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 63
Installation
Check O-rings (1).
Do not coat O-rings (1) with antiseize agent.
Scheme 64
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 65
17 00 005 Draining and adding coolant (M54, M56)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! These tasks on the cooling system should only be carried out on an engine that has cooled down! |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Note. Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM . Use only recommended coolant.
Draining Coolant
Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 66
Remove reinforcement plate. Refer to FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
Remove front underbody protection.
Grip radiator adjusting screw (2) and undo drain plug (1) on radiator at bottom.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Tightening torque, (2.5 N.m).
Scheme 67
Open drain plug (1) on engine block.
Scheme 68
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.
Installation
Replace sealing ring.
Tightening torque, (25 N.m).
Adding Coolant
The procedure is described in the article 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (M54/M56) .
17 00 005 Draining and topping up coolant (M62, M54 and M57)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform these tasks on an engine that has cooled down. |
Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained coolant. Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Draining Coolant
Integrated Coolant Expansion Tank (M54/M57)
Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.
Slacken vent plug on coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 69
M62, M54 And M57
Remove reinforcement plate.
| CAUTION | The article FRONT AXLE SUPPORT contains important installation instructions. |
Release screws.
Remove underbody paneling (1).
Scheme 70
M54 And M57
Open drain plug (1) at bottom of radiator.
Manual Transmissions Only
Open drain plug (2) on coolant expansion tank.
Tightening torque, (8 N.m).
Scheme 71
Open drain plug on right of engine block.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.
Installation
Replace seal.
Tightening torque, (25 N.m).
Scheme 72
Adding Coolant
Note. The tank mark indicates the fluid level at approx. 20° C.
Use only recommended coolant. Refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .
- Turn on ignition.
- Set heating controller to maximum temperature
- Set fan to low setting. This opens the heating valves and starts the auxiliary water pump.
- Perform filling operation slowly.
- Pour coolant into coolant expansion tank up to max. cold fill level.
- Close vent plug when bubble-free coolant emerges
- Close coolant expansion tank.
Vent cooling system and check for leaks.
17 00 009 Checking cooling system for water leaks
Note. For Special Tool identification, see SPECIAL TOOLS - X5 (3.0i) .
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 73
Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Cap
Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.
Attach special tool 17 0 007 / 17 0 008.
Scheme 74
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 75
Checking Vacuum Valve In Cap
Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 007 and connect to vacuum hose of vacuum pump.
Scheme 76
Feed vacuum pump with battery positive voltage.
Slowly apply partial vacuum to cap.
Compare opening pressure of vacuum valve. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA .
17 00 010 Checking for leaks between cooling system and combustion chamber
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
| CAUTION | When engine is running with cooling system depressurized, this can create steam bubbles. These cause the engine to overheat. Observe coolant temperature. |
Check for leaks in cylinder head with CO leak tester following manufacturer's instructions for use.
Scheme 77
In the event of a leak, the color of the test liquid turns yellow by the carbon dioxide (combustion gas) entering the cooling system.
17 00 039 Venting cooling system and checking for leaks (M54/M56)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform these tasks on an engine that has cooled down. |
Necessary Preliminary Tasks
Draining Coolant
Note. Use only recommended coolant.
Adding Coolant
To ensure the cooling system is properly vented, it is absolutely essential to follow the steps below
Scheme 78
- Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.
- Open vent screw (2).
- Switch on ignition.
- Set heater control to maximum temperature.
- Set fan to lower speed (so that heater valves open).
- Fill with coolant slowly.
- Close vent screw (2) when bubble-free coolant emerges.
- 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.
- Close coolant expansion tank.
- Allow engine to warm up until thermostat opens.
Checking coolant level
| CAUTION | Check coolant level at a maximum coolant temperature of 30° C. |
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.
Minimum Cold Fill Level
- Upper edge of coolant expansion tank is level with marking (1).
Maximum Cold Fill Level
Scheme 79
- 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 WATER LEAKS .
