Cooling System - Repair Instructions (m54) BMW X3 E83

17 00 ... Instructions for working on cooling system

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 5

Installation

Check O-rings (1).

Scheme 6

Do not coat O-rings (1) with antiseize agent.

Assembly of fast-release coupling

Press in lock (1) before installing fast-release coupling.

Scheme 7

Push on hose.

Fast-release coupling must audibly snap into place.

17 00 005 Draining off and topping up coolant (M54)

Recycling

Catch and dispose of drained coolant.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Necessary preliminary tasks

1. E85: Remove radiator cover
2. E83: Remove intake duct
3. Remove engine underbody protection
4. Remove reinforcement plate

Note. All illustrations feature the E85.

Note. Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM .

Draining coolant

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Scheme 8

Open drain plug (1) on radiator at bottom.

Scheme 9

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Open drain plug (2) on coolant expansion tank at bottom.

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Installation

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque 17 11 2AZ. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Open drain plug (1) on engine block.

Scheme 10

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Installation

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque 11 11 5AZ. Refer to ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Adding coolant

Open vent screw (1).

Scheme 11

Before filling

1. Switch ignition on.
2. Set heater control to maximum temperature.
3. Set fan to low setting. This opens the heating

Perform filling operation slowly.

Close vent screw when bubble -free coolant emerges Fill coolant expansion tank to max. cold fill level. Marking (2) is then on a level with upper edge of coolant expansion tank.

Scheme 12

Note. Use only recommended coolant.

Vent cooling system and check for leaks.

17 00 009 Checking cooling system for leaks (M54)

Special tools required

1. 17 0 101
2. 17 0 105
3. 17 0 106

Note. Illustrations feature the E85.

Checking pressure drop in cooling system

Open cap on coolant expansion tank. Fit special tools 17 0 101 / 17 0 105.

Scheme 13

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.

Checking pressure relief valve in cap

Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 106.

Scheme 14

Build up pressure with special tool (hand pump) 17 0 101; observe pressure gauge to ascertain when opening pressure is achieved.

Compare opening pressure of pressure relief valve. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA .

17 00 039 Venting cooling system and checking for leaks (M54/M56)

Necessary preliminary tasks

1. E85: Remove radiator cover

Draining Coolant

The procedure is described in the section Draining and adding coolant. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M54) .

Note. Use only recommended coolant.

Adding Coolant

To ensure the cooling system is properly vented, it is absolutely essential to follow the steps below

1. Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.
2. Open vent screw (2).
3. Switch on ignition.
4. Set heater control to maximum temperature.
5. Set fan to lower speed (so that heater valves open).
6. Fill with coolant slowly.
7. Close vent screw (2) when bubble-free coolant emerges.
8. Pour coolant into coolant expansion tank up to max. cold fill level. Marking (2) is then on a level with upper edge of coolant expansion tank.
9. Close coolant expansion tank
10. Allow engine to warm up until thermostat opens

Checking Coolant Level

Note. If ambient temperature exceeds 30 °C, allow engine to cool down at least to ambient temperature.

Open cap carefully.

Fluid level is O.K. when top edge of coolant expansion tank is between both markings (1 and 2) on float needle.

Scheme 15

Minimum cold fill level

1. Upper edge of coolant expansion tank is level with marking (1).

Maximum cold fill level

1. Upper edge of coolant expansion tank is level with marking (2).

If necessary, top up coolant.

Note. Tank mark indicates the fluid level at approx. 20 °C.

Check cooling system for leaks. Refer to 17 00 009 CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS (M54) .

For procedure, refer to 17 00 009 CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS (M54) .

17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (M54)

Necessary preliminary tasks

1. Follow instructions for working on cooling system, refer to «17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-00-instructions-for-working)
2. Remove intake duct
3. Remove fan cowl, refer to «17 11 031 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-11-031-removing-and-installingreplacing)
4. Draining coolant, refer to «17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M54)»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-00-005-draining-off-and)
5. Unlock coolant hoses and detach
6. If fitted: remove heat exchanger for automatic transmission, refer to «17 22 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAT EXCHANGER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-22-010-removing-and-installingreplacing)

Release screw.

Scheme 16

Slacken holder (1).

Tightening torque 17 11 10AZ. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Slacken holder (1).

Scheme 17

Tightening torque 17 11 10AZ. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Remove radiator (1) in direction of arrow.

Scheme 18

17 11 031 Removing and installing/replacing fan cowl with electric fan

Necessary preliminary tasks

1. Read out fault memory of DME control unit
2. Switch off ignition
3. Remove intake duct

Unlock plug (1) and remove.

Scheme 19

Unclip cable from fan cowl.

Lift out expansion rivet (1).

Scheme 20

Unscrew bolt (2).

