Dumb Question About Bleeding Coolant in 3.0i

[BimmerM3inGA]

I've been studying that photo and I can't figure out how you took it! It looks like you're looking up from underneath with your feet sticking out the front at an angle. But the radiator should be visible from that angle. The white area in the upper left corner is the sky, and I can see the fan and fan clutch but it just doesn't look "right".

[BimmerM3inGA]

What semi triangular component? Coolant leaks can be exasperating to track down. I'm chasing one in my X5 at this very moment.

When you took it to the dealer, did they specifically say the lower coolant hose was leaking? How many miles are on this car? If it's anywhere near 100K, it would be wise to replace ALL the cooling system parts (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, pulleys, belts, expansion tank, and transmission thermostat (if it's an automatic)). As mentioned earlier, you DO NOT want to let the M54 engine overheat. I can speak from personal experience about the havoc that will cause.

[x5homework]

from the front with feet sticking out at an angle is right. no sky in the shot. you recognize more than i do what we are seeing. i am just learning as we go. it looks like the leak was coming from this spot as well, since surfaces below the circular opening look wet and less dusty. above opening has residues. thanks for the input; i appreciate the feedback.

[luvmy03E53]

All this looking at the pic and talk of which direction is up has me dizzy...
I think I need to go lie down...

[x5homework]

idk the semi-tri part is. our other forum friend believes it could be fan shroud. i do have more than 100k. i was at dealer to get a new battery ($450+). one of their indicated "to-do's" was the lrb. i really just figured that it gave way. well.....it may have.. i haven't gotten that far yet though. all of my searching though has given a variety of indicators for coolant leaks, one of which, and least costly, being an oring. not being an expert i start with the low end and rule out.

[BimmerM3inGA]

Well, if it were MY car, I would bite the bullet and do a complete cooling system overhaul. It's due for one. And in the long run will be far less hassle for you.

Many BMW parts suppliers offer complete kits containing all the parts you'll need, saving you the trouble of having to figure out what to order. Just give them the year, engine type, and transmission type. They will figure out the rest for you.

Trying to isolate a coolant leak by replacing one part at a time will drive you crazy, and end up costing more money. You don't know me, but trust me on this one. As soon as you replace one part, another will fail and you'll be chasing a leak all over the the engine bay.

[luvmy03E53]

+1

MUCH easier to do the overhaul than to chase a leak.

Here's a link to cn90's excellent DIY over on Bimmerfest for the overhaul. His is an E39, but the M54 in your E53 is similar enough, most of it applies.

ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT Tips and Tricks (Very Long, Enjoy!)

[x5homework]

i agree with you both....dealer is over an hour away, definitely would be a bad idea to try to drive it there. i will think about towing it there i suppose....unless i get any other gogetter suggestions.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by x5homework

here's the other side. long story short, it "fell" from inside the bottom of the dirt cover as i removed it from the undercarriage. @upallnight, not "taken," just a slave to ideals.

The rings on the finger tricked me.

[x5homework]

lol @upallnight. they tricked me too ..not...

what is tricky though is WHAT ON EARTH is this piece of "silicone'd?" plastic!!! do tell oh poster of 2000+