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.
Disassembly Of Fast-Release Coupling
Withdraw lock (1/2), disconnect hose.
Scheme 1
Installation
Check O-rings (1).
Do not coat O-rings (1) with antiseize agent.
Scheme 2
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 3
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.
Separate Coolant Expansion Tank (M62)
Open cap on coolant expansion tank. Slacken vent plug on coolant expansion tank.
Scheme 4
M62, M54 and M57
Remove reinforcement plate. See FRONT AXLE SUPPORT .
| CAUTION | FRONT AXLE SUPPORT contains important installation instructions. |
Release screws.
Remove underbody paneling (1).
Scheme 5
M62
Open drain plug at bottom of radiator. Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.
Installation
Replace seal.
Tightening torque, see 17 11 2AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Scheme 6
Manual Transmissions Only
Open drain plug (2) on coolant expansion tank. Tightening torque, see 17 00 2AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Scheme 7
Open drain plug on right of engine block. Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.
Installation
Replace seal.
Tightening torque, see 11 11 5AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Scheme 8
Adding Coolant
Note. The tank mark indicates the fluid level at approx. 20°C. Use only BMW coolant.
- 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
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 9
Checking Pressure Relief Valve In Cap
Detach rubber (1) from hand pump.
Attach special tool 17 0 007 / 17 0 008.
Scheme 10
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.
Scheme 11
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 12
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.
In the event of a leak, the color of the test liquid turns yellow by the carbon dioxide (combustion gas) entering the cooling system.
Scheme 13
17 00 039 Venting cooling system and checking for leaks (M62)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform these tasks on an engine that has cooled down. |
Check cooling system for leaks. Top up coolant.
To ensure the cooling system is properly vented, it is absolutely essential to follow the steps below
Scheme 14
- Open cap on coolant expansion tank.
- 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.
- Carry out filling procedure slowly
- Close vent plug when bubble-free coolant emerges
- Fill expansion tank until full.
- Close coolant expansion tank
- Allow engine to warm up until thermostat opens
Allow engine to cool down before checking coolant level. Coolant temperature must not exceed 30°C. If ambient temperature exceeds 30°C, allow engine to cool down at least to ambient temperature.
Check coolant level; if necessary, top up coolant until liquid level reaches marking on coolant expansion tank.
Note. The tank mark indicates the fluid level at approx. 20°C. Use only BMW coolant.
Scheme 15
Special Tools Required
- 17 0 002
- 17 0 007
- 17 0 008
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Only perform this work after engine has cooled down. |
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
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.
Scheme 18
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 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.
Unscrew drain plug at bottom of radiator. Drain coolant from radiator only. Remove fan cowl.
M62 Only
Detach water hose (1) from radiator at top. Detach water hose (2) from radiator at bottom.
Scheme 20
Detach water hoses (1, 2 and 3) from mounting plate.
Scheme 21
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.
Installation
- Press lock (1) downwards
- Push on heat exchanger
The lock must snap audibly into place when the heat exchanger is forced on.
Scheme 22
Installation
Replace sealing rings (1) on heat exchanger.
Scheme 23
All Cars
Detach water hose (1) from radiator at bottom.
Scheme 24
Release screws.
Tightening torque, see 17 11 1AZ in COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Remove retaining bracket (1).
Scheme 25
Detach sealing strip between radiator and radiator cassette.
Scheme 26
Release screw on right of radiator.
Scheme 27
Release screw on left of radiator.
Scheme 28
Remove radiator towards top.
Scheme 29
Installation
Lugs of both plastic guides (3) must be securely snapped into place in bores.
Replace faulty plastic guides (3).
Scheme 30
Installation
Insert radiator with supports into holders on left and right.
Scheme 31
If necessary, remove mounting plate from radiator. Lever out expansion rivet (1). Release screw (2). Remove mounting plate.
Scheme 32
Lever out expansion rivets (1). Release screws (2). Tightening torque, see 13 71 3AZ in FUEL SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Scheme 33
Note. Intake pipe is secured in intake hood by means of two retaining lugs (1). Retaining lugs are located under intake hood.
Press in retaining lugs (1) and remove intake hood.
Scheme 34
Unclip water hose (1) from holder on fan cowl.
Note. For purposes of clarity, this work step is shown on the car from below. Underbody paneling does not have to be removed. Water hose (1) can be pulled out of holder from above.
Scheme 35
M62, M54
Remove fan impeller with fan clutch.
Detach plug (1) from AUC sensor.
Unlock plug connection (2) and unclip cable.
Scheme 36
Lever out expansion rivets (1).
Scheme 37
Remove fan cowl towards top.
Scheme 38
Installation
Attach lugs (1) to holders on radiator.
