Help: 2002 X5 3.0i Coolant Reservoir Stuck during replacement
 

I had to replace my 2002 BMW X5 3.0i cracked Cooling Reservoir and need to finish before work in the morning. I pulled all the hoses, however, the reservoir is stuck. I can't figure out how to get it out. It appears to be hanging on the AT Thermostat, and I can't figure out how to release the thing. Are there hidden bolts or something? I am so desperate to have it ready by morning I want to hammer it out, but fear breaking something. Any help you can provide in solving this problem will be appreciated. I figured this job would take 20 minutes top, until I ran into this snag...

Thanks,

Aaron

If I remember correctly . It should be another hose connected from the bottom too.

Look up the part on realm.com. Here you can see part 6 is a clip. Likely that is what's holding you up.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i Expansion tank, automatic transmission

Go to ECS Tuning and check out pictures of the reservoir to get a feel for what the connections are on the bottom.

Search 17117573781 - 17117573781 - Coolant Expansion Tank - ES#253026

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the suggestions. I believe all of the clips were already pulled based on the picture. I have another reservoir to look at for reference. I'll post when I figure it out.

Thanks,

Aaron

It's probably hanging up on the trans thermostat.

You have to pull straight up as possible, but you might have to pull at a bit of an angle as the reservoir also hooks up to the mounting plate and you might have to angle the reservoir a bit for it to clear.

Either way, big chance you will end up breaking the trans thermostat as it is often brittle after time. I'd have one on hand just in case.

It was hung up on the AT Thermostat. I ended up breaking it into pieces and having to pick them out with needle nose pliers.

Thanks,

Aaron