E46 Oil Cooler problems.

[Bradz]

Hi All,
My name is Bradz, have been on the forum for ages (Quietly)

I have an E46 318i Auto Facelift.
I picked up a problem this morning where there is oil mixing in the expansion Tank . I have diagnosed the culprit as the Oil cooler as the Car does not over Heat and no warning Lights on the Dash, Also dipstick and tappet Cover show no Mixture.

Would sombody advise me If i have to replace the Cooler or just the seals, as there is no leak visible externally.

Thanks in advance. :ty:

 

[Peejay]

New oil cooler is needed. Sorry bud.

 

[edmundp]

Yip afraid so.

Just make sure which one it is... remember on the auto you have a gearbox oil cooler on the bottom of the radiator and for the engine next to the oil filter housing.

Does the oil smell like gearbox oil or engine oil?

I would think you would need to take it apart and see if you can find the physical leak. I would start with the engine oil one.

 

[Bradz]

Thanks guys,
Yes it smells like the gearbox oil, sorry think I got my coolers mixed up. It's the one that bolts onto the bottom of the radiator and connects with 2 Pipes to the gearbox.

On my e30 it's so much easier to work with but the e46 I feel like i have no clue with regards to mechanical work.

:ty:

 

[edmundp]

No problems.

With that one you need to play quick - I hope that no coolant has gone into the gearbox. Not good.

You'll need to check that after the actual repair, but I would not drive the car before. You could do serious damage.

The cooler involved is basically a sealed oil unit that plugs into the radiator channels. One center clip and it pulls out. I would plug it out (your coolant will drain so be prepared) and start the car VERY briefly to see if you can see oil coming out of the water pipes of the cooler.

Are you absolutely sure this is not headgasket?

 

[Bradz]

Very sure that it's not the head gasket, I'll flush the cooling and system and transmission and see what happens. :fencelook:

Thanks again!

 

[edmundp]

Let us know how it turns out?

 

[DottiDot]

Very sure that it's not the head gasket, I'll flush the cooling and system and transmission and see what happens. :fencelook:

Thanks again!

Hi there

its seems i have the same problem on my manual e46, was it really just the oil cooler:fencelook:

 

[Bradz]

Hi,

My car turned out to be just the gearbox oil cooler, Not sure on the Manual.
Sorry for not updating :rollsmile:

 

[Straight six]

You lucky water did not go to your gearbox bud...
:thumbs:

I have 1st hand experience...lots of $$$$$$$