How to change coolant?

[Dode4444]

I've tried searching people and not getting very far so as it says?
Anyone got a how to or please tell me the best way to change the coolant on my 2005 3.0d and if any one recommends any other coolants or just bmws own.
Thanks folks....

[X5Sport]

Personally I would use BMWs own to make certain the correct anti-corrosion agents are in there.  As to changing it, I would let the engine cool and then drop the bottom hose off the rad.  Once the waterfall stops, put it back (fully tighten the clips) and refill with coolant followed by either deionised or distilled water, the latter being better as it has no minerals in it.

Richard

[Dode4444]

Thank you for that Richard
So it's as easy as that just drop the bottom hose and let it drain from there and then top up 50/50 coolant and distiller water I presume?

[X5Sport]

Can't confirm the ratio used but a Dealer will be able to tell you.

Richard

[Caesium]

It will probably tell you on the bottle of coolant how much to dilute it.

[Denis O]

Never done a coolant change on the e53 diesel, or any other e53 for that matter but did this on my 4.4 petrol e39 and if it's similar you need the front of the car as high in the air as possible to aid the bleeding of the air when you refill. It can be a pain and take several attempts  before it all settles down.

Also, whilst you're doing this job, have a good look at the expansion tank where it attaches to the rad. Known weak spot and often the cause of losing coolant.

[Dode4444]

Thanks for your help folks hopefully it all helps

[04XWD]

Its really important to bleed BMW's correctly, the cooling system is a major week spot the BMW's engine design! I've never owned a Diesel BM before, but I would advise all V8 owners to ready pages like the link below! Very helpful maintenance ideas (focused to the M62) this guy, Tim,  was the deciding factor in my 840ci purchase, and that's a car you really need to work on yourself! 

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Index.htm

[Dode4444]

Thanks for everybody's help I was thinking of using this coolant as the nearest dealer to me is around 60 miles away. Has anybody had any experience with this type or know if it'll be ok?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... &langId=-1

[04XWD]

I won't take credit for these info, as i found it on one of the US boards, awhile back.
good to know, hope it helps!

Jason Burt1 month ago



It appears the new Beck Arnley Euro coolant made in Germany contains Ethylhexanoic acid as well. This is a shame since this is the plasticizer that softens the rubber seals in your BMW and causes leaks. scratch this one off the list too. Stick with Pentosin or Motul. Check MSDS sheets and look for this chemical.
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Jason Burt1 month ago



Now that you have increase the pressure tollerance of the center pipe, be ready for the rear bell housing coolant pan to blow. To prevent all these problems including the center pipe 1) change your coolant with Pentosin NF or Motul Inugel Expert Ultra every 2 years,do not use US branded BMW Coolant 2) throw the 2 bar(29 psi) coolant cap in the trash and replace it with a 1.4 bar(20 psi) coolant cap from a 1 or 3 series BMW.

[X5Sport]

Dropping the pressure cap limit will decrease the boiling point of the coolant.  Why would you want to do that?

If you do use non BMW coolant (which may be rebadged Pentosin G48?) take some old and new and put them in an old glass bottle for a few days to see if there is any precipitation which could cause sludge.  Some coolants anti-corrosion chemicals don't play nicely together....

Richard

[Caesium]

Surely dropping the cap pressure release value will allow coolant to vent out onto the floor?

If the car is designed with a 29psi cap, it is not unreasonable to think it runs at about 21-25 psi?

Replacing the cap with a 20psi one is surely an unwise decision in this case?