Replacing Radiator Expansion Tank, need help, 2000 323i

MB2000BMW323i · 07-30-2009, 12:37 PM

HI,
I read through the other post on the replacing of my tank expansion, but never found an answer for my biggest problem.
1st, I got the tank out ok, and have the new one, but when I put the old tank on the ground and was looking at it, I noticed a small piece fell out, or off of it, its round and the same size as a quarter, it has 3 notches on it, and its black, made out of a hard plastic type material, it broke into 4 pieces so can't be used again, but I can't seem to find where this went originally, and if I need to find a replacement, I can't find where it came from, like if it was from inside the old tank, and maybe the new one has it inside where I can't see.
Any advice on this?
2nd problem,
When I look from the top in to where the expansion tank goes, there is a spring sticking up. Does this need to be put back on in a certain way? Or do you think this broken piece has something to do with the spring. I did see someone had asked about the spring in another post, but didn't see an answer. I would appreciate any help.
My car is a 2000 323i and it has 164,000 miles, and this is the 1st thing I have had to replace due to wearing out, (big crack in side, ive done basic maintenance) Runs awesome though, and want to get it back on the road.

wolfman · 07-30-2009, 01:40 PM

From memory of my own replacement, you could have broken the thermostat for the Transmission Fluid cooling block (on the bottom of the rad - correct me if your car's not an Auto 'box). I did the same thing and had to go out and get a replacement. It seemed to break quite easily and that's probably what the spring is.

Some pictures would probably help, but I'm guessing that's what your problem is.

07-30-2009, 12:37 PM	#1
MB2000BMW323i Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ariel, Wa Posts: 6 My Ride: 2000 323i BMW View My Garage	Replacing Radiator Expansion Tank, need help, 2000 323i HI, I read through the other post on the replacing of my tank expansion, but never found an answer for my biggest problem. 1st, I got the tank out ok, and have the new one, but when I put the old tank on the ground and was looking at it, I noticed a small piece fell out, or off of it, its round and the same size as a quarter, it has 3 notches on it, and its black, made out of a hard plastic type material, it broke into 4 pieces so can't be used again, but I can't seem to find where this went originally, and if I need to find a replacement, I can't find where it came from, like if it was from inside the old tank, and maybe the new one has it inside where I can't see. Any advice on this? 2nd problem, When I look from the top in to where the expansion tank goes, there is a spring sticking up. Does this need to be put back on in a certain way? Or do you think this broken piece has something to do with the spring. I did see someone had asked about the spring in another post, but didn't see an answer. I would appreciate any help. My car is a 2000 323i and it has 164,000 miles, and this is the 1st thing I have had to replace due to wearing out, (big crack in side, ive done basic maintenance) Runs awesome though, and want to get it back on the road.

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07-30-2009, 01:40 PM	#2
wolfman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 19 My Ride: 2003 325i View My Garage	From memory of my own replacement, you could have broken the thermostat for the Transmission Fluid cooling block (on the bottom of the rad - correct me if your car's not an Auto 'box). I did the same thing and had to go out and get a replacement. It seemed to break quite easily and that's probably what the spring is. Some pictures would probably help, but I'm guessing that's what your problem is.