* E46 Cooling Guide (Information w/parts list/bleeding) *

Originally Posted by Newman513

Is it okay to use ECS Tuning's $330 Level 2 kit, vs their OEM $480 kit?

Have there been any problems with their parts before? I know they have a 1 year manufacturing defect warranty.

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2063862/
vs
http://www.ecstuning.com/ES263517/

It's not missing much, but it's best to build a kit for yourself (it's cheaper). Using RealOEM, decide what you want to replace. I would try to get as many OEM parts as you can (not necessarily "genuine BMW").

Water Pump - Saleri
Hoses - CRP Contitech
Expansion Tank - CoolXpert (that's what Mango says)
Thermostat - Wahler
Radiator - Behr (I think, but Behr is good regardless)

I'm not sure on the sensors.

Hi
I've got an 04 plate 330ci it's only covered 13000 miles from new curious to know people opinions if I should renew the water pump and expansion tank due to its age and not the mileage.

Also is there anywhere in the uk any one knows of getting a complete kit to do so? I would want oem parts for the car if possible

Cheers for the help in advance

Has the coolant ever been replaced? I'd just do that. 13,000 miles means none of these parts have seen many heat cycles. Your water pump is definitely fine. Maybe replace the expansion tank if old plastic (but it's really a composite) scares you.

Cheers for the advice and quick reply mate. And not that I know of. The car I think has had like 3 services so would all be done at the same time lol and not many heat cycles been used like twice this year

I've read this?! I'm asking people's opinions on it and the tread has been moved! Fat lot of good that was!

Originally Posted by Connar92

I've read this?! I'm asking people's opinions on it and the tread has been moved! Fat lot of good that was!

It got moved b/c it's a general cooling question. People will still see it. I'm one of the only people up right now though b/c I'm at work and I have nothing to do on Saturday. I just have to be here in case.

Just do a complete coolant drain and refill if you are in doubt. I would also change your oil. That needs to be done at least once per year even if you don't come close to the 15,000 mile interval.

Yeah going to sort out a service soon with bmw oil and filter. And done less than 250 miles in the year. Anything else to look out for on the car age related? Kinda new to the forum scene lol. Sorry about the reply. :/

Originally Posted by Connar92

Yeah going to sort out a service soon with bmw oil and filter. And done less than 250 miles in the year. Anything else to look out for on the car age related? Kinda new to the forum scene lol. Sorry about the reply. :/

Your car has such low miles that I wouldn't really be worried about much at all. The suspension bushings are probably still good and everything. I might do a brake fluid flush since that fluid is probably quite old. Brake fluid tends to absorb water over time. I'd also think about getting a new battery if that one is original.

Originally Posted by WDE46

Your car has such low miles that I wouldn't really be worried about much at all. The suspension bushings are probably still good and everything. I might do a brake fluid flush since that fluid is probably quite old. Brake fluid tends to absorb water over time. I'd also think about getting a new battery if that one is original.

Yeah I think there on the cards too lol and yep still on the first set of tyres it came on

I think many of the things you might be concerned about can be gauged by examination. Just as if a mechanic were going over the car to evaluate it. There are youtube tests for a number of things too.

Mango did you replace your upper and lower rad hoses with the crc...? And would yoh recommend it, or should I just spend the extra money and be safe with oe.

Originally Posted by SteadyMobbin

Mango did you replace your upper and lower rad hoses with the crc...? And would yoh recommend it, or should I just spend the extra money and be safe with oe.

CRP-Contitech is OEM

Originally Posted by SteadyMobbin

Mango did you replace your upper and lower rad hoses with the crc...? And would yoh recommend it, or should I just spend the extra money and be safe with oe.

i'm using crp. i think thats oem.

Has anyone vacuum filled their cooling system? Any problems issues with doing that?

How do you do that?
What's the point?
Normal gravity fill does pretty well.
Fill, bleed, drive!

Why does this sticky tell people to replace certain parts blindly or based on mileage instead of doing a proper diagnosis? Like belts, bearings, and thermostats for example? It's a pretty wasteful use of money and time prematurely replacing those parts...

Originally Posted by mkodama

Why does this sticky tell people to replace certain parts blindly or based on mileage instead of doing a proper diagnosis? Like belts, bearings, and thermostats for example? It's a pretty wasteful use of money and time prematurely replacing those parts...

I called a independent BMW mechanic, 2 of them in fact. Both said that when 1 component fails in the cooling system, the rest are soon to follow.

Replacing the rest was cheaper than a tow, simple as that.

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

I called a independent BMW mechanic, 2 of them in fact. Both said that when 1 component fails in the cooling system, the rest are soon to follow.

Replacing the rest was cheaper than a tow, simple as that.

You asked a mechanic running a business if you should get more work done on your car. Why shouldn't he try to convince you to come in for more work in a situation of uncertainty?

And you pay $500+ for a tow?

Originally Posted by Troichka

Has anyone vacuum filled their cooling system? Any problems issues with doing that?

I would not do it. The ET is designed for positive pressure and so is the rest of the system. I'm sure a slight vacuum wouldn't hurt it, but why risk it. The regular bleeding method works perfectly.

Not all tows are equal. What if you're 500 miles away from home on a road trip? or hell, even 100 miles.

Good you got it done, dreamliner. It's a vehicle--a mode of transportation. Not a pair of roller skates. Man up and pay $500 to keep it running.