Remove fan cowl (3) towards top.

Note. Now clear the fault memory.

17 11 040 Removing and installing/replacing thermostat insert for transmission oil cooling (M54)

Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54) .

Note. For purposes of clarity, this work step is shown on a removed expansion tank/mounting plate.

Pull coolant expansion tank (1) upwards out of mounting plate (3).

Scheme 21

Pull thermostat insert (2) upwards out of connection piece.

Installation

Check O-rings, replace if necessary.

Pay attention to turning lock when installing thermostat insert (2).

17 11 100 Removing and installing/replacing coolant expansion tank (M54)

Necessary preliminary tasks

1. Follow instructions for working on cooling system, refer to «17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-00-instructions-for-working)
2. E85: Remove radiator cover
3. E83: Remove intake duct
4. Remove fan cowl, refer to «17 11 031 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-11-031-removing-and-installingreplacing)
5. Draining coolant, refer to «17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M54)»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-00-005-draining-off-and)

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect. Withdraw lock (2).

Scheme 22

Pull locks (1 and 2) upwards and detach coolant hose from radiator/coolant expansion tank.

Scheme 23

Pull lock (1) upwards and detach coolant hose from coolant expansion tank.

Scheme 24

Illustration with radiator removed.

Pull coolant expansion tank upwards slightly out of carrier plate and pull out lower connection piece. Then tilt expansion tank to rear and remove.

Scheme 25

Installation

Check sealing rings. Do not under any circumstances coat sealing rings with antiseize agent before installation.

Retaining lug must engage in opening on carrier plate.

17 11 370 Removing and installing/replacing cooling loop for power steering

Cover alternator with suitable materials.

Failure to comply with this procedure may result in an alternator malfunction.

Note. After completing this operation, check fluid level in tank of power steering system. Refer to 32 13 006 Bleeding power steering unit .

Remove radiator. Refer to 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M54) .

Lift out expansion rivet (1).

Scheme 26

Unscrew bolt (1).

Scheme 27

Remove A/C condenser towards rear top from fixtures. Tilt condenser towards engine, taking care not to damage condenser.

Scheme 28

Note. Lines of A/C system remain connected to condenser.

Press lines (1) in direction of cooling loop, pull black locking ring towards rear. Keep locking ring pressed and detach lines (1) from cooling loop.

Scheme 29

Press lock (2). Pull cooling loop (3) of power steering towards rear out of module carrier.

17 21 500 Flushing oil cooler with lines (automatic transmission)

Special tools required

1. 17 2 018
2. 17 2 019

Note. Carry out the work steps listed when: Fitting a new or replacement transmission Flushing can only be carried out with the automatic transmission removed.

Procedure

Automatic transmission removed.

Connect appropriate adapters (see description below) to oil lines exiting from automatic transmission.

Connect the connecting line 17 2 019 from the oil collection unit with the quick-release coupling.

Connect drain line 17 2 018 ms using quick-release coupling.

Feed open end of drain line into a suitable collection container.

Using oil collection unit, flush approx. 1 liter of transmission fluid (refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids ) through oil lines and oil cooler.

Reposition quick-release couplings.

Flush oil lines/oil cooler in opposite direction with approx. 1 liter of transmission fluid (refer to BMW Service Operating Fluids ).

Disconnect quick-release couplings, remove adapters.

Note. Dispose of flushing oil properly; do not under any circumstances reuse it.

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

For procedure, refer to 17 21 500 Flushing oil cooler with lines (automatic transmission) .

17 22 010 Removing and installing/replacing heat exchanger for automatic transmission

Special tools required

1. 17 0 030

Necessary preliminary tasks

1. After completing this operation, check fluid level in automatic transmission.
2. Drain off and top up coolant. Refer to «17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M54)»(/bmw/x3/e83-2003-2006/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#cooling-system-repair-instructions-m54__17-00-005-draining-off-and) .

Recycling

Catch and dispose of escaping transmission fluid.

Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Illustrations show E46.

Unlock lines (1 and 2) with special tool 17 00 30 and detach.

Scheme 34

Catch and dispose of escaping transmission fluid.

Illustrations show E46.

Pull lock (1) upwards and detach heat exchanger towards rear.

Scheme 35

Installation

Press lock (1) downwards before pushing on heat exchanger. The lock must snap audibly into place when the heat exchanger is forced on.

Check sealing rings (1), replace if necessary.

Scheme 36

See also:
• COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES
• ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES
• COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA
• 17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM
• 17 00 005 DRAINING OFF AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M54)
• 17 00 009 CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS (M54)
• 17 11 031 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN
• 17 22 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEAT EXCHANGER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
• 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54)
• 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M54)
• 17 21 500 Flushing oil cooler with lines (automatic transmission)