Note. For Special Tool identification, see SPECIAL TOOLS - X5 (3.0i) .
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 80
Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Cap
Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.
Attach special tool 17 0 007/17 0 008.
Scheme 81
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 82
Checking Vacuum Valve In Cap
Screw cap (1) onto special tool 17 0 007 and connect to vacuum hose of vacuum pump.
Scheme 83
Feed vacuum pump with battery positive voltage.
Slowly apply partial vacuum to cap.
Compare opening pressure of vacuum valve. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA .
17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (M62, M54 and M57)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform these tasks on an engine that has cooled down. |
Recycling
Dispose of drained coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Note. Follow instructions for working on cooling system. Refer to 17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM . Unscrew drain plug at bottom of radiator. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) . Drain coolant from radiator only. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) . Remove fan cowl.
M54 And M57 Only
Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54 / M57) .
Installation
Top up coolant. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57)
Vent cooling system and check for leaks.
M62, M54 And M57 With Automatic Transmission
Pull lock (1) upwards.
Remove heat exchanger (2) for automatic transmission fluid from mounting plate on radiator.
Note. Oil lines remain connected to heat exchanger.
Scheme 84
Installation
- Press lock (1) downwards.
- Push on heat exchanger.
The lock must snap audibly into place when the heat exchanger is forced on.
Installation
Replace sealing rings (1) on heat exchanger.
Scheme 85
All Cars
Detach water hose (1) from radiator at bottom.
Scheme 86
Release screws.
Tightening torque, refer to 17 11 1AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Remove retaining bracket (1).
Scheme 87
Detach sealing strip between radiator and radiator cassette.
Scheme 88
Release screw on right of radiator.
Scheme 89
Release screw on left of radiator.
Scheme 90
Remove radiator towards top.
Scheme 91
Installation
Lugs of both plastic guides (3) must be securely snapped into place in bores.
Replace faulty plastic guides (3).
Scheme 92
Installation
Insert radiator with supports into holders on left and right.
Scheme 93
If necessary, remove mounting plate from radiator.
Lever out expansion rivet (1).
Release screw (2).
Remove mounting plate.
Scheme 94
17 11 031 Replacing fan cowl (M62/M54)
M54 Only
Lever out expansion rivets (1).
Remove intake hood (2).
Scheme 95
M62, M54
Remove fan impeller with fan clutch. Refer to 11 52 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN CLUTCH (S52/S54/M52/M52TU/M54/M56) .
Detach plug (1) from AUC sensor.
Unlock plug connection (2) and unclip cable.
Scheme 96
Lever out expansion rivets (1).
Scheme 97
Remove fan cowl towards top.
Scheme 98
Installation
Attach lugs (1) to holders on radiator.
Scheme 99
17 11 040 Removing and installing/replacing thermostat insert for transmission oil cooling (M54)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding - this task may only be carried out once engine has cooled down. |
Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54 / M57) .
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).
Pull thermostat insert (2) upwards out of connection piece.
Scheme 100
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/M57)
| 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 .
Remove front underbody protection.
Recycling
Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Installation
Slowly top up coolant expansion tank with coolant until marking (2) on float needle has reached height of top edge on expansion tank (maximum fill level).
Scheme 101
Use only recommended coolant.
Note. Tank marking indicates coolant level at approx. 20° C. Vent cooling system and check for leaks. 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (M54/M56) .
Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 102
Manual Transmissions Only
Drain coolant from coolant expansion tank via drain plug (2).
Tightening torque, (8 N.m).
Scheme 103
Lever out locking clamp (1).
Detach hose (2) from connection piece.
Scheme 104
Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.
Pull out lock (2).
Scheme 105
When Replacing Expansion Tank
Unlock coolant level sensor (1) by turning and pull out of coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 106
Pull lock (1) upwards and detach coolant hose (2) from coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 107
Pull lock (1/2) upwards and detach coolant hose.
Scheme 108
Pull coolant expansion tank first upwards and then towards rear out of retaining plate.
