case of other removal work involving the draining of part quantities of coolant, the coolant level must be topped up with new coolant.

NOTE: Filling without the vacuum filling equipment (watering can filling) is not permitted.
Failure to observe these instructions may result in component or engine damage.
The filling specification must be observed.
It is essential to visually check the vacuum filling equipment before use to check that it is functioning correctly and clean.
It is not permissible to operate the vehicle if the filling procedure has not been fully completed. Otherwise there may be functional limitations (degradation) or overheating.
A bleeding procedure is required after a part has been exchanged in the cooling system and/or after refilling the cooling system.

NOTE: It must be ensured that the ignition (terminal 15) is switched off before filling with the vacuum filling equipment.

NOTE: When using vacuum filling equipment to fill the coolant circuit, you must use the special tool 5 A31EF2 (strainer) to protect the inside of the coolant circuit from contaminants.

Connect special tool (2) 5 A31 EF2 to the vacuum filling equipment (1).
Connect the special tool (2) with the appropriate adapter (3) from the set of special tools 0 494 417 (17 0 100) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Select a suitable adapter (Y) from the set of special tools 0 494 417 (17 0 100) :

Type	Engine	Adapter (Y) from 17 0 100
F56/F55/F56/F57/F60	B36, B38, B46, B48, B37, B47	17 0 109

Fill the fluid tank of the vacuum filling equipment with 1 l to 2 l more than the filling capacity of coolant specified for the vehicle.

TECHNICAL DATA SPECIFICATIONS

Coolant filling quantity in the cooling system
	B38A15M1, B38A15U1, B36A15M1 with manual transmission without auxiliary radiator	6.75 l
	B38A15M1, B38A15U1, B36A15M1 with manual transmission with auxiliary radiator	7.45 l
	B38A15M1, B38A15U1, B36A15M1 with automatic transmission without auxiliary radiator	7.0 l
	B38A15M1, B38A15U1, B36A15M1 with automatic transmission with auxiliary radiator	7.7 l
	B38A15M1, B38A15U1, B36A15M1 with DCT without auxiliary radiator	7.1 l
	B38A15M1, B38A15U1, B36A15M1 with DCT with auxiliary radiator	7.8 l

Connect the selected adapter (Y) to the coolant expansion tank.
Connect the vacuum filling equipment on the connection (X) of the adapter.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check whether the shutoff valves (A) and (B) of the vacuum filling equipment (1) are closed.
Connect and lock connection (X) to the coolant expansion tank.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Connect Venturi nozzle (1) to the vacuum filling equipment (2).
(X) is the connection on the coolant expansion tank.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Connect compressed air (1).
(X) is the connection to the coolant expansion tank.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Open shutoff valve (B).
The venturi nozzle generates a flow noise.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Open shutoff valve (A) until the filling hose (1) is full without bubbles.
Close the shutoff valve (A) again.
» The filling hose (1) has now been bled.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check the coolant hoses for porosity and, if necessary, replace them.
NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
During vacuum build-up, the coolant hoses will contract.
After a vacuum of -0.8 to -0.95 bar has been reached in the coolant circuit (duration approximately 2 minutes), close the shutoff valve (B).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check whether shutoff valves (A) and (B) are closed.
Disconnect the Venturi nozzle (1).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check

The vacuum in the coolant circuit must be maintained for at least 2 minutes.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Result

» Vacuum drops.

Measure

Search for leaks, repair them, and start the filling procedure from the beginning.

Check

The vacuum in the coolant circuit must be maintained for at least 2 minutes.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Result

» Vacuum remains constant.

Measure

Continue with filling.

Keep shutoff valve (B) closed during the filling process.
To fill the cooling system, open shutoff valve (A) to the fluid tank of the vacuum filling equipment.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Stop the filling procedure when the needle in the pressure tester is on 0 bar or it no longer drops.
If necessary, reduce remaining vacuum. To do so, open the shutoff valve (B).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the vacuum filling equipment with the adapter from the coolant expansion tank.
Adjust the coolant level to 400 ml above the maximum mark.
After filling the engine cooling system with the vacuum filling equipment, also carry out the cooling system bleeding procedure.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.