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. |
| IMPORTANT | Wear protective gloves and goggles. |
| IMPORTANT | Lifetime coolant filling: Never reuse used coolant. When replacing and removing components which rely on the corrosion protection effect of the coolant, it is essential to change the coolant. The cooling system must therefore be drained and refilled. In the case of other removal work involving the draining of partial quantities of coolant, replace these quantities which have been drained with new coolant. |
| IMPORTANT | 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. |
| IMPORTANT | When working on the oil, coolant or fuel circuit, protect the alternator against contamination. Cover alternator with suitable materials. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in an alternator malfunction. |
| IMPORTANT | Do not fill coolant expansion tank over MAX level as overfilling will cause the coolant to overflow. This may give rise to traces of residual coolant on the expansion tank or in the engine compartment and wrongly suggest possible leakages. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Note. Tightening torque, hose clamps, see 17 00 1AZ in 17 00 COOLANT .
Scheme 1
Instructions for disassembly/assembly of coolant hose fast-release couplings
Disassembly of fast-release coupling
Withdraw lock (1/2), disconnect hose.
Scheme 2
Installation
Check O-rings (1).
Do not coat O-rings (1) with antiseize agent.
Scheme 3
Assembly of fast-release coupling
Press in lock (1) before installing fast-release coupling.
Push on hose.
Fast-release coupling must clearly snap audibly into place.
Scheme 4
17 00 ... Notes on retrofitting a trailer towing device
Starting with delivery of the E90, in certain vehicle types, the size of the electric cooler fan will be linked to the optional extra trailer tow hitch or trailer provision.
The larger fan is necessary to ensure mountain driving with a full trailer load in accordance with BMW-internal specifications. Otherwise the engine electronics will detect possible overheating of the cooling system and activate protective functions.
For the customer, this involves impaired A/C output, automatic transmission and engine power. These will be continuously reduced, which in the end may result in the vehicle coming to a standstill in the mountain area.
17 00 005 Draining and adding coolant (S65)
Special tools required
- 00 2 030
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only carry out work on the cooling system after the engine has cooled down! Risk of slipping due to coolant on the floor. |
Protective measures/rules of conduct
- Wear protective goggles
- Wear protective gloves
- Observe national/country-specific regulations
| IMPORTANT | Risk of slipping due to coolant on the floor. Danger of injury! |
Catch and dispose of drained coolant in drip tray (1) and if necessary special tool 00 2 030 (universal hydraulic lifter).
Recycling
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Scheme 5
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Remove front underbody protection . See «51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#body-equipment-repair-e9293-m3__51-47-490-removing-and-installing) .
- «Follow instructions for working on cooling system»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-00-instructions-for-working)
- Use only recommended coolant
Draining coolant
Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank (2).
Scheme 6
If fitted, release drain plug (1) on coolant radiator.
On coolant radiators which do not have a drain plug, remove coolant hose.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant from radiator.
Scheme 7
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Adding coolant
17 00 009 Checking cooling system for leaks (S65)
Special tools required
- 00 2 030
- 17 0 101
- 17 0 113
- 17 0 114
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
Protective measures/rules of conduct
- Wear protective goggles
- Wear protective gloves
- Observe national/country-specific regulations
| IMPORTANT | Risk of slipping due to coolant on the floor. Danger of injury! |
Catch and dispose of drained coolant in drip tray (1) and if necessary special tool 00 2 030 (universal hydraulic lifter).
Recycling
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Checking pressure drop in cooling system
Open cap on coolant expansion tank. Fit special tools 17 0 101 / 17 0 113 .
Build up gauge pressure of 2 bar, wait approx. 2 minutes.
Cooling system is impervious to leaks if pressure drop is max. 0.1 bar.
Scheme 8
Checking pressure relief valve in cap
Note. Coolant residue can cause the pressure relief valve in the cap to stick, therefore repeat the check procedure on the cap 2-3 times.
Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 114 .
Build up pressure with special tool 17 0 101 (hand pump); observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.
Opening pressure of pressure relief valve.
Scheme 9
17 00 039 Venting cooling system and checking for water leaks (S65)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Open sealing cap only after engine has cooled down. |
Only when refilling!
| IMPORTANT | Do not fill coolant expansion tank over MAX level as overfilling will cause the coolant to overflow. This may give rise to traces of residual coolant on the expansion tank or in the engine compartment and wrongly suggest possible leakages. |
Only when refilling!
Use only recommended coolant.
Perform filling operation slowly.
Adjust coolant level to MAX.
Close coolant expansion tank.
Installation
Close cap (1) until the arrow marks line up.
| IMPORTANT | The following venting procedure is necessary e.g. when a part is replaced in the cooling system or when the cooling system is refilled. |
Only when filling!
