17 00 . . . Instructions For Working On Cooling System.
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Work on the cooling system should only be carried out when the engine has cooled down. |
| CAUTION | When working on the oil, coolant or fuel circuit, you must protect the alternator against contamination. Cover alternator with suitable materials. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in an alternator malfunction. |
| CAUTION | Open cooling system only when it has cooled down. Opening the cooling system while hot can result in air entering the system. This can cause overheating with permanent damage to the engine. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Instructions For Disassembly/Assembly Of Coolant Hose Fast-Release Couplings
Disassembly Of Fast-Release Coupling
Withdraw lock (1/2), disconnect hose.
Scheme 6
Installation
Check O-rings (1).
Do not coat O-rings (1) with antiseize agent.
Scheme 7
Assembly Of Fast-Release Coupling
Press in lock (1) before installing fast-release coupling.
Push on hose.
Fast-release coupling must audibly snap into place.
Scheme 8
17 00 005 Draining Off And Topping Up Coolant (S54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only carry out work on cooling system after engine has cooled down. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 . . . INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM. .
Release screws (1).
Remove front underbody protection.
Scheme 9
Cars With Reinforcement Plate
Remove reinforcement plate.
Lower car to such an extent that coolant drip tray can still just be slid underneath.
Draining Coolant
Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 10
Release expansion rivets (1).
Remove intake hood (2) and intake pipe (3) in direction of arrow.
Remove fan cowl. Refer to 17 11 031 REPLACING FAN COWL (S54) .
Scheme 11
Pull retaining clip (1) upwards and detach coolant hose (2) from radiator.
Scheme 12
Pull retaining clips (1) and (2) upwards and detach coolant hoses (3) and (4) from radiator.
Installation
Check O-rings. Do not under any circumstances coat O-rings with antiseize agent.
Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.
Scheme 13
Open drain plug on engine block.
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Tightening torque, (25 N.m.).
Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.
Scheme 14
Adding Coolant
No bleed screws on radiator and thermostat housing!
The cooling system is vented during the filling procedure.
Note. The vent plug on the radiator feed connection must not be opened for venting. Before filling, turn on ignition. Set heating controller to maximum temperature. Set blower to low setting. In this way, the heater valves are opened and the auxiliary delivery pump fitted if necessary operates. Perform filling operation slowly. Top up coolant until the fill-level indicator in the expansion tank is at the top edge. Seal off expansion tank. Allow engine to warm up until thermostat opens. Allow car to cool down until coolant temperature drops below 30° C. Open sealing cap on expansion tank slowly in order to gradually reduce residual pressure. Correct fill level until fill level indicator is at top edge of expansion tank (see illustration on top side of expansion tank).
Scheme 15
Note. Use only recommended coolant. Vent cooling system and check for leaks. Refer to 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (S54) .
17 00 009 Checking Cooling System For Water Leak
Note. For Special Tool identification, see COOLING SYSTEM - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (E46/S54) .
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.
Scheme 16
Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Cap
Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.
Attach special tool 17 0 007/17 0 008.
Scheme 17
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. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA .
Scheme 18
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.
Scheme 19
17 00 010 Checking For Leaks Between Cooling System And Combustion Chamber
| CAUTION | Checking for leaks while the engine is running creates the risk of engine overheating. Observe coolant temperature. |
Scheme 20
Check for leaks with CO leak tester.
Follow equipment manufacturer's operating instructions.
17 00 039 Venting Cooling System And Checking For Leaks (S54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Open sealing cap only after engine has cooled down. |
No vent plugs on radiator and thermostat housing.
The cooling system is vented during the filling procedure.
Note. The vent plug on the radiator feed connection must not be opened for venting. Before filling, turn on ignition. Set heating controller to max. temperature. Set blower to low level. In this way, the heater valves are opened and the auxiliary delivery pump fitted if necessary operates. Perform filling operation slowly. Top up coolant until fill level indicator in expansion tank is at top edge. Seal off expansion tank. Allow engine to warm up until thermostat opens. Allow car to cool down until coolant temperature drops below 30° C. Open sealing cap on expansion tank slowly in order to gradually reduce residual pressure.
Scheme 21
Correct fill level until fill level indicator is at top edge of expansion tank
Note. Use only recommended coolant. Check cooling system for leaks. Refer to 17 00 009 CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR WATER LEAKS .
17 00 009 Checking Cooling System For Water Leaks
17 11 000 Removing And Installing Radiator (S54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
Note. Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 . . . INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM. .
Necessary Preliminary Tasks
- Remove oil cooler. Refer to «17 21 150 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING OIL COOLER (S54)»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair__17-21-150-removing-and-installingreplacing) .
- Drain coolant. Refer to «17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (S54)»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair__17-00-005-draining-off-and) .
- Remove fan cowl. Refer to «17 11 031 REPLACING FAN COWL (S54)»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair__17-11-031-replacing-fan-cowl) .
Remove plug (1) from control unit for xenon light.
Remove cover (2).
Scheme 22
M3 CSL Only
Feed out rubber grommets.
Unlock plug (1) from control unit and disconnect.
Remove cover (2).
Scheme 23
Release screws (1, 2, 3).
Remove control unit for left xenon light.
Remove air cleaner. Refer to 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (S54) .
Scheme 24
Release plastic retainers (1).
Remove plastic tube (2) on top side of radiator.
Scheme 25
Release screw (1) at top left on radiator.
Tilt radiator towards rear and pull out in upward direction.
Scheme 26
17 11 031 Replacing Fan Cowl (S54)
Release screws (1).
Remove underbody protection.
