Draining coolant

Neema · 10-06-2007, 07:18 PM

I've searched in the DIY section and searched the site with the search engine, but nothing. I want to know how to drain the coolant in the N54 engine (335).

tintivilus · 10-08-2007, 11:30 AM

Dude, you just can't get an answer to this question, can you?

The best I've found so far is "there's a drain plug down there somewhere".

MBMWTECH · 10-08-2007, 01:29 PM

According to repair instructions the first thing you have to do is remove the intercooler - then open radiator cap, then you open drain plug on underside of radiator (can only be seen with intercooler removed - according to instructions i have) then unfasten and detach coolant hose from thermostat housing. (see the pics I have provided)

I hope this helps

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boost_Nation

I've searched in the DIY section and searched the site with the search engine, but nothing. I want to know how to drain the coolant in the N54 engine (335).

tintivilus · 10-08-2007, 02:48 PM

Hey, thanks!

sambonator · 10-08-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBMWTECH

According to repair instructions the first thing you have to do is remove the intercooler - then open radiator cap, then you open drain plug on underside of radiator (can only be seen with intercooler removed - according to instructions i have) then unfasten and detach coolant hose from thermostat housing. (see the pics I have provided)

I hope this helps

Are there any special instruction on refilling it? E.g. special procedure to evacuate all the air out of the cooling system?

MBMWTECH · 10-09-2007, 03:18 PM

Yes there is here it is ---
Adding coolant:
Note:
Open vent screw on expansion tank.
Fill coolant expansion tank up to lower edge of filler neck with recommended coolant.
Observe mixture ratio. 50/50 MOST CLIMATES
Close bleed screw.
Close cap on expansion tank
Note:
Do not open the coolant expansion tank cap during the venting procedure.
1. Connect battery charger.
2. Switch on ignition.
3. Set heater to maximum temperature and turn fan down to lowest speed.
4. Press accelerator pedal for 10 seconds to floor. Engine must not be started.
5. The venting procedure is started when the accelerator pedal is pressed and takes approx. 12 minutes.(Electric coolant pump was activated and shuts down automatically after approx. 12 minutes).
6. Then top up fill level in coolant expansion tank slightly above max
7. Check cooling system for leaks.
8. If venting has to be carried out again (e.g. if cooling system is leaking), allow DME to fall completely (leave ignition key removed for approx. 3 minutes), then repeat from Point 3.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambonator

Are there any special instruction on refilling it? E.g. special procedure to evacuate all the air out of the cooling system?

sambonator · 10-10-2007, 12:51 AM

Thank you! Good to know if I ever want to try running some special coolant brew.

WallyF · 11-10-2007, 12:24 PM

MBMWTECH,

Is the BMW coolant really a "lifetime" coolant? My dealer told me that it does not need to be replaced every 24 months as I have always done with other vehicles that I have owned.

How often should it be replaced per BMW? What does "lifetime" really mean?

Thanks

Wallyf

Crimson92 · 11-10-2007, 12:28 PM

with Mercedes benz life time coolant is 15years or 150k

boosted305 · 01-26-2008, 06:04 PM

great write up...right on the money

thx

voltron1011 · 02-11-2008, 03:56 PM

Does anyone know what the flush procedure is for this?

fast_lap28 · 02-11-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBMWTECH

According to repair instructions the first thing you have to do is remove the intercooler - then open radiator cap, then you open drain plug on underside of radiator (can only be seen with intercooler removed - according to instructions i have) then unfasten and detach coolant hose from thermostat housing. (see the pics I have provided)

I hope this helps

the more important question for me is where/when can we start getting a hold of some reputable repair/maintenance manuals with the likes of those cool looking pictures you posted in here? I had the Bentley manual for my Audi but after calling them (and since car is so new) they will not have any manual for 335's anytime soon? CD, paper, etc. I think a lot of us would benefit from a manual when doing these DIY projects.

Any good ideas

voltron1011 · 02-11-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fast_lap28

the more important question for me is where/when can we start getting a hold of some reputable repair/maintenance manuals with the likes of those cool looking pictures you posted in here? I had the Bentley manual for my Audi but after calling them (and since car is so new) they will not have any manual for 335's anytime soon? CD, paper, etc. I think a lot of us would benefit from a manual when doing these DIY projects.

Any good ideas

I've been waiting for the last 2.5 years for one as well.

mayno · 02-17-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBMWTECH

Yes there is here it is ---
Adding coolant:
Note:
Open vent screw on expansion tank.
Fill coolant expansion tank up to lower edge of filler neck with recommended coolant.
Observe mixture ratio. 50/50 MOST CLIMATES
Close bleed screw.
Close cap on expansion tank
Note:
Do not open the coolant expansion tank cap during the venting procedure.
1. Connect battery charger.
2. Switch on ignition.
3. Set heater to maximum temperature and turn fan down to lowest speed.
4. Press accelerator pedal for 10 seconds to floor. Engine must not be started.
5. The venting procedure is started when the accelerator pedal is pressed and takes approx. 12 minutes.(Electric coolant pump was activated and shuts down automatically after approx. 12 minutes).
6. Then top up fill level in coolant expansion tank slightly above max
7. Check cooling system for leaks.
8. If venting has to be carried out again (e.g. if cooling system is leaking), allow DME to fall completely (leave ignition key removed for approx. 3 minutes), then repeat from Point 3.

is all of that really necessary? what's wrong w/ just letting the car cool down completely and removing the filler cap and filling 50/50 coolant to the desired level and putting the filler cap back on?

radgator1 · 02-17-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayno

is all of that really necessary? what's wrong w/ just letting the car cool down completely and removing the filler cap and filling 50/50 coolant to the desired level and putting the filler cap back on?

