Coolant leak

Kealbazor1 · 04-12-2012, 07:42 AM

I have been leaking coolant ever since i first bought my car (2000 e46 318i) coolant is leaking onto floor directly under heater behind engine. Currently needing to fill up about a litre every 2-3 days. Had it checked today and mechanic said i need a new plastic pipe or something that runs from the front of engine to the back of engine. Have to dismantle everything to see properly but havent done so yet. Wanting to know the name of that part and price please. And other questions and info will be great.
Thanks, Anthony

Akovski · 04-12-2012, 08:45 AM

check out OEMparts.com they have plenty of diagrams for u

her01981 · 04-12-2012, 09:14 AM

Search ebay for BMW E46 Coolant Tank. It runs about $40
I had the same problem. I took it to my buddy, he took it out and sure enough there was a small crack on the side of it. Bought the part from ebay and he installed it. All good!

Kealbazor1 · 04-12-2012, 09:49 AM

On the cooling system diagram here it shows it as being called heater inlet pipee? Thats the only one looks like my description.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...15&hg=17&fg=05

CaptainOversteer · 04-12-2012, 09:52 AM

Replace the whole cooling system. There's a great sticky on it, and it will save you headaches down the road.

Kealbazor1 · 04-12-2012, 10:02 AM

How much would that cost? I don't have money as yet and am selling the car just tryna repair stuff first

younGun392 · 04-12-2012, 10:14 AM

Most likely option is the expansion tank (coolant tank), probably just a simple hair line crack on the side of the tank which is only leaks when hot water runs through. Get a compression test maybe?

Mango · 04-12-2012, 10:18 AM

See sig. Do it. If not, light car on fire. thanks bro

manaman22 · 04-12-2012, 11:38 AM

Based on what you are saying, you are correct. Your mechanic is describing the heater inlet pipe (number 8 on your drawing). You should replace the other plastic pipe (number 6) while you are in there, since it is accessible. You just need to order the pipes. They usually come with the o-rings already on them, so that can save you a few bucks. For both pipes, you should look at about $75US. It is just a matter of where you get the parts from and the shipping cost.

04-12-2012, 07:42 AM	#1
Kealbazor1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbourne, australia Posts: 3 My Ride: E46 318i View My Garage	Coolant leak I have been leaking coolant ever since i first bought my car (2000 e46 318i) coolant is leaking onto floor directly under heater behind engine. Currently needing to fill up about a litre every 2-3 days. Had it checked today and mechanic said i need a new plastic pipe or something that runs from the front of engine to the back of engine. Have to dismantle everything to see properly but havent done so yet. Wanting to know the name of that part and price please. And other questions and info will be great. Thanks, Anthony

04-12-2012, 09:52 AM	#5
CaptainOversteer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 198 My Ride: Has three pedals View My Garage	Replace the whole cooling system. There's a great sticky on it, and it will save you headaches down the road. __________________ Now Coding Cars in the Burlington,VT/Plattsburgh, NY area - PM if needed BMWCCA # 461124 1986 325 - SOLD 2002 325ci

04-12-2012, 10:18 AM	#8
Mango Grand Superpatriot Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,524 My Ride: M54B30 View My Garage	See sig. Do it. If not, light car on fire. thanks bro __________________ Cooling \| Maintenance \| Vacuum \| Suspension \| Costs "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." -Steve Jobs

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04-12-2012, 08:45 AM	#2
Akovski Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: ATL Posts: 474 My Ride: 323CI View My Garage	check out OEMparts.com they have plenty of diagrams for u

04-12-2012, 09:14 AM	#3
her01981 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: gilbertsville Posts: 22 My Ride: 2005 325CI Convertib View My Garage	Search ebay for BMW E46 Coolant Tank. It runs about $40 I had the same problem. I took it to my buddy, he took it out and sure enough there was a small crack on the side of it. Bought the part from ebay and he installed it. All good!

04-12-2012, 09:49 AM	#4
Kealbazor1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbourne, australia Posts: 3 My Ride: E46 318i View My Garage	On the cooling system diagram here it shows it as being called heater inlet pipee? Thats the only one looks like my description. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...15&hg=17&fg=05

04-12-2012, 10:02 AM	#6
Kealbazor1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbourne, australia Posts: 3 My Ride: E46 318i View My Garage	How much would that cost? I don't have money as yet and am selling the car just tryna repair stuff first

04-12-2012, 10:14 AM	#7
younGun392 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North Cyprus Posts: 135 My Ride: S.L.O.W View My Garage	Most likely option is the expansion tank (coolant tank), probably just a simple hair line crack on the side of the tank which is only leaks when hot water runs through. Get a compression test maybe?

04-12-2012, 11:38 AM	#9
manaman22 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 112 My Ride: 2000 323i View My Garage	Based on what you are saying, you are correct. Your mechanic is describing the heater inlet pipe (number 8 on your drawing). You should replace the other plastic pipe (number 6) while you are in there, since it is accessible. You just need to order the pipes. They usually come with the o-rings already on them, so that can save you a few bucks. For both pipes, you should look at about $75US. It is just a matter of where you get the parts from and the shipping cost.