Scheme 27
Release expansion rivets (1).
Remove intake hood (2) and intake pipe (3) in direction of arrow.
Scheme 28
Detach plug (1) from control unit for xenon light.
Remove cover (2).
Scheme 29
Release screws (1, 2, 3).
Remove control unit for left xenon light.
Remove intake filter housing.
Scheme 30
Lever out expansion rivets and lift out air ducts on left and right.
Lay left air duct, which is secured in place by coolant hose, to one side.
Note. Do not detach coolant hose.
Scheme 31
Installation
Join lug (1) on left and right air duct in corresponding slot (2) in fan cowl.
Scheme 32
Remove fan clutch with fan impeller from water pump. Refer to 11 52 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN CLUTCH (S52 / S54 / M52 / M52TU / M54 / M56) .
Release screw (1).
Scheme 33
Release screw (1).
Detach fan cowl mounting at bottom left and right.
Scheme 34
Unlock plug (1) for AUC sensor and disconnect.
Unlock plug connection (2) for electric fan and disconnect.
Scheme 35
Gently press fan cowl in middle at top towards rear and unhook guide lug.
Lift out fan cowl and fan impeller together.
Scheme 36
17 11 100 Removing And Installing/Replacing Coolant Expansion Tank (S54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 . . . INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM. .
Drain off and top up coolant. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (S54) .
Release retaining clip (1) and detach vent hose.
Detach overflow hose (2).
Release nut (3).
Unclip filler neck (4) on washer fluid reservoir and place to one side.
Scheme 37
Release clip (1).
Detach coolant hose (2).
Disconnect plug connection (3).
Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (S54) .
Installation
Both guide pins (4) at base of expansion tank must be inserted in rubber mounts.
Scheme 38
17 11 509 Flushing Radiator
Note. If oil has penetrated the coolant circuit, you must flush the radiator and coolant expansion tank with cleaning agent, refer to OPERATING FLUIDS - RADIATOR .
| CAUTION | When working on the oil, coolant or fuel circuit, protect the alternator against contamination (not applicable to alternators with coolant jackets). Cover alternator with suitable materials. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in an alternator malfunction. |
Separate Coolant Expansion Tank
Remove radiator. Refer to 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (S54) .
Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (S54) .
Integral Coolant Expansion Tank
Remove radiator. Refer to 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (S54) .
- Prepare approx. 2 liters of cleaning agent.
- Fill radiator and coolant expansion tank and shake well. Wait a few minutes until oil has separated.
- Drain radiator and coolant expansion tank.
- Reinstall cleaned radiator and if necessary coolant expansion tank.
- Fill entire cooling system (heating control to "warm") with hot water and thoroughly flush by changing water several times.
- Check drained flushing fluid for traces of oil. If necessary, repeat Procedure 5.
After cleaning procedure, top up coolant. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (S54) .
17 21 150 Removing And Installing/Replacing Oil Cooler (S54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. Remove assembly underguard at front. |
Note. Check engine oil level after completing tasks.
Scheme 39
Release screw (1).
Detach oil cooler line (2) from oil cooler.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
Installation
Use new sealing rings.
Scheme 40
Release screw connection (1) of oil cooler on radiator.
Remove oil cooler (2) towards rear.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
17 22 030 Removing And Installing/Replacing Oil Line For Oil Cooler (S54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. Remove assembly underguard at front. |
Note. Check engine oil level after completing tasks.
Scheme 41
Release screw (1).
Detach oil cooler line (2) from oil cooler.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
Installation
Use new sealing rings.
Scheme 42
Detach plug (1) from control unit for xenon light.
Remove cover (2).
Release screws (1, 2, 3).
Remove control unit for left xenon light.
Remove air cleaner. Refer to 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (S54) .
Scheme 43
| CAUTION | When working on the oil, coolant or fuel circuit, you must protect the alternator against contamination. Cover alternator with suitable materials. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in an alternator malfunction. |
Scheme 44
Remove holder from oil cooler line (1).
Release oil cooler line (1) on oil filter housing.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
17 40 000 Removing And Installing/Replacing Complete Auxiliary Fan
Switch off ignition.
Remove carrier for bumper trim at front. Refer to 51 11 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CARRIER FOR FRONT BUMPER TRIM (M3 / LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN) .
Scheme 45
Release expansion rivets (1).
Scheme 46
Release expansion rivets.
Remove air duct (1).
Scheme 47
Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.
Unpin plug connection on fan side. Refer to 61 13... OPENING PLUG HOUSINGS AND REMOVING CONTACTS .
Installation
Unpin plug connection on new fan prior to installation.
Scheme 48
Release screws (1).
Remove fan impeller (2).
See also:
• COOLING SYSTEM - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (E46/S54)
• 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (S54)
• 11 52 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN CLUTCH (S52 / S54 / M52 / M52TU / M54 / M56)
• OPERATING FLUIDS - RADIATOR
• 51 11 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CARRIER FOR FRONT BUMPER TRIM (M3 / LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN)
• 61 13... OPENING PLUG HOUSINGS AND REMOVING CONTACTS
• 17 00 . . . INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM.
• 17 11 031 REPLACING FAN COWL (S54)
• 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (S54)
• 17 00 009 CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR WATER LEAKS
• 17 00 010 CHECKING FOR LEAKS BETWEEN COOLING SYSTEM AND COMBUSTION CHAMBER
• 17 21 150 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING OIL COOLER (S54)
• 17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (S54)
• 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (S54)
• 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (S54)
• 17 22 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING OIL LINE FOR OIL COOLER (S54)