Thats what I was thinking. How about this, say I want to replace the current mixture in the radiator with distilled water and water wetter since I have heard this can really help temps compared to the 50/50 coolant/H2O that comes in the car. Anyone care to post a DIY for the simplist method? I wouldn't really care whether or not I could get every last drop of the current coolant out, 75% or more would be fine. I can't believe the first step really has to be "remove the intercooler", I mean wtf is that all about?

longodj · 07-14-2008, 12:12 PM

Is there any easier way of draining the coolant then removing the friggin intercooler?

Amir87 · 07-14-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longodj

Is there any easier way of draining the coolant then removing the friggin intercooler?

Someone mentioned just using a siphon to get the fluid out.

voltron1011 · 07-14-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayno

is all of that really necessary? what's wrong w/ just letting the car cool down completely and removing the filler cap and filling 50/50 coolant to the desired level and putting the filler cap back on?

It's neccesary if you want to flush the entire system out... If you are going through the trouble of changing it out, you might as well flush it too.

Mr. 5 · 07-14-2008, 04:17 PM

This is great information.
Do you have the Bently CD or are you a tech?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBMWTECH

Yes there is here it is ---
Adding coolant:
Note:
Open vent screw on expansion tank.
Fill coolant expansion tank up to lower edge of filler neck with recommended coolant.
Observe mixture ratio. 50/50 MOST CLIMATES
Close bleed screw.
Close cap on expansion tank
Note:
Do not open the coolant expansion tank cap during the venting procedure.
1. Connect battery charger.
2. Switch on ignition.
3. Set heater to maximum temperature and turn fan down to lowest speed.
4. Press accelerator pedal for 10 seconds to floor. Engine must not be started.
5. The venting procedure is started when the accelerator pedal is pressed and takes approx. 12 minutes.(Electric coolant pump was activated and shuts down automatically after approx. 12 minutes).
6. Then top up fill level in coolant expansion tank slightly above max
7. Check cooling system for leaks.
8. If venting has to be carried out again (e.g. if cooling system is leaking), allow DME to fall completely (leave ignition key removed for approx. 3 minutes), then repeat from Point 3.

pdjafari · 07-14-2008, 04:19 PM

bleeding coolant isnt the hard part....bleeding teh AIR AFTER putting new coolant in and making sure you have NO air in the system IS the hard part!! Trust me on this, if you have air in your system you wont know until the winter/cold when you turn on your heater and it blows cold/luke warm air.....

Mr. 5 · 07-14-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdjafari

bleeding coolant isnt the hard part....bleeding teh AIR AFTER putting new coolant in and making sure you have NO air in the system IS the hard part!! Trust me on this, if you have air in your system you wont know until the winter/cold when you turn on your heater and it blows cold/luke warm air.....

Shouldn't the air just rise and get pushed to the overflow?
I've heard this plenty of times with brakes but never with coolant.

voltron1011 · 07-14-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

This is great information.
Do you have the Bently CD or are you a tech?

It's off of the BMW maintenance DVD...

10-06-2007, 07:18 PM	#1
Neema Major General 808 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	Draining coolant I've searched in the DIY section and searched the site with the search engine, but nothing. I want to know how to drain the coolant in the N54 engine (335). __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-08-2007, 11:30 AM	#2
tintivilus Lieutenant Colonel 26 Rep 1,826 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lake County, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00] 2003 325i [0.00]	Dude, you just can't get an answer to this question, can you? The best I've found so far is "there's a drain plug down there somewhere".
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2007, 02:48 PM	#4
tintivilus Lieutenant Colonel 26 Rep 1,826 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lake County, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00] 2003 325i [0.00]	Hey, thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2007, 12:51 AM	#7
sambonator Samtaro! 128 Rep 2,605 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 N55 Alpinweiß Join Date: May 2007 Location: Newport Beach, CA, USA iTrader: (7)	Thank you! Good to know if I ever want to try running some special coolant brew.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2007, 12:24 PM	#8
WallyF Lieutenant 103 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	Coolant Repalcement Interval MBMWTECH, Is the BMW coolant really a "lifetime" coolant? My dealer told me that it does not need to be replaced every 24 months as I have always done with other vehicles that I have owned. How often should it be replaced per BMW? What does "lifetime" really mean? Thanks Wallyf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-26-2008, 06:04 PM	#10
boosted305 Private First Class 7 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	great write up...right on the money thx
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-11-2008, 03:56 PM	#11
voltron1011 Colonel 122 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Does anyone know what the flush procedure is for this? __________________ '06 E90 325i (Delivered May '05) 6-spd manual, Nav, Xenons, 18' 162's, sport-suspension, 15mm RE spacers, NURBURGRING: http://www.e90post.com/forums/album.php?albumid=3270
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2008, 12:12 PM	#16
longodj Major 77 Rep 1,287 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rochester, NY iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335xi [0.00] 1974 VW Beetle [0.00]	Is there any easier way of draining the coolant then removing the friggin intercooler? __________________ Performance: UUC Sways CDV Mod KW V3 Vorshlag plates Pagid Yellow VK OC Hotchkis Brace STETT IC/CAI Braille B2015 VK Catless DP BMS JB3 M-Tech #1 Mod: AutoX/HPDE HPDE 3 Many Thanks: **********s UUC Motorwerks VK Motorwerks HP Autowerks SOLD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2008, 04:19 PM	#20
pdjafari Colonel 168 Rep 2,509 Posts Drives: G80 M3C Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (5)	bleeding coolant isnt the hard part....bleeding teh AIR AFTER putting new coolant in and making sure you have NO air in the system IS the hard part!! Trust me on this, if you have air in your system you wont know until the winter/cold when you turn on your heater and it blows cold/luke warm air.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote