Behr radiator: https://amzn.to/2KsmHrG
Genuine expansion tank: https://amzn.to/2M8ZW1e
I tried my best to purchase OEM components, or at least OEM brand. I rarely buy parts from the actual dealer because they are just grossly over priced. In most cases the manufacturer will make the exact same part for the parts market at a cheaper price. I usually buy things through eBay.
I bought a Behr radiator that seems to be made in South Africa and a Coolant Expansion Tank from Behr Hella (they outsource this to China now). Hey I guess American companies aren’t the only ones outsourcing, lol.
Turns out my expansion tank and radiator were already replaced at some point in the past by the previous owner, although he didn’t tell me that. No big deal, I’m glad to have good brands in my cooling system.
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.
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If you don't break the thermostat your are good.
Thanks for all the video content you have provided. I have a 2000 328i (and a 2006 e53). I need to replace the accessory belt on the e46. The fan clutch refuses to cooperate. I bought the "special tool" although the one I got is evidently a piece of crap. It will slide over one bolt head but not two and only holds if the stars are aligned and the wind direction is ideal. To say the holder tool is pathetic would be giving its manufacturer too much credit. I am afraid to smack the special wrench any harder for fear of breaking some important plastic component. I was hoping that I might remove the rad to get access to replace the stupid belt and/or remove the fan clutch. As I work on this thing, I see more and more especially stupid things that the e46 (and e53) design team(s) did. This fan/shroud/ clutch assembly is definitely one of them. Frustrating to fix when they are old, rusty and seized. Anybody have a few good ideas other than a cutting torch or sledge hammer? Possible to unbolt the fan from the clutch with the shroud still in place? I alaso have this fun project to look forward to on the e53 because the fan clutch isn't really getting the fan up to speed, but it lookds easier to access than the one on the e46. (Living in dreams?)
Thank you for the video kids it’s very helpful
Missing:
Radiator drain plugs-> longer drain plug is for automatic.
Smaller drain plug-> for manual trans
Hi, thanks for amazing videos. Just have a question if you could help. I have 2005 e46. So of sudden I notices the temprature guage going up to the middle which never goes beyond little over to blue bar. When the car running it comes down but when stopped or crawling in traffic it gradually goes to middle and I smell it overheating. Can you help with any probable fault. Many thanks.
Great camera work, thanks. I like your attention to detailed info for the viewer, right down to pointing out the new drain plug design. I've found that spraying some WD40 (penetrating oil spray) as you gently wriggle those crusty hose joints up and down helps free them off. As you say, adding a light smear of silicone grease to all O rings will save a lot of headache on future maintenance, ditto adding copper grease to replacement bolt threads.
I'm going through overheating problems right now. Every half hour it will start to boil up and I haven't worked out the root problem. I'm about to power wash through the fins to help shift any build up in there.
thank you so much i know its been years since this video has came out but i recently got my e46 and a lot of your videos have greatly helped me. thank you
Great video and show exactly what is needed. Big thumbs up from a tech at bmw 🙂
Any tips on how to get the expansion tank back on bc mine won’t go in
I'm about to get underneath my E46 to find my leak(s), so I haven't actually tried this yet…but coolant obviously goes everywhere. Seems to me something as simple as a plastic "washing machine drain pan" ($20-$40) might cover a large area underneath the engine, and would also sport a drain outlet (use typical ABS/Schedule 40 plumbing fixtures and pipe) to get the fluid out and away before removing the pan–the sides typically aren't that deep, so pulling it out too quickly might cause it to slosh over the sides, which pretty much defeats the purpose. So catch the fluid in the pan, and get it out into a smaller container for reuse or disposal, etc. DIY is your friend.
I might put mine on a caster equipped board to make it easy to get it in and out from underneath too.