DIY Thermostat Replacement – WITHOUT DRAINING The Coolant!

Hello All,

I am in the process of doing a Thermostat Replacement on my 2000-2001 BMW 323i Manual.

I was just wondering if I would encounter any issues if I were to do the Thermostat Replacement Without Draining The Coolant as the temperature outside is below freezing and I don't want to go through all the trouble.

How much Coolant would it actually spill upon opening the Thermostat and the Hoses?

I would also appreciate any tips / tricks / pointers.

Thank You.

T-stat and hoses?
Between the bottom hose and t-stat you'll be draining pretty much all of it any way you look at it.

If it's just the thermostat and not the hoses, you'll probably only lose a quart of coolant.

Originally Posted by mkodama

If it's just the thermostat and not the hoses, you'll probably only lose a quart of coolant.

Hello,

But don't I need to remove the hoses to get the Thermostat out?

Thank You.

Few people here did it without Draining...

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=219433

Originally Posted by KH0

Hello,

But don't I need to remove the hoses to get the Thermostat out?

Thank You.

No, just disconnect the ends of the hoses connected to the thermostat.

Originally Posted by mkodama

No, just disconnect the ends of the hoses connected to the thermostat.

Hello,

Yes, that's what I ment

THANK YOU.

Very disappointed to find Partially Shorted 10mm Bolts on the bottom.

Halted the process of replacement and the car.

Any Advice?

Thank You.

No clue what you just said or what that picture is of.

Originally Posted by mkodama

No clue what you just said or what that picture is of.

LOL

Picture of Bolts that has no thread

Originally Posted by mkodama

No clue what you just said or what that picture is of.

Do not use crappy cell phones to take pictures, use a big boy camera.

Finally Done

A simple straightforward work that turned into some unexpected issues especially when working below freezing temperatures.

Majority of the unexpected issues will arise when taking apart the old Thermostat.

2 Bolts at the bottom (Rusted, Seized, & Striped)



At first decided to do the work without removing the Electric Fan as I mentioned earlier as the temperature outside was below freezing and I don't want to go through all the trouble, but finally decided to remove it as it was getting harder and harder to disconnect the bottom hose from the Thermostat. I also had a minor issue while removing the fan http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...280&highlight=

When the old Thermostat was out everything went real smoothly.

BTW: You can do it without draining the coolant as it only spills out a handful, but a safe practice would be to washing off the area of the spill before starting the vehicle.

Thank You.

Please consult with Mango for all of your cooling question. he is the forum's subject matter expert and should be able to help you more effectively

I hope this helps. Good luck

I did this project a week ago and not removing the fan and shroud would make it nearly impossible. There is only a few inches between the components and you certainly don't want to damage the fan.

Originally Posted by tcphoto

I did this project a week ago and not removing the fan and shroud would make it nearly impossible. There is only a few inches between the components and you certainly don't want to damage the fan.

Not Impossible, But Hard LOL