Draining and adding coolant: Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 37 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2005 BMW 330xi, 2005 BMW 330i, 2005 BMW 330Ci, and 2005 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 REPAIR WORK ON COOLING SYSTEM .

NOTE: Use only recommended coolant. See OPERATING FLUIDS - RADIATOR .

Draining coolant:

Open cap (1) on coolant expansion tank.

Fig 1: Identifying Expansion Tank Cap

G00491511

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cars with reinforcement plate:

Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE .

If necessary, remove front underbody protection.

Grip radiator adjusting screw (2) and undo drain plug (1) on radiator at bottom.

Drain, catch and dispose off coolant.

Installation:

Replace sealing ring. Tightening torque: 2.5 Nm

Fig 2: Identifying Drain Plug And Adjusting Screw

G00491514

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open drain plug (1) on engine block.

Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.

Installation:

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque: 25 Nm

Fig 3: Identifying Engine Block Drain Plug

G00491515

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adding coolant:

To ensure the cooling system is properly vented, it is absolutely essential to follow the steps below:

Open cap on coolant expansion tank.
Open vent screw.
Switch ignition on.
Set heater control to maximum temperature.
Set fan to low speed (so that the heater valves open).
Fill with coolant slowly.
Top up coolant expansion tank fully.
Close vent screw when bubble-free coolant emerges.

Check cooling system for leaks.