Coolant Hose Split-Is This a Typical Blowout? Replacement Tips?
 

2003 X5 4.4 (v8), 135k miles.
This is the coolant hose that attaches to the back of the engine. Is this a typical way a hose splits open? I would have expected it to split across following the clamp.

Going to replace all the hoses back there (2 attached to the back of the engine and 3 attach to the firewall) while I am at it. I don't see any other way to do this except pull the manifold for easy access to those connections in the back. I welcome any tips/tricks for replacing these hoses.

That shitty clamp means that someone's been in there before. Make sure that you at least use the same type of clamp that BMW uses. Norma / Gesi / Etc. make them and they are like a buck each online.

If the hose failed like that, whoever was in there either used a crap hose, or it was rubbing on something, or you have too much pressure in your cooling system.

When that type of clamp is used and over tightened the 'grids' can cut into the hose. Over time they can cut through hose. Looks like the weakest link from overheating.

I think you are on the right track by pulling the manifold. I’d pull the cowl tho first since it is easier and then see if you have enough space to work. If you do pull the manifold too you can get eyes on the valley and check for coolant leaks, and the oil separator and associated hoses, clamps, etc. Its a pain to change the separator and hoses so sometimes they won’t be secured properly, at all, etc. if they’ve been changed in the past. It’s very difficult to get everything on correctly and tight without pulling the intake and cowl.

I have replaced hoses in the back of the engine by only removing the cowl. It wasn't easy and took lots of time. As mentioned, replace other wear items in the area while you are in there.