Scheme 39
17 11 040 Removing and installing/replacing thermostat cartridge for transmission oil cooling E53 / M62
| WARNING | Danger of scalding - this task may only be carried out once engine has cooled down. |
Note. For purposes of clarity, this work step is shown on a removed mounting plate.
Release clips (1) and disconnect plug connections of coolant hoses.
Release screw (2).
Remove thermostat for transmission oil cooling (3).
Check O-rings, replace if necessary.
Scheme 40
17 11 100 Removing and installing/replacing coolant expansion tank (M62)
| WARNING | Danger of scalding! Open cap on coolant expansion tank only after engine has cooled down. |
Note. Follow instructions for working on cooling system, refer to 17 00...
Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.
Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.
Drain off coolant only down to lower edge of coolant expansion tank, refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57) .
Detach water hose (1) from coolant expansion tank. Detach vent hose (2) from coolant expansion tank. Detach water hose (3) from coolant expansion tank. Disconnect plug (4) from coolant level sensor.
Release screws. Remove coolant expansion tank towards top.
Scheme 41
When installing coolant expansion tank: Insert locating pin (1) into locating bore (2).
Scheme 42
Note. Tank marking indicates coolant level at approx. 20°C.
Use only BMW coolant.
Slowly top up coolant expansion tank with coolant until maximum fill level is reached (float needle at height of top edge on expansion tank).
Vent cooling system and check for leaks, refer to 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (M62) .
Scheme 43
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.
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. Remove radiator.
Remove cooling coil.
Scheme 44
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. See 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. See 17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (M62, M54 and M57) .
Remove coolant expansion tank.
Integral Coolant Expansion Tank
Remove radiator. See 17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (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.
17 11 530 Removing and installing cassette (condenser for air conditioner)
Remove radiator. See 17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (M62, M54 and M57) .
Draw off refrigerant from A/C system. See 64 50 009 DRAWING OFF, EVACUATING AND FILLING A/C SYSTEM .
Release screw (1).
Release screws (2).
Disconnect A/C system lines from condenser.
Installation
Replace sealing rings.
Evacuate and fill A/C system.
Scheme 45
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.
Installation
Bleed power steering.
Scheme 46
Release screw (1).
Remove A/C condenser.
Remove cooler for steering hydraulics.
Installation
Check sealing strip (1) between condenser and cooler for steering hydraulics for correct seating.
Scheme 47
Installation
Insert condenser into semicircular holders on left and right.
Scheme 48
Remove front bumper. Release screws (1) on left and right. Remove cassette towards top.
Installation
Install cassette on left and right into holders.
Scheme 49
17 21 500 Flushing oil cooler with lines (automatic transmission)
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.
Reposition quick-release couplings.
Flush oil lines/oil cooler in opposite direction with approx. 1 liter of transmission fluid (r.
Disconnect quick-release couplings, remove adapters.
Note. Dispose of flushing oil properly; do not under any circumstances reuse it.
Scheme 50
Scheme 51
Scheme 52
Scheme 53
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.
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. Reposition quick-release couplings.
Flush oil lines/oil cooler in opposite direction with approx. 1 liter of transmission fluid.
Disconnect quick-release couplings, remove adapters.
Note. Dispose of flushing oil properly; do not under any circumstances reuse it.
Scheme 54
Scheme 55
Scheme 56
Scheme 57
17 22 010 Removing and installing/replacing heat exchanger for automatic transmission (M62/M54/M57)
Drain off and top up coolant.
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, refer to OPERATING FLUIDS - 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 58
Pull out lock (1).
Pull heat exchanger (2) out of mounting plate on radiator.
Scheme 59
- 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 60
17 40 000 Removing and installing/replacing complete auxiliary fan (M62)
Remove front bumper completely. See FRONT BUMPER .
Remove carrier on front bumper. See FRONT BUMPER .
Lever out expansion rivets (1).
Release screws (2).
Tightening torque, see 13 71 3AZ in FUEL SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES .
Scheme 61
Note. Intake pipe is secured in intake hood by means of two locking lugs (1). Locking lugs are located under intake hood. Press locking lugs (1) around circumference and remove intake hood.
Scheme 62
See also:
• FRONT AXLE SUPPORT
• COOLING SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES
• ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES
• FUEL SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUES
• OPERATING FLUIDS - RADIATOR
• 64 50 009 DRAWING OFF, EVACUATING AND FILLING A/C SYSTEM
• OPERATING FLUIDS - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
• FRONT BUMPER
• 17 00...
• 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT (M62, M54 AND M57)
• 17 00 039 VENTING COOLING SYSTEM AND CHECKING FOR LEAKS (M62)
• 17 11 000 Removing and installing radiator (M62, M54 and M57)