Scheme 10
- Perform filling operation slowly.
- Set heater to maximum temperature and turn fan down to lowest speed.
- Start engine and run at idle speed.
- Fill coolant expansion tank with 250 ml above max. (250 ml correspond to A=18 mm).
- Run engine for 15 mins.
- Cooling system vents itself.
- Coolant level must drop to marking.
- If necessary, correct coolant level.
- Close cap on expansion tank.
Note. If necessary, check cooling system for water leaks .
17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (N51, S65)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
| IMPORTANT | Wear protective goggles and gloves. |
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Follow «instructions for working»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-00-instructions-for-working) on cooling system
- Remove expansion rivets (1). Release screws (2). Remove intake duct (3 and 4). Remove intake duct .
- Remove intake filter housing . See «13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (S65)»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-system-repair-e9293__13-71-000-removing-and-installingreplacing) .
- Remove «fan cowl»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-11-035-removing-and-installingreplacing)
- Draining «coolant»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-00-005-draining-and-adding)
- Unlock coolant hoses and detach
If fitted
- Remove heat exchanger for automatic transmission fluid
Automatic only
Release bolt and detach hose (1).
Scheme 11
Release screws.
Carefully feed out radiator (1) towards top and remove.
Note. Illustration shows N54.
Scheme 12
17 11 035 Removing and installing/replacing fan cowl with electric fan (S65)
| IMPORTANT | Risk of short circuits! When removing fan cowl, protect plug and housing against moisture; dry with compressed air if necessary. |
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Read out fault memory of DDE control unit; if necessary, work through test schedules
- Switch off ignition
- Remove front underbody protection. See «51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#body-equipment-repair-e9293-m3__51-47-490-removing-and-installing).
- Remove intake duct. (Scheme 11)
- Unclip coolant lines from fan cowl.
Unlock connector and remove.
Scheme 13
| IMPORTANT | Risk of short circuits! When removing fan cowl, protect plug and housing against moisture; dry with compressed air if necessary. |
Release retaining screw (1) for fan cowl.
Unclip cable.
Unclip vent lines.
Turn lower hose holder through 90°.
Remove fan cowl (2) towards top.
Scheme 14
Installation
When installing fan cowl, make sure guide tabs are correctly positioned.
Add final details to vehicle.
Clear DME fault memory.
17 11 046 Removing and installing / replacing module carrier
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Remove coolant cooler
- If necessary, slacken «power steering cooling coil»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-11-370-removing-and-installingreplacing) .
- If necessary, slacken A/C condenser and secure against damage and against falling down. See «64 53 550 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING CONDENSER FOR A/C SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/automatic-hvac-system/#heating-and-air-conditioning-repair-e9293__64-53-550-removing-and-installing) .
Release damping pieces.
Scheme 15
Press lock (1) and remove holder (2) downwards.
Illustration shows the left holder: The same procedure applies to the opposite side.
Installation
Rubber mounts fall out easily, ensure correct installation position.
S65 only: Engine oil cooler loose, see oil cooler .
Scheme 16
Remove module carrier (1) individually towards bottom.
Scheme 17
When replacing module carrier
Convert power steering cooling loop .
17 11 100 Removing and installing/replacing coolant expansion tank (S65)
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Drain «coolant»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-00-005-draining-and-adding) from radiator
Unlock coolant hoses and detach.
Release screws.
Raise expansion tank slightly until plugs on coolant level switch and lower coolant hose are accessible.
Unlock plugs on coolant level switch and lower coolant hose and disconnect.
Remove coolant expansion tank.
Installation
Insert locating pin in rubber grommet.
Scheme 18
Vent cooling system and check for leaks.
17 11 150 Removing and installing/replacing engine oil cooler (S65)
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Remove front bumper trim . See «51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM (FROM 09/08)»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#body-equipment-repair-e9293-m3__51-11-156-removing-and-installing) .
Remove front underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
Recycling
Engine oil escapes when oil lines are released. Catch and dispose of emerging engine oil.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Slacken nut (1).
Detach oil line from engine oil cooler.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Unscrew screws (2).
Scheme 19
Slacken nut (1).
Detach oil line from engine oil cooler.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
Release screw (2).
Remove engine oil cooler (3).
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Add final details to vehicle.
After completing work, check engine oil level and top up if necessary.
Scheme 20
17 11 190 Removing and installing/replacing oil line for engine oil cooler (S65)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
| IMPORTANT | Wear protective gloves and goggles. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained oil in a suitable container.
Comply with the waste disposal regulations applicable in the relevant countries.
Necessary preliminary tasks
Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Disconnect lines on engine oil cooler.
| IMPORTANT | 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.
Unfasten nut.
