Dreaded N62 (4.8i)Coolant Leak - Merry Christmas

[gregg3gs]

Seems like I am officially a club member. Topping off coolant about once a week.

Few more questions:
- replace water-pump or not
- where did you get distilled water (do I really need it if I get AGA expendable pipe)
- how long did it take you to do the job Alamento (hrs? AGA claims under 10)

[Alamento]

Originally Posted by gregg3gs

Seems like I am officially a club member. Topping off coolant about once a week.

Few more questions:
- replace water-pump or not
- where did you get distilled water (do I really need it if I get AGA expendable pipe)
- how long did it take you to do the job Alamento (hrs? AGA claims under 10)

Bummer. You're 100% certain it's the valley pan and/or tube?

With or without the AGA pipe, coolant should be mixed with distilled water. I got mine at the local grocery store.

I think their 10hr estimate is realistic. From start to finish, it took me a full day. I took my time and had a few beers along the way.

[gregg3gs]

Originally Posted by Alamento

Bummer. You're 100% certain it's the valley pan and/or tube?

With or without the AGA pipe, coolant should be mixed with distilled water. I got mine at the local grocery store.

I think their 10hr estimate is realistic. From start to finish, it took me a full day. I took my time and had a few beers along the way.

Thanks,
Not a 100% yet. Will try to check at friends garage on Saturday, there is really no telling what and where until I lift the car.

[Davidf]

Well, my E70 does not have the coolant pipe leak issue yet, but my E60 sure does along with leaking valve stem seals and clogged secondary air ports. So, I just negotiated a deal with AGA for all three solutions and the valve cover gaskets for about $1800 shipped. Includes: transfer pipe, air port cleaning kit, and valve stem installation tool kit with seals. I will still need to purchase new secondary air valves and other misc. stuff. ...can't wait!

[gregg3gs]

Started stripping the motor Sunday evening. So far I am over the hump.
Should be finished tomorrow.

Write up and pictures to follow.

last pic:

[gregg3gs]

Finally Finished.

It took me about 14 hrs to do the whole thing in my driveway. I did take most pics and am in process of generating a DIY. ONce that is done I will post a link here to the new Thread.

Another Pic, just for fun.

[gregg3gs]

Here is a link to the DIY:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...disassemb.html

I hope it will show you the amount of work required to get over this task.

Next; Alternator Bracket Gasket

[ALX5]

My E70 now officially joins valley leak club. I saw coolant deposited in the garage couple days ago. took to the indy shop on Thursday for a check and was informed that my E70 needs upper timing belt gasket replace and valley pan leak. they quoted me $1700 about for the job. the car will be in the shop until mid next week.
BTW, mine only has 76,000 miles on.

[gregg3gs]

That's when it all starts. My started leaking about then, so I refused to fix it until it was necessary. At point where I would loose coolant every other day (the coolant level indicated was on), I decided to fix the leak.

To add to this, right after I fixed the coolant leak the alternator bracket gasket started leaking a quart a day. lol
For this I took it to service and with timing and valve cover I paid about 1400 in labor (in addition to this I needed to do break fluid flush and front control arms).

This has been an expensive month. lol

[95wildtt]

Had my coolant leak at 75k, 15 months ago... Fixed.
Had the oil leak from the valve cover gasket on drivers side which leaked into the alternator and caused it to fail. In addition, had oil leaking from the vacuum pump... All caused by a plugged/faulty crank case vent... Also replace the gasket on the drivers side at same time. All fixed/replaced.

What a month!