BMW Expansion Tank Diagnosis Part 1 of 2

Trouble shoot where the leak occurred on the Expansion Tank. This is from a E46 330i - M54 motor with Automatic transmission.

Hi-Res Photos of the hairline crack:
http://bit.ly/9kDbuo

Part 2 Continue of Diagnosis - Automatic Transmission Coolant Thermostat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwhfkQRN2jQ


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[bimmersgarage]

@shaindaman13

That is a Big Negative.. BMW cooling systems are under pressure, so bleeding process is (Critical) to remove ALL air pockets out of the system, including the heater core. If you ignore/skip this process, the air (no matter how small) will cause the water pump to Not circulate efficiently, leading to a blown head gasket and/or warped heads. Search & Read up on the procedure. > I can Not stress how Mission Critical this is. You been warned. NOTE:You should Not use generic antifreeze

[shaindaman13]

@bimmersgarage DOH! too late. I drove it around the block once. I did fill it with antifreeze before I drove it though. The temp gauge was right in the middle which does seem a tad high. You may have REALLY saved me some headache. i bleed it out today. What's the point though if it;s full of coolant already? just curious.

[bimmersgarage]

@shaindaman13

No worries, glad to hear my vids are able to help you out in a pinch.

Just remember to follow those BMW Inspection I & II schedules and other maintenance routines and your bimmer will be solid for many mileages to come. Once more thing, remember to Bleed your cooling system once your expansion tank is installed to prevent overheating. DO NOT drive until after you have bled the system.

[shaindaman13]

@bimmersgarage Even more helpful info. Thanks!

[Storm7289]

@shaindaman13 meh saw the source of the problem which is in the other vid but i just popped it back in since its like 100$ where i work. was selling the car anyways

[bimmersgarage]

@shaindaman13

That depends on your location/region and what other over due maintenance items needs to be done. BMW has a Huge list of things that should be checked and repaired based on mileage. Too long to list here...so, Just do a search for BMW Inspection I & II. Keep in mind that just the basics, there are other components that wear out on performance vehicles such as control arms, struts, shocks, etc. So honestly, there's no way for anyone to quote a price without looking at the vehicle.

[shaindaman13]

@bimmersgarage ...and thanks btw for posting this video and the reply. Helpful doesn't begin to describe it. I guess now that this car is 13 years old it's due a few minor breakdowns huh? It's a 2000 model 323ci. Do you think I could get $5500 for it if I put it up for sale? It's midnight blue and It has nice camel color interior. The top is in perfect shape. It also has new Michelin tires on it (and a new expansion tank too :). Just curious.

[shaindaman13]

@bimmersgarag That was a complete mistake on my part. My truck is at 96K. the Bimmer is at 73,9 right now. I actually just finished getting the tank replaced. It wasn't that bad. It's just when you're not sure how things are put together it can be intimidating. I was worried about getting the transmission cooling stuff out but it turned out to be quite simple.

[bimmersgarage]

@shaindaman13

It's called planned obsolescence.. unfortunately. The fact is, the heat cycles and the stress of the pressure (the cooling system is under 14 ft.lbs during normal operation.) within the tank causes the Exp. tank to fail eventually, due to age. BMW recommends you replace at around 75K. So, if you push it to 90K, you are guaranteed to have unexpected random Fail. Also, when you over fill the tank, it will cause premature failure even when the tank is brand new. Just a heads up.

[shaindaman13]

I'd be happy just to get my old tank out. Too much crap in the way. I already had to go buy a jack and stands in addition to the new tank. I'm having a hard time getting the old one off. I wish I'd just let a real mechanic do this instead of taking it on myself because I have no patience. And now that I've got it taken apart, I pretty much have to finish it. It's weird though how everyones BMW does this around 90K miles.