EGR Cooler tightening procedure by BMW

[JGard]

yeah, I ended up just buying another EGR cooler from Turner since I have a friend there. I know that I know how to do it, and I also know the part number that realoem calls for has been superseded by a new part number, so perhaps it'll last better. It also has a two year warranty. With any luck, I'll be replacing this X5 with a Tesla Model 3 in about two year's time, anyway

[bawareca]

Hopefully this one will last longer, but looks like the updated part # is prone to cracking at the lower pipe. Let us know how it goes.

[JGard]

Thanks. as I said, all I want this to do is last me until I'm able to buy a Model 3 CUV version

[JGard]

I'm still waiting for the new cooler to arrive (should be coming today), so yesterday I finally got back into my engine bay. The EGR Cooler body bolt to the left (closest to the flex pipe) was totally not even there when I went to take this part off. I found it wedged in between a couple items just below. So either it came out on its own or the BMW tech who looked at my car removed it and dropped it and just never put it back. I'm thinking the former, but they also took out the front chassis brace and never put it back before returning the car to me, so I guess you never know.

But my flex pipe wasn't just cracked. It's just plain broke entirely. Because of that, I'm thinking that bolt wiggled itself out. I torqued everything to spec and in the order listed, so I'm a little concerned about that. I suppose this time I'll install everything, let it go through a few heat cycles, then re-torque appropriately.

[ninja_zx11]

Originally Posted by JGard

I'm still waiting for the new cooler to arrive (should be coming today), so yesterday I finally got back into my engine bay. The EGR Cooler body bolt to the left (closest to the flex pipe) was totally not even there when I went to take this part off. I found it wedged in between a couple items just below. So either it came out on its own or the BMW tech who looked at my car removed it and dropped it and just never put it back. I'm thinking the former, but they also took out the front chassis brace and never put it back before returning the car to me, so I guess you never know.

But my flex pipe wasn't just cracked. It's just plain broke entirely. Because of that, I'm thinking that bolt wiggled itself out. I torqued everything to spec and in the order listed, so I'm a little concerned about that. I suppose this time I'll install everything, let it go through a few heat cycles, then re-torque appropriately.

Good point!!! Thanks for sharing your findings.
I think you are right.I remember when i was going to take the EGR cooler out while doing thermostat,I found the same thing.One of the flange bolts was totally loose.At that time i thought that someone might have left it loose un torqued.So looks like we should re-torque it again.Will check mine.

[sgrice]

And maybe some Loc-Tite on the bolt as well? Using the belts and suspenders approach.

[JGard]

I had considered lock-tite, but then I thought since I may have to get these out again, perhaps that wouldn't be ideal, plus the tightening instructions don't call for it.

My new EGR Cooler was installed last night. Everything is running OK for now. I'll commute a few days and then I'm gone on vacation. Once I'm back, I'll take off the intake tube so I can access all the bolts and just double-check their torques to make sure it's all spot on. Cautiously optimistic.

[sgrice]

Well done!

[deptrai]

Originally Posted by ninja_zx11

Good point!!! Thanks for sharing your findings.
I think you are right.I remember when i was going to take the EGR cooler out while doing thermostat,I found the same thing.One of the flange bolts was totally loose.At that time i thought that someone might have left it loose un torqued.So looks like we should re-torque it again.Will check mine.

Yes, I know this is an old thread, but I'm in the process of replacing my thermostat now. When I removed the EGR cooler, the lower flange bolt was only hand tight. 2013 with 23,000 miles. This EGR cooler hasn't been touched since new.

Per the pdf instructions linked in post #1, we're supposed to tighten bolts 3, 4 & 5 to 19N-m then back off a quarter turn?

[sgrice]

Well, yes, but . . . .


I assume you read/understand that you tighten bolts 3, 4, and 5 to 19Nm, then loosen them 1/4 turn, then tighten screws 1, tighten clamp 2, then go back and re-tighten bolts 3, 4, and 5 to 19 Nm.


Good luck.