Withdraw coolant expansion tank from lower connection piece.
Scheme 109
Installation
Check sealing rings, replace if necessary. Do not under any circumstances coat sealing rings with antiseize agent.
Retaining lug must engage in opening in retaining plate.
17 11 370 Removing and installing/replacing cooling loop for power steering
| CAUTION | Make sure all parts are absolutely clean. No dirt is allowed to enter the system. After installation, bleed power steering. Refer to BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM . |
Recycling
Draw off power steering fluid from supply tank - do not reuse fluid.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Disconnect quick-release couplings on hydraulic lines. Refer to HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING .
Remove radiator. Refer to 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M62, M54 AND M57) .
Remove cooling coil.
Scheme 110
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 BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .
| 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 (M62, M54 AND M57) .
Remove coolant expansion tank. Refer to 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54/M57) .
Integral Coolant Expansion Tank
Remove radiator. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) .
- 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 AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) .
17 11 530 Removing and installing cassette (condenser for air conditioner)
Remove radiator. Refer to 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M62, M54 AND M57) .
Draw off refrigerant from A/C system. Refer to 64 50 009 DRAWING OFF, EVACUATING AND FILLING A/C SYSTEM (R 134A) .
Release screw (1).
Release screws (2).
Disconnect A/C system lines from condenser.
Installation
Replace sealing rings.
Evacuate and fill A/C system. Refer to 64 50 009 DRAWING OFF, EVACUATING AND FILLING A/C SYSTEM (R 134A) .
Scheme 111
Recycling
Hydraulic fluid emerges when hydraulic lines are disconnected.
Catch and dispose of emerging hydraulic fluid. Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Disconnect fast-release couplings on hydraulic lines. Refer to HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING .
Installation
Bleed power steering. Refer to BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM .
Release screw (1).
Remove A/C condenser. Refer to 64 50 009 DRAWING OFF, EVACUATING AND FILLING A/C SYSTEM (R 134A) .
Remove cooler for steering hydraulics.
Scheme 112
Installation
Check sealing strip (1) between condenser and cooler for steering hydraulics for correct seating.
Scheme 113
Installation
Insert condenser into semicircular holders on left and right.
Scheme 114
Remove front bumper.
Release screws (1) on left and right.
Remove cassette towards top.
Scheme 115
Installation
Install cassette on left and right into holders.
17 21 500 Flushing oil cooler with lines (automatic transmission)
Note. For Special Tool identification, see SPECIAL TOOLS - X5 (3.0i) .
Special Tools Required
- 17 2 018
- 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 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 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 through oil lines and oil cooler. Refer to BMW SERVICE OPERATING FLUIDS .
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.
Arrangement Of Flushing Device For Transmissions A5S 310Z, A5S 560Z, A5S 360R/390R, A4S 200R, A5S 325Z, GA6HP26Z
Scheme 116
- Transmission-oil cooler with lines.
- Oil collection unit.
- Oil drip tray.
17 2 011 Adapter for connecting transmission-side oil cooler lines (1).
17 2 015 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Deutsche Tecalemit or
17 2 016 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Horn.
17 2 017 Quick-release coupling (2 pieces).
17 2 018 Hose to oil drip tray (3).
17 2 019 Hose to oil collection unit (2).
17 2 021 Mounting plate for adapter 17 2 011 for transmissions A5S 325Z, GA6HP26Z.
Arrangement Of Flushing Device For Transmission A4S 310R
Scheme 117
- Transmission-oil cooler with lines.
- Oil collection unit.
- Oil drip tray.
17 2 012 Adapters (2 x) for connecting transmission-side oil cooler lines (1).
17 2 015 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Deutsche Tecalemit or
17 2 016 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Horn.
17 2 017 Quick-release coupling (2 pieces).
17 2 018 Hose to oil drip tray (3).
17 2 019 Hose to oil collection unit (2).
Arrangement Of Flushing Device For Transmission A4S 300J
Scheme 118
- Transmission-oil cooler with lines.
