Is this a broken radiator drain plug?

[mtthmpsn]

Got all my fluids (coolant and distilled water) to do a coolant drain and fill then got under my X ('06 X5 3.0i) to start the drain process and saw this white/blue "plug":



I assume this is the drain screw with the head broken off, but before I order a new one and try and drill this out, I want to confirm (it's on left/driver's side of the radiator). Has anyhow had this happen and/or drilled it out with bolt removal tool (I have these tools)? I could also remove the bottom hose to drain but would like to replace this for future use if you think it's an easy fix. The last thing I want to do is end up with this drain screw stuck in the radiator with a hole allowing the fluid to drain out and have to get a new radiator.

Thanks!

[Clockwork]

It should be a blue plastic plug. Yes replace it while you are doing your drain/full. Be. Careful when installing it tho as PPL have a tendency to tighten then back up a bit too much and the head snaps from the threaded shaft.

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[mtthmpsn]

Thanks for confirming and good tip. I assume over-tightening is how the head sheared in the first place. Ordering the new screw today. I'll update the thread on how its removal/replacement goes this week.

[g300d]

Yes sir, that looks to be a broken plug alright.

I'd do it while you are there. I've never done it myself but I was at a shop once where that happened and talking to the techs it is a fairly common occurence and a straightforward extract and replace job.

[squidzilla]

Is there an after market brass plug option for the M54?

[mtthmpsn]

Originally Posted by g300d

I've never done it myself but I was at a shop once where that happened and talking to the techs it is a fairly common occurence and a straightforward extract and replace job.

Good to know. That makes me feel better about trying to get it out.

[David.X5]

On my 2001, my drain plug is on the (US) drivers side and ATF heat exchanger is on the passengers side. That picture looks to be directly below the ATF cooler. I would check the other side of the radiator before drilling anything...

[mtthmpsn]

Originally Posted by David.X5

On my 2001, my drain plug is on the (US) drivers side and ATF heat exchanger is on the passengers side. That picture looks to be directly below the ATF cooler. I would check the other side of the radiator before drilling anything...

Thanks. I confirmed there's nothing on the passenger side - I looked everywhere before realizing that was probably the broken drain. I think it just looks white around the edges because the blue plastic got deformed when it broke. Maybe they moved the heat exchanger to the driver's side on the late model e53s?

[mtthmpsn]

Very late update: I finally had time to change out my coolant and get out the broken radiator plug, so wanted to close out this thread for future searchers.

As predicted by other members, the broken plug came out easily with my screw extraction kit (pic below). Being careful not to over-tighten and break the head, the new BMW plug went right in after draining with no leaks. Thanks!

[Scott ZHP]

Glad you've managed to extract it.

Every time I drain the rad, I now replace the o-ring on that screw. After the second time, I drained the rad mine started dripping and wouldn't seal. Maybe someone tried to tighten it to stop a drip and sheared the head off.