E46 320 - Cooling system disaster

[Kyle]

similar thing happened to my 320i, but on new years day


Shout if you need help :thumbs:

Thanks bud. Most of the old stuff is off. Just need to pop the expansion tank off (easier said than done) and then the old radiator can come off. Then all the other stuff can go on.

Ah the tank, still have the scars on my knuckles...

---

I went from underneath to undo the hex screws..

 

[Prev]

I was hoping to avoid dropping the bottom tray but after seeing some youtube vids I'm gonna drop the tray this evening and undo the hex screw at the bottom to remove the expansion tank and plastic housing that clips unto the radiator together.

 

[Kyle]

I was hoping to avoid dropping the bottom tray but after seeing some youtube vids I'm gonna drop the tray this evening and undo the hex screw at the bottom to remove the expansion tank and plastic housing that clips unto the radiator together.

Just be prepared for a mouth full of Anti Freeze :biglol:

 

[Ash777]

sorry for that man.
I also say do the expansion tank, as i was told they only last about 150K. my e46's expansion tank blew with spectacular dammage too....it blew a hole in the corner of my radiator. The problem turned out to be a faulty control module in my fan....so the engine cooked up in a traffic jam and blew the bottle. It was a big bang folowed my steam.

 

[Prev]

I will carefully check the expansion tank once it is off the car. :thumbs:

 

[Peejay]

Let's us know if you need any help as well. Ask kish, we prove good technical support when he was changing he's brakes. :roflol:

 

[Prev]

Finally managed to get the expansion tank and radiator off after some cuts and bruises. The dust cover / tray at the bottom must come off. After that I unclip led the transmission thermostat and undid the bottom hex screw holding the plastic panel that the expansion tank clips unto. The lower radiator hose is a biatch to get off because the alternator cooling duct is in the way. So I removed that cooling duct and then the rear connector of the lower radiator hose. Slid the expansion tank up and then had space to remove the front connector of the lower radiator hose.

There is one hex screw on the LHS holding the radiator and after undoing that the radiator came off with ease.

 

[Prev]

The entire bottom area needs a proper clean up. Lots of dirt, grease and oil :bangdesk:

 

[Peejay]

Well done there Prev.

But why didn't you shout for help?

 

[Dippies]

Some valuable info here good luck with the repair preven

 

[Prev]

Well done there Prev.

But why didn't you shout for help?

Sorry bud, woke up this morning and started working out what should be done. Next thing I just went for it. Once the hands are full of dirt and grease its difficult to work the phone :thumbs:

 

[Prev]

Some valuable info here good luck with the repair preven

Thanks Dippies.

Unfortunately I had to call time on the repair as I bust a stud whilst putting the new water pump on due to over tightening. I managed to get the busted stud out with a vice grip. Will replace all 4 studs and get a torque wrench before continuing.

The grease, oil and dirt build up over the years is damn scary. Going to have to get a high pressure cleaner to sort out the underneath as its taking forever with a little brush and degreaser :argh:

 

[herr bmw]

looking good so far prevan,also did a bit of diy with chefdj and flashgordon on chefdj's 530d,removed swirl flaps,amazing how much dirt and grime collect under the covers.

any way keep up the good work:thumbs: and hope you get it sorted out soon

 

[Peejay]

Be nice if all of us had hoists at our home so it be easier to do the underbody cleaning once a month.

I need to win the lotto.

 

[Prev]

Yeah it would be good to have a hoist

 

[Kish2604]

Well done Prev... Your proving very handy with the DIY's... Now put the m3 back together....:biglol:

 

[Prev]

Well done Prev... Your proving very handy with the DIY's... Now put the m3 back together....:biglol:

Good things come to those that persevere :thumbs:

 

[Prev]

Managed to get the new radiator on today. Re-assembled and connected the expansion tank, transmission oil cooler and all water pipes. Still have to assemble / install water pump, idler and tensioner pulleys and the serpentine belt. Then add coolant / Distelled water mix and bleed the system.

 

[S1NGH 001]

Almost there Prev


Sent on the run from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Doomsdaya]

Nice work so far Prevan :thumb:

Is the impellar on the water pump plastic or metal ?