I have only had this car going for 2 months now it has 166000km's on the clock and everytime something crops up, my wife is not impressed with this car. I have to fill expansion tank at least once a week, replaced the cap, it does not seem to be leaking by the expansion tank, no residue. Any ideas where the loss could be, also the car is hestitant in all the gears, maybe the coils or something!
-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
BMW E46 318i COOLANT LOSS
- Thread starter ZOMBIE
- Start date
DonovanPorter
///Member
on the water leak check all your water pipes , might be cracked or perished
Die_Miek
///Member
do you know whether the expansion tank was changed already? you can get that info from motorplan.
if it hasn't been changed, change it asap because it will fail!!!
mine failed at just 100k km's.
also do a search on the forum, there was a thread named common e46 318i problems, maybe you'll get some answers there.
also browse the 3series forum, there have been alot of discussions regarding the e46 318 power loss/sluggishness issues.
before you change coils or anything get your codes read i.e. diagnostic done.
if it hasn't been changed, change it asap because it will fail!!!
mine failed at just 100k km's.
also do a search on the forum, there was a thread named common e46 318i problems, maybe you'll get some answers there.
also browse the 3series forum, there have been alot of discussions regarding the e46 318 power loss/sluggishness issues.
before you change coils or anything get your codes read i.e. diagnostic done.
I have checked up on the motorplan, ignition coils were previouly replaced along with vacuum pump, out of motorplan the car was serviced and the cylinder head done by Zeemax, not sure what exactly was done or replaced. I need to have a reputable BMW mechanic have a look at it, thanks for the feedback.
///MALCOLM325
///Member
Coolant issue : Had the same issue on our ex E46 318i F/L, bled the system completely and filled up the coolant and water to the correct measurements and never had the issue again. Just read up on how to bleed the system properly.
Power issue : E46 318 has some 1st gear take off issues in my opinion, but I did read that it could just be the MAF.
Power issue : E46 318 has some 1st gear take off issues in my opinion, but I did read that it could just be the MAF.
I have taken a few pics last night it seems to be leaking where the top hose connects, not sure if it is leaking at the hose or the seams of the connector, can this connector be purchased separately or does it come with the expansion bottle, I was thinking maybe there is air in the system as I replaced the worn radiator cap. Any feedback would be appreaciated.
[/img]
More pics
[/img]
[/img]
[/img]
More pics
Die_Miek
///Member
check here www.realoem.com
jeff_denning
Active member
If I'm correct, that pipe just run from your radiator and have the thermostat housing after it?
If it is, you're looking at around R500 for a dealership replacement
At least it's quick to replace, just make sure that you buy coolant and top-up your radiator
If it is, you're looking at around R500 for a dealership replacement
At least it's quick to replace, just make sure that you buy coolant and top-up your radiator
jeff_denning
Active member
ZOMBIE said:
:yuck:
Did they say what part that was for?
I bought my piping with the bleeding screw for R480. Maybe they're including the thermostat housing in the price?
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=21244&pid=199066#pid199066
The hard plastic was cracked on my end, on the E39.
Ok, took the pipe off and found a hole underneath, it looks like a bad design, got a good second hand one all seems to fine now, except now my oil consumption is out of the window, gonna post a new post, E46 really sucks, I have had my E36 318is for 5 years with no major problems!
benorris1977
New member
Please help!!
I have recently been having problems with my BMW 318I. It's a 2000 model with
115 000km on the clock. The coolant light has been coming on and I have been topping up with distilled water every two weeks, approx 750ml every time.
They have pressure tested the system and can find no problems.
Any Ideas???
Thanks
I have recently been having problems with my BMW 318I. It's a 2000 model with
115 000km on the clock. The coolant light has been coming on and I have been topping up with distilled water every two weeks, approx 750ml every time.
They have pressure tested the system and can find no problems.
Any Ideas???
Thanks
Solo Man
Well-known member
Yes, read my post on the elbow at the back of the engine between the engine and the bulkhead. On the M43 1.8 pre facelift you have a plastic pipe at the back of the engine (the one mentioned above) as well as one below the inlet manifold (a pig to replace) and then the one in front by the fan which houses the thermostat. The first two pipes have o-rings on the side that fits into the head and block and at his age 10 - 13 years you can be assured that the o-rings are shot and are leaking. Trust me, i have had a similar problem, having to fill up with water every third day and not being able to find the leak. Well, that is where your leaks are. Do the one at the back of the engine first and see if the leak is fixed as that one is slightly easier to replace (take off the "shroud or cover" below the wipers when you work there as you cannot get to the pipe without doing that first - well, on the E36 at least)
When doing the one below the intake manifold, take off the fanbelt and remove the alternator after you have disconnected the battery! That way you can at least see the pipe. Hope you have a set of small sockets with a long thin extension! Good luck!
When doing the one below the intake manifold, take off the fanbelt and remove the alternator after you have disconnected the battery! That way you can at least see the pipe. Hope you have a set of small sockets with a long thin extension! Good luck!
Charlie Brown
Member
+ 1 for the back of the Head one - a must change.
But for proper advice (given that I have one of these M43's for 8 odd years and had 250 000 odd when I sold it) go onto Real OEM and buy all 6 or 8 hoses / plastic pipes, thermostat, waterpump, maybe even radiator and Expansion Tank, the whole cooling system and do the whole thing one time. Cheaper in the long and piece of mind is priceless.
But for proper advice (given that I have one of these M43's for 8 odd years and had 250 000 odd when I sold it) go onto Real OEM and buy all 6 or 8 hoses / plastic pipes, thermostat, waterpump, maybe even radiator and Expansion Tank, the whole cooling system and do the whole thing one time. Cheaper in the long and piece of mind is priceless.
Similar threads
