BMW Genuine Radiator Expansion Tank E46 E53 E83 17117573781

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Not to discredit the previously posted links for o-rings, but below is another option that includes actual o-ring sizes. There are a few key problem areas for the E46 cooling system, but the main issues are related to build materials and age. Since most M52TU and M54 engines have been around for over 20 years at this point, it is extremely likely that any E46 on the road today will need a cooling system refresh.In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common BMW E46 cooling system problems as well as how to fix them. Vehicle models change and evolve, as they grow older, so the vehicle shown in our illustrations may vary slightly from yours. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Do you have questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information. not to discredit the previously posted links for o-rings, but below is another option that includes actual o-ring sizes.

you that the thermostat in the bottom is for the automatic transmission cooler? And that it will probably break in the removal process. I believe it's brittle and Since the main belt and pulley assembly is responsible for so many vital systems, it is extremely important that it stays well maintained. The primary belt is guided by a pulley that contains grease to keep it lubricated. Typically this grease dries up around the 60,000-mile mark. When that happens, the belt can either become misaligned, slip off, or snap. At that point, you’ll be without power steering, an alternator, or a cooling system. E46 Belt and Pulley Failure Symptoms I was planning on putting it "behind" the tank... so like if you are looking down on tip of the tank with the sight glass on the right hand side then I am going to do it on the top side... so just around the corner from the current sight glass bung so then the wiring and all that is hidden around the corner ... The sensor has its own wiring pig tail so I was going to put a connector on that and then chop the BMW off the other end and do a matching one so then it can be replaced easily if required... I mean all the research I did there is no reason it shouldn't work... As an overview, the process of replacing the pulley includes the following: remove the four expansion rivets from the intake air duct, remove the intake air duct from the radiator support, remove the radiator cooling fan shroud from the vehicle, and extract the alternator drive belt (it is important to also mark the direction of the belt’s rotation).

Expansion Tank Mounting Bracket - E46 E85 Z4 with Auto Trans

Modifications to hoses were also needed because the tank only has one connection at the bottom for returning flow. The tank had a T connector with it and I connected the incoming coolant hoses together with it. You really should try to replace upper and lower rad hoses, thermostat, water pump and expansion tank? I thought this is unbelievable, why, how is this thing (tank) still in here? Pull, Pull and wiggle, pull some more! Man. How to pry it off from the lower connection? Nothing fits to do that, Pry bar from the frame to the bottom of the tank almost works. Remember the slow and easy pulling, you will break the thermostat in the bottom if you man-handle it. I think it's like an egg shell, touch it and it will break.

Set the HVAC temperature controls to full warm and the fan speed to its lowest setting (this opens the heater core and activates the secondary electric coolant pump). First one, 16mm inside diameter x 3mm width: This is I think only one per car, fits the fitting on the upper radiator hose where it plugs into the expansion tank. (NOTE: I also tried a slightly larger O-ring for this one, size 3.5 mm Width, 16 mm ID, and I absolutely COULD NOT manage to get that one to seat in the groove in the hose fitting!When the coolant spilling from the bleed screw is free of air bubbles (just a steady stream of coolant), tighten the screw and replace the expansion tank cap. These i know fit my particular car, which is a 2002 model year 325ci, e46, m54 engine. Vin starts with wbabn33442jw, 7/2002 production date. Edit. Noted the year of your vehicle and you may have the Siemens fan that had the pwm circuit board embedded in the fan motor. Works on the same concept of dme signals based on input signals. You will not get a Siemens fan motor new today as they were recalled in 2001 and discontinued. You will need to find a Bosch gen-2 fan assy. The Bosch for the e46 stopped in 2012. Some are still avail. Options are aftermarket or build your own using Bosch components from other makes. This issue is very similar to the water pump failure problem that we discussed above. Failing thermostats have been a problem for BMW 3-Series since the E30. While it is one of the most common cooling system components to fail on BMW E46s, they don’t usually fail unexpectedly. Most of the time, BMW E46 thermostats fail at the expected intervals of around every 60,000-75,000 miles.

Use some CRC Electronic Cleaner to thoroughly spray out the sensor connections. Oil and coolant can build up in these connections causing the sensor to malfunction.Ultimately, the solution to this E46 cooling system problem is pretty easy, straightforward, and cheap if you are comfortable performing a DIY repair. For starters, you’ll need to get a new E46 coolant expansion tank. There are a couple of routes that you can go with this. Do not remove the expansion tank cap while the engine is hot. Coolant or hot steam may escape and will scald you. To do any work on the cooling system, wait until the engine has cooled off.