N55 Coolant Flush

[mr.fabulous]

My water pump was replaced (CPO) about two-and-a-half years ago and I figure it's time for fresh coolant. I'd hoped to do this today, but I can't get the damn intercooler out (and I'm certain I wouldn't be able to get it back in either), and so time to search for another solution (two hours ago I was ready to find an Indie, but I'm pissed).

Lots of information on this on the interwebs, and BavAuto has a *really nice* video on water pump replacement. And I found a forum post suggesting to drain coolant at the water pump... but I'm wondering how much (as a percentage) coolant remains in the engine/radiator/hoses if I try this? Do I get an adequate drain by removing a water pump hose? And that's just a basic hose clamp and not some idiot BMW snap connection, right?

[mr.fabulous]

I don't know what to do besides trying it and measuring what I get out? I will report back here if/when I do that.

[dcaron9999]

In the same situation as you. Got a big ass FMIC on my N55. Don't want to deal with taking everything off to gain clearance to radiator drain plug. Im way overdue for a coolant flush. Looking for easiest DIY, lying on my back in my garage. I dont mind if a bit of the old coolant mixture stays in the system...

Keep us posted. Interested by your investigation and observations.

[JCip91]

Shouldn't be that much remaining if you remove the water pump hose since its the lowest point in the system. To get a little extra out you could jack up the back of the car and do a little hose massaging.

[Mr Gasser]

There is a vacuum kit that is pretty good, there are cheaper ones out there:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...SABEgI9E_D_BwE

[elitesales305]

Originally Posted by JCip91

Shouldn't be that much remaining if you remove the water pump hose since its the lowest point in the system. To get a little extra out you could jack up the back of the car and do a little hose massaging.

!!!!!!! YOU NEVER MASSAGE "THE HOSE"!!!!!!

[Dackelone]

There is a engine block drain plug... but I don't think anyone has removed it to drain the cooling system. I would just take off the hose at the electric water pump and also try to drain the radiator peg/cock. IF you can't get access to the radiator drain... maybe try using a vacuum evacuator thru the radiator's upper radiator hose.

I would also replace your coolant expansion tank and cap. And also your upper and lower radiator hoses. Btw... all the coolant hoses have those spring snap on hose clamps on BMW's made in the last 20 years.

Dack


coolant dump @03:50...

coolant dump @3:15...

[tock172]

+1 To what Dack said.

I pulled the engine block plug on my E36 M3 to in an effort to rid the entire system of green coolant. It took all day and lots of flushing, but eventually the system was cleaned out. What a mess though.

[999]

Sorry to bump such an old thread, but did you MrFabulous ever tackle this job?

[mr.fabulous]

Originally Posted by 999

Sorry to bump such an old thread, but did you @[MrFabulous] ever tackle this job?

I did not. If I had a lift I'd feel better about dropping (and then getting reinstalled) my intercooler. If I had a lift I'd feel better about doing this from my water pump. But laying on my back with the car on jackstands and all of this a foot from my head... I don't know, maybe I'm getting old (59)... but I just didn't have the stones. I'll have my dealer do it when I can find the time (cost to me $0 when paid with my BMW Card, I have the points).

[Happy Jose]

Todays long life antifreezes are good for 10->15 years or up to 150K miles.

Also if you changed the waterpump and didn't pour the drain back in, ie, you put fresh stuff in, you are fine. As far as draining it goes, just pull off the lower radiator hose.

You people are just too funny. You make every service on this car more complicated than a moon landing.

[bm996tt]

Correct info- antifreeze is good for many years and there are test kits that can help determine condition if doubtful.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Happy Jose

Todays long life antifreezes are good for 10->15 years or up to 150K miles.

Also if you changed the waterpump and didn't pour the drain back in, ie, you put fresh stuff in, you are fine. As far as draining it goes, just pull off the lower radiator hose.

You people are just too funny. You make every service on this car more complicated than a moon landing.

BMW says every 4 years.

Mike Miller says every 2 years.

Our magnesium blocks are very susceptible to corrosion.

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

BMW says every 4 years.

Mike Miller says every 2 years.

Our magnesium blocks are very susceptible to corrosion.

No point arguing with Unhappy Jose. He will just beat you down with his attitude until you give up!

[YearOneOne]

YOU PEOPLE!!!!!!! I'm offended

[Happy Jose]

Yank off the bottom radiator hose and open up the coolant reservoir. You can take a turkey baster to suck out any fluid in it.

Buy either BMW or Mercedes coolant, it's the blue stuff and it's formulated to be compatible with the aluminum components in your engine. Make a mix of 50-50 of antifreeze and water. Mercedes says to use tap water, but BMW might require distilled.

To refill the radiator, you have to use the procedure to fill & "burp" the system as outlined in the video to replace the water pump:

[Happy Jose]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

BMW says every 4 years.

Mike Miller says every 2 years.

Our magnesium blocks are very susceptible to corrosion.

BMW & Mercedes say a lot of things which should be taken with a grain of salt.

Modern coolant will last a long time probably longer than you'll own the car.

Most of you people demonstrate obsessive-compulsive behavior with your 3K oil changes and other idiocy. Instead of being fixated on this stupid car do something productive like going for a long walk!

[Matt@EuroJerks]

Got a low coolant light today. What are my options for coolant? What am I looking for as far as brands/type of coolant?
1) Stealership
2)Autoparts store
3)Order online (probably don't want to wait that long)

[Captain Blood]

I had my water pump replaced last year. I'm pretty sure they put in new coolant, but do I need to replace the hoses and other things?

[bagekko]

On my fleet I only use the stealer blue stuff, after CCA disc its not that much more than green stuff at wally world. Its concentrated so mix 50/50 with distilled water.

One hack way to semi purge the system once a drain is open is put some kind of blower in the reservoir fill, I use my Milwaukee M18 shop blower, a shop vac that can switch to blow could be used provided its blowing clean air.

Originally Posted by Matt@EuroJerks

Got a low coolant light today. What are my options for coolant? What am I looking for as far as brands/type of coolant?
1) Stealership
2)Autoparts store
3)Order online (probably don't want to wait that long)

[tock172]

Originally Posted by Matt@EuroJerks

Got a low coolant light today. What are my options for coolant? What am I looking for as far as brands/type of coolant?
1) Stealership
2)Autoparts store
3)Order online (probably don't want to wait that long)

There are a few other options:

Zerex G48 is a blue alternative that is available at many auto parts stores.



You can also use Zerex G05 in a pinch. It's not blue, but follows the same low silicate formulation required for European makes like Mercedes. I used G05 in one of my BMWs for years when I lived over 100 miles away from a dealer.



The attached application chart is old (pre G48), but shows G05 as being approved for modern BMWs.

[mackeroni]

This may not be the popular approach, but what the heck... My local dealer only charges $99+ tax for a coolant flush and fill. I am more than happy to spend the time looking at new cars and chatting with my sales guy while this is being done every 60,000 miles.

Pros: Clean, quick, painless, BMW-branded coolant, peace of mind

Cons: Ummm

Peace... Mack