- Oil collection unit.
- Oil drip tray.
17 2 012 Adapters (2 x) for connecting transmission-side oil cooler lines (1).
17 2 014 Banjo bolt for connecting transmission-side oil cooler lines (1).
17 2 015 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Deutsche Tecalemit or
17 2 016 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Horn.
17 2 017 Quick-release coupling (2 pieces).
17 2 018 Hose to oil drip tray (3).
17 2 019 Hose to oil collection unit (2).
Arrangement Of Flushing Device For Transmission A5S 440Z
Scheme 119
- Transmission-oil cooler with lines.
- Oil collection unit.
- Oil drip tray.
17 2 012 Adapters (2 x) for connecting transmission-side oil cooler lines (1).
17 2 013 Banjo bolt for connecting transmission-side oil cooler lines (1).
17 2 015 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Deutsche Tecalemit or
17 2 016 Connection for oil collection unit (2), manufacturer: Horn.
17 2 017 Quick-release coupling (2 pieces).
17 2 018 Hose to oil drip tray (3).
17 2 019 Hose to oil collection unit (2).
This operation is identical to 17 21 500 FLUSHING OIL COOLER WITH LINES (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) .
17 22 010 Removing and installing/replacing heat exchanger for automatic transmission (M62/M54/M57)
Drain off and top up coolant. Refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) .
Recycling
Transmission fluid emerges when oil lines are detached from heat exchanger.
Catch and dispose of escaping transmission fluid.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
| CAUTION | Check fluid level in automatic transmission. |
Press lines (1/2) in direction of heat exchanger and pull locking ring towards rear.
Keep locking ring pressed and detach lines (1/2) from heat exchanger.
Note. Illustration shows heat exchanger from E46.
Scheme 120
Pull out lock (1).
Pull heat exchanger (2) out of mounting plate on radiator.
Scheme 121
Installation
- Press lock (1) downwards.
- Push heat exchanger (2) onto mounting plate.
The lock must snap audibly into place when the heat exchanger is forced on.
Installation
Check O-rings (1), replace if necessary.
Scheme 122
17 40 000 Removing and installing/replacing complete auxiliary fan (M62, M54, M57)
Remove front bumper completely. Refer to 51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM (UP TO 10/03) or 51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM (FROM 10/03) .
Remove carrier on front bumper. Refer to 51 11 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING MEMBER (CROSS-MEMBER) FOR FRONT BUMPER TRIM .
M54 Only
Lever out expansion rivets (1).
Remove intake hood (2).
Scheme 123
Unfasten plug connection (2) and disconnect.
Scheme 124
Release cable tie (1).
Release screws (2) on left and right.
Scheme 125
Lever out expansion rivets (1).
Remove panels (2) and (3).
Remove auxiliary fan completely with cowl towards bottom.
Scheme 126
Installation
Attach cowl of auxiliary fan to holders (1) on left and right.
Scheme 127
Open locks.
Remove protective grill (1).
Scheme 128
Release screws (1).
Remove fan impeller (2) from cowl (3).
Scheme 129
See also:
• FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
• COOLING SYSTEM - TECHNICAL DATA
• COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES
• 11 52 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN CLUTCH (S52/S54/M52/M52TU/M54/M56)
• BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM
• HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING
• 64 50 009 DRAWING OFF, EVACUATING AND FILLING A/C SYSTEM (R 134A)
• 51 11 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT BUMPER TRIM (UP TO 10/03)
• 51 11 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING MEMBER (CROSS-MEMBER) FOR FRONT BUMPER TRIM
• 17 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON COOLING SYSTEM
• 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (M54/M56)
• 17 00 009 CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR WATER LEAKS
• 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57)
• 17 11 100 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COOLANT EXPANSION TANK (M54 / M57)
• 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M62, M54 AND M57)
• 17 21 500 FLUSHING OIL COOLER WITH LINES (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)