Remove holder from oil cooler line (1).
Scheme 21
Unclip coolant hoses from holders.
Cover ribbed V-belt with cleaning cloth or similar.
Release nuts and remove oil lines from filter housing.
Scheme 22
Note. Add final details to vehicle. After completing work, check and correct engine oil level.
17 11 370 Removing and installing/replacing cooling coil for power steering (N54, N52, N52K, N51, N53, S65)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
| IMPORTANT | 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.
Necessary preliminary tasks
- After completing this operation, check fluid level in tank of power steering system . See «32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-and-wheel-alignment-repair-e92e93__32-13-006-bleeding-power-steering) .
- Remove «radiator»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-e9293__17-11-000-removing-and-installing)
Press lines (1) in direction of cooling coil (2), pull back locking ring towards rear. Keep locking ring pressed and detach lines (1) from cooling coil (2).
| IMPORTANT | Catch and dispose of emerging fluid. |
Scheme 23
Unlock seal (1) in direction of arrow and remove.
Release screw.
Note. Lines of A/C system remain connected to condenser.
Scheme 24
Press lock (1) upwards.
Carefully tilt condenser (2) in direction of engine, taking care not to damage the condenser or lines in the process.
Scheme 25
Press lock (1).
Unclip cooling coil (2) from holder (3) and remove.
Scheme 26
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Remove front bumper trim . See «51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM (FROM 09/08)»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#body-equipment-repair-e9293-m3__51-11-156-removing-and-installing) .
Remove front underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
Recycling
Engine oil escapes when oil lines are released. Catch and dispose of emerging engine oil.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Slacken nut (1).
Detach oil line from engine oil cooler.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Unscrew screws (2).
Slacken nut (1).
Detach oil line from engine oil cooler.
Catch and dispose of escaping oil.
Release screw (2).
Remove engine oil cooler (3).
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Add final details to vehicle.
After completing work, check engine oil level and top up if necessary.
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
| IMPORTANT | Wear protective gloves and goggles. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained oil in a suitable container.
Comply with the waste disposal regulations applicable in the relevant countries.
Necessary preliminary tasks
Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Disconnect lines on engine oil cooler.
| IMPORTANT | 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. |
Unfasten nut.
Remove holder from oil cooler line (1).
Unclip coolant hoses from holders.
Cover ribbed V-belt with cleaning cloth or similar.
Release nuts and remove oil lines from filter housing.
Scheme 27
Note. Add final details to vehicle. After completing work, check and correct engine oil level.
17 21 010 Removing and installing/replacing transmission oil cooler
| IMPORTANT | It is essential to adhere to the exact filling capacities specified. Fill transmission at room temperature only (approx. 20°-30°C). Gear oil: refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - OPERATING FLUIDS . Failure to comply with this instruction will result in serious damage to the transmission. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of gear oil with suitable equipment.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Necessary preliminary tasks
- Remove right wheel arch cover . See «51 71 038 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER (FRONT SECTION)»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#body-equipment-repair-e9293-m3__51-71-038-removing-and-installingreplacing) .
- Drain transmission oil . See «00 11 229 CHANGING / TOPPING UP / CHECKING GEAR OIL IN MANUAL TRANSMISSION»(/bmw/m3/e90-2007-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#maintenance-and-general-information-repair-e9293__00-11-229-changing-topping) .
Release connections for transmission oil cooler.
Scheme 28
Release brackets for transmission oil cooler.
Add final details to vehicle.
Check system for leaks.
Scheme 29
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
| IMPORTANT | Wear protective gloves and goggles. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained oil in a suitable container.
Comply with the waste disposal regulations applicable in the relevant countries.
Necessary preliminary tasks
Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Disconnect lines on engine oil cooler.
| IMPORTANT | 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. |
Unfasten nut.
Remove holder from oil cooler line (1).
Unclip coolant hoses from holders.
Cover ribbed V-belt with cleaning cloth or similar.
Release nuts and remove oil lines from filter housing.
Note. Add final details to vehicle. After completing work, check and correct engine oil level.
See also:
• 17 00 COOLANT
• MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS
• 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION
• COOLING SYSTEM - SPECIAL TOOLS
• 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (S65)
• 64 53 550 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING CONDENSER FOR A/C SYSTEM
• 51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM (FROM 09/08)
• 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - OPERATING FLUIDS
• 51 71 038 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER (FRONT SECTION)
• 00 11 229 CHANGING / TOPPING UP / CHECKING GEAR OIL IN MANUAL TRANSMISSION
• Follow instructions for working on cooling system
• Vent cooling system and check for leaks
• cooling system for water leaks
• fan cowl
• coolant
• power steering cooling coil
• oil cooler
• radiator