The M54 requires the bleed process to be without the motor running. Heater on high, and lowest fan speed. Fill coolant with bleed screw open and continue to fill until you see coolant flow out of bleed screw. Stop filling it at that point and let the fan run until you do not see any more air bubbles. Close the screw.

I then start the car with the cap off and if the coolant level starts to go down I turn the car off and restart the procedure. If the level does not go down I put the cap back on and turn the fan to the highest setting and run the car till it hits operating tem ( and I have lots of heat coming out). Let the car cool and check your level.

I was done in 15 minutes tops with my e46 m54. No air and the coolant level did not go down.

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2001 E53 X5 3.0 Auto. Silver Black Build date 10-17-2000 141kmiles

2004 E60 545i Sport 6MT. Black/Black Build Date 6-2004 102k miles