Curious on E90 N54 Engine Coolant Change

clairvoyant · 12-07-2009, 07:03 PM

Does anybody have an experience on E90 N54 Engine Coolant Change and care to share? Thank You

FCP Euro · 12-08-2009, 08:04 AM

Are you looking for a how to or just want to know if it is hard or something like that?

clairvoyant · 12-08-2009, 08:10 AM

Both, I prefer. From what I see, the intercooler seems to be on the way.
Thank You

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCPGroton

Are you looking for a how to or just want to know if it is hard or something like that?

FCP Euro · 12-08-2009, 10:51 AM

This should help answer your questions.

Complete Cooling System Overhaul

clairvoyant · 12-09-2009, 07:35 AM

I saw this link before. Flushing radiator is flushing radiator, no rocket science on that department.
However, there is an intercooler on the way for that 335i. How do I remove the intercooler safely before radiator flush and put it back on afterward?
Thank You

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCPGroton

This should help answer your questions.

Complete Cooling System Overhaul

marcel b · 12-09-2009, 08:09 AM

what has the FMIC to do with coolant change?
By the way, there are post here how to take off an FMIC. e.g. look in the tread of the group buy of the ETS FMIC.

clairvoyant · 12-09-2009, 08:17 AM

FMIC is exactly under/blocking the radiator where you need to unscrew the Drain plug radiator.
See the diagram bellow:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...80&hg=17&fg=05

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcel b

what has the FMIC to do with coolant change?
By the way, there are post here how to take off an FMIC. e.g. look in the tread of the group buy of the ETS FMIC.

marcel b · 12-09-2009, 08:49 AM

check here for some details of dismounting a FMIC http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=321704&page=6

raceyBMW · 12-09-2009, 01:40 PM

Are you sure that the IC is in the way of the drain plug access, the IC actually sits in front of the radiator. You will probably have to remove the bottom cover for the IC, but you shouldn't have to remove the IC itself.

David1 · 12-17-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

Are you sure that the IC is in the way of the drain plug access, the IC actually sits in front of the radiator. You will probably have to remove the bottom cover for the IC, but you shouldn't have to remove the IC itself.

You have to remove the FMIC. You also need to hook the car up to a battery charger and hook the car up to a diagnostic tool to run the waterpump to bleed the system of air.

ENINTY · 12-17-2009, 08:38 AM

I did a DIY for the N52. I'm not sure how much different the N54 is, but it should be close enough. It's not hard. You can run the pump without a scan tool. It's good advice to hook up a second battery so as not to deplete the car's battery.

raceyBMW · 12-17-2009, 11:17 AM

That is EXCELLENT news about the coolant bleeding procedure! Sucks that the IC has to be removed though to properly drain. I contacted Bavarian Technic and they said they do not have a way to activate the coolant pump at this time, so its great that you found a way.

clairvoyant · 12-29-2009, 07:49 AM

To drain the coolant from the engine block you need to remove a few hoses from the water pump and thermostat housing.
Where the heck are the water pump and thermostat housing on N54?
Does any kind member of this forum care to point them out and better yet take photos?

Bcube · 12-29-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clairvoyant

To drain the coolant from the engine block you need to remove a few hoses from the water pump and thermostat housing.
Where the heck are the water pump and thermostat housing on N54?
Does any kind member of this forum care to point them out and better yet take photos?

I will be looking for the thermostat housing tomorrow, as I am in the middle of my coolant change. I ran out of daylight this evening before I could finish the job. BTW, the IC came off so easy, that it will be my luck that it will be a PIA to put back on.

AlanAZ · 12-30-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Where the heck are the water pump and thermostat housing on N54?

According to Bentley manual, passenger side (USA) front, above the sway bar, same as N52. There's a short U shaped hose that connects the two, disconnect one end and pull the hose down to drain both sides. Wear goggles, coolant splashes against the sway bar.

David1 · 12-30-2009, 01:22 PM

You know the coolant doesn't need changing for 100k miles.

clairvoyant · 12-30-2009, 01:28 PM

I saw something like that but then I didn't see any opening or space that I could grab the hose and yank it. I could be wrong, it was also dark even with the flash light. Can anyone here give me some sort of visual diagram or possibly photos?
With coolant, I don't usually go by mileage, I go by year (every 3 year) just to play safe.

Thank You

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

According to Bentley manual, passenger side (USA) front, above the sway bar, same as N52. There's a short U shaped hose that connects the two, disconnect one end and pull the hose down to drain both sides. Wear goggles, coolant splashes against the sway bar.

Bcube · 12-30-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1

You know the coolant doesn't need changing for 100k miles.

Which is why I am changing the coolant. ~101,500 miles.

And the rear differential fluid, power steering fluid, etc. Dealer wanted close to $700 for all mentioned services, I am into ~$100 for parts/supplies and a few tools I didn't have. And I work cheap.

Bcube · 12-30-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

According to Bentley manual, passenger side (USA) front, above the sway bar, same as N52. There's a short U shaped hose that connects the two, disconnect one end and pull the hose down to drain both sides. Wear goggles, coolant splashes against the sway bar.

Thanks, found it. Still going to have to unbolt the power steering hose hangers for access.

clairvoyant · 12-30-2009, 03:34 PM

Can you take photos? I appreciate that. Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bcube

Thanks, found it. Still going to have to unbolt the power steering hose hangers for access.

