DIY: 2006 BMW X5 3.0i PARTIAL Cooling Overhaul @ 116K miles

[g300d]

Nice write up, very comprehensive!

I may have missed it but if you replace the reservoir, get a transmision thermostat, they like to break when pulling out the old reservoir.

I wish I got the same lifespan from my parts as you, at 50k most of the parts listed were dying and the rest of the system I replaced for good measure.

Only parts I have not replaced are water pump, pump pulley, and thermostat.

[Scott ZHP]

Originally Posted by g300d

I may have missed it but if you replace the reservoir, get a transmision thermostat, they like to break when pulling out the old reservoir.

Only parts I have not replaced are water pump, pump pulley, and thermostat.

I believe he's got a 6-speed, hence no transmission thermostat.

Nice writeup. Two things I can add, for whatever they are worth:

Water pump can be easily removed by threading a pair of the bolts that secure the pump pulley into the two extra drillings on the pump face flange. Alternately tighten them to "push" the pump out of the housing a few mm. I don't like to use general purpose grease on the rubber o-rings for cooling system parts. Instead I use Syl-Glyde, a silicone based grease that won't harm rubber.

I'm not normally a fan of Uro brand parts, but they make an alloy water pump pulley that fits and will never become brittle and crack. They're $20. Just be sure to coat the contact points with anti-sieze if you ever hope to remove it from the steel water pump nose.

[Ricky Bobby]

^Nice tips to add Scott - I'm normally not a fan of Uro parts either, but I do see that they sell the aluminum pulley with the EMP Stewart pump kit on FCP Euro's website - And yes I'm one of those that if I'm going to replace the pump I'm going to use a bulletproof lifetime pump for sure.

[Scott ZHP]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^Nice tips to add Scott - I'm normally not a fan of Uro parts either, but I do see that they sell the aluminum pulley with the EMP Stewart pump kit on FCP Euro's website - And yes I'm one of those that if I'm going to replace the pump I'm going to use a bulletproof lifetime pump for sure.

My E46 has a Stewart pump and a set of alloy underdrive pulleys from Turner Motorsports.

I had to use a bit of emory cloth on the Uro pulley opening where it mounts over the water pump nose; just a couple of passes to smooth out the anodizing. It's surprisingly high quality for twenty bucks, lol.

Anyone got any experience with radiators? Nissens? Behr? I'm planning to replace the rad in my E53 in the Spring at (est) 155k, along with the exp tank and the trans thermostat. The tank/trans thermo have about 65k miles on them, but while it's apart... I bought an OEM Behr trans cooler on eBay for $45, might throw that one too, while I have access. Although I hate dealing with the quick disconnect fittings.

[Joshdub]

I like Behr but my brother has had a Nissans rad for 30k miles now on his Volvo, and it turns out the rad in my E30 is Nissans and it has been in there for at least 7 years. They feel a little cheaper but I haven't experienced any failures.

[cn90]

I can only tell you my experience with my E39 (1998 528i) with 155K miles now...

1. Rad:
Nissens rad was installed May 2006 @90K, almost 10 years, zero leak.
In contrast, the E39 people who installed Behr regret.

2. Fan Clutch: Sachs is almost 10 years, zero issues.
Fan Blade: BMW only. Do NOT use MTC brand.

3. HEPU WP: is almost 10 years, zero issues.

4. Reservoir: stick to BMW OEM, otherwise you will regret with Behr.

[Joshdub]

any tips or tricks for getting the old res out? I think everything is disconnected but it still doesnt budge. Tried wiggling it and walking it out but I am afraid it is going to break the thing it attaches to. I did remove the clip, all hoses, and the harness for the sensor.

[cn90]

Joshdub,

As I mentioned in the original thread, this is the most difficult part of the job.
Once the retainer is removed, you have to use a short screwdriver and pry gently at the correct location.

Below is a youtube video, this fellow removed the whole reservoir + connections from the car and deal with it outside of the car. You don't have to do it that way, but it is certainly an option.

See time marking from 8:00 onward:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdEAwNs3fGY

[Joshdub]

Thank you. That does help. I'll try the pry technique.

[richardb]

Wow this is a really great write up. I'll add to it by contributing a waterpump and thermostat DIY video on a 3.0i:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rci7ASOme7o