coolant flush help

[jwalsh22]

okay, so I've located every plug and fitting to mess around with, that is, except for the engine block drain plug. Where is it? I've been looking at different posts and things on bimmerfest, e46fanatics and here, and everyone talks about it, but there are no pictures anywhere. I just need to know where it is in relation to the oil drain plug. Pictures would be very much appreciated.

[01X54.4]

Originally Posted by jwalsh22

okay, so I've located every plug and fitting to mess around with, that is, except for the engine block drain plug. Where is it? I've been looking at different posts and things on bimmerfest, e46fanatics and here, and everyone talks about it, but there are no pictures anywhere. I just need to know where it is in relation to the oil drain plug. Pictures would be very much appreciated.

It is on the right of engine block.

[jwalsh22]

thanks a lot!

now, what's the best way to get to that?

[jwalsh22]

that's it!!!! I give up. I found the stupid bolt, but I cannot get it open. I got my adjustable wrench out and sized it to the bolt and could not open it. Why would they put something important like the coolant drain plug in such an inaccessable place????? It seems so stupid! How do dealerships service this stuff like this? Any insight would be great, I would still like to finish this thing.

[hayaku]

which engine do you have?

you should remove the engine plates underneath to gain access to that drain bolt... obviously, requires you to lift the car evenly (jackstands or lift)

[jwalsh22]

I have the 3.0

I looked at removing the plate directly underneath the engine, but the bolts actually attach to the stabilizer bar, it seems like such a big production just to get some coolant out! If I did decide to take this route, where would you guys suggest I place the jack stands when I jack the car up?

[hayaku]

jackstands at the normal 4 corners next to the wheels (square jack pads). they have jack pads there. there is a center jacking point on the front of the car (round jack pad).

the engine cover panels are not structural, just there to prevent debris in the engine bay really...

you should have plenty of room to reach up and break that drain bolt loose from underneath the car.

[ThrasherFan]

Hayaku or any other X5 experts,

Going to try a coolant flush on a 2002 4.4. I'm pretty handy and take care of oil and a lot of other basic maintenance including brakes. Have jack, jackstands and ramps so getting the vehicle up is no problem. Would you be able to point me to the engine block drain plug on a 4.4? Here's a link to a schematic from RealOEM: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...46&hg=11&fg=10. I'm thinking part no. 5 or 17 on the engine block schematic.

Any help is appreciated and you many other contributions are also appraciated.

Thanks!

[hayaku]

here you go... from tis

[ThrasherFan]

Thanks Hayaku.

Anyone have any tips on removing the reinforcement plate? There are nuts on the inside (engine side of the plate) that seem almost impossible to get at to hold while the screws are loosened.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or confirmation that these nuts are difficult to get at!