Bcube · 12-30-2009, 08:22 PM

Here is a picture of the thermostat and water pump. As mentioned, they are directly above the sway bar on the passenger side. The silver tab with a single hole is a mounting point for the power steering hoses. I moved them out of the way for access. The left hose attachment is the one I pulled (in the picture, I have already re-attached the hose. That is why it is all wet and I haven't pushed down the hose clamp yet.) WRT the dryer hose attachment on the right, I didn't pull as the hose clamp fastener was not accessible. Both attachments belong to the same u-shaped hose - the hose connects the thermostat to the water pump.

hun77777 · 01-27-2010, 08:38 PM

how many gallons of coolant do i need to buy? it's 50/50 so i assume we mix with water?

12-07-2009, 07:03 PM	#1
clairvoyant Major 88 Rep 1,032 Posts Drives: Bavarian Manure Wagon (BMW) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: 45°19′20″N, 75°50′0″W iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 335i [5.24]	Curious on E90 N54 Engine Coolant Change Does anybody have an experience on E90 N54 Engine Coolant Change and care to share? Thank You
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12-08-2009, 08:04 AM	#2
FCP Euro Lieutenant 10 Rep 462 Posts Drives: Volvo 850 T5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Old Saybrook, CT iTrader: (0)	Are you looking for a how to or just want to know if it is hard or something like that? __________________ sales@fcpeuro.com FCP Euro - European Car Parts Specialists
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12-08-2009, 10:51 AM	#4
FCP Euro Lieutenant 10 Rep 462 Posts Drives: Volvo 850 T5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Old Saybrook, CT iTrader: (0)	This should help answer your questions. Complete Cooling System Overhaul __________________ sales@fcpeuro.com FCP Euro - European Car Parts Specialists
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12-09-2009, 08:09 AM	#6
marcel b Lieutenant Colonel 138 Rep 1,898 Posts Drives: F31 340i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	what has the FMIC to do with coolant change? By the way, there are post here how to take off an FMIC. e.g. look in the tread of the group buy of the ETS FMIC.
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12-09-2009, 08:49 AM	#8
marcel b Lieutenant Colonel 138 Rep 1,898 Posts Drives: F31 340i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	check here for some details of dismounting a FMIC http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=321704&page=6
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12-09-2009, 01:40 PM	#9
raceyBMW king of the hills 114 Rep 2,923 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	Are you sure that the IC is in the way of the drain plug access, the IC actually sits in front of the radiator. You will probably have to remove the bottom cover for the IC, but you shouldn't have to remove the IC itself.
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12-17-2009, 08:38 AM	#11
ENINTY Banned 190 Rep 3,415 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I did a DIY for the N52. I'm not sure how much different the N54 is, but it should be close enough. It's not hard. You can run the pump without a scan tool. It's good advice to hook up a second battery so as not to deplete the car's battery.
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12-17-2009, 11:17 AM	#12
raceyBMW king of the hills 114 Rep 2,923 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	That is EXCELLENT news about the coolant bleeding procedure! Sucks that the IC has to be removed though to properly drain. I contacted Bavarian Technic and they said they do not have a way to activate the coolant pump at this time, so its great that you found a way.
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12-29-2009, 07:49 AM	#13
clairvoyant Major 88 Rep 1,032 Posts Drives: Bavarian Manure Wagon (BMW) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: 45°19′20″N, 75°50′0″W iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 335i [5.24]	To drain the coolant from the engine block you need to remove a few hoses from the water pump and thermostat housing. Where the heck are the water pump and thermostat housing on N54? Does any kind member of this forum care to point them out and better yet take photos?
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12-30-2009, 01:22 PM	#16
David1 Brigadier General 1011 Rep 4,072 Posts Drives: 09 E92 09 X5 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (1)	You know the coolant doesn't need changing for 100k miles. __________________ 2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange \|Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather\|Executive Pkg\|DCT
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12-30-2009, 08:22 PM	#21
Bcube Been there, wrecked that. 18 Rep 547 Posts Drives: '07 E93 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Here is a picture of the thermostat and water pump. As mentioned, they are directly above the sway bar on the passenger side. The silver tab with a single hole is a mounting point for the power steering hoses. I moved them out of the way for access. The left hose attachment is the one I pulled (in the picture, I have already re-attached the hose. That is why it is all wet and I haven't pushed down the hose clamp yet.) WRT the dryer hose attachment on the right, I didn't pull as the hose clamp fastener was not accessible. Both attachments belong to the same u-shaped hose - the hose connects the thermostat to the water pump. Attached Images __________________ -Brian ~199K miles. I -still- don't fear my 335i.
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01-27-2010, 08:38 PM	#22
hun77777 Brigadier General 201 Rep 4,646 Posts Drives: SG E92 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle WA iTrader: (58)	how many gallons of coolant do i need to buy? it's 50/50 so i assume we mix with water? __________________ SGE92TT......................... 12.331 Sec @ 117.89 Mph............................POWERED BY l BMS DCI l HELIX IC l FORGE DVs l RR OCC & CP & SCOOPS l AR 3" DPs l AE QUADs l BLISTEIN PSS10 l P3 VENT GUAGE l VISHNU PROCEDE V5 AUTOTUNE l Lots of Window Stickers
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