RE: radiator flush? for a e36

["Doug Hill" <Doug_Hill1@xxxxxxx>]

It's easy, and the Bentley covers this.

Only open the expansion tank and flush the system when cold.

The cooling system holds 11 qts, therefore for a 50/50 mix you will need
1.5 gal of BMW coolant.  I like to use distilled water for the remaining
1.5 qts.  The distilled water has many fewer mineral deposits then tap
water (dealer doesn't care, they use tap).  Add the coolant first to
make sure you get 1.5 gal in the system.

A couple things:

1.	The 19mm drain plug for the block is under the exhaust manifold
between cyl 5 & 6.  Use a new washer.
2.	Don't overtighten the radiator drain plug when finishing.  It is
a delicate plastic plug (blue in color).
3.	The bleed screw is mounted on the radiator near the expansion
tank, I use a coin to loosen and tighten (a quarter or nickel works
good).
4.	The bleeding process may take a while, around 15-20 minutes.  I
heard recently that elevating the front end will assist in getting all
the air out.
5.	Like the drain plug, don't overtighten the plastic bleed screw.
Simply 'snug' using a coin should suffice.  It's a good idea to carry
around a couple extra bleed screws, like light bulbs it's cheap
insurance.

Things to purchase:
1.	2 gal BMW coolant only
2.	Washer (BMW calls it a seal) for the 19mm block drain plug
3.	New bleed screw (optional, but a good idea)
	

Dealer charges over $70.00 for a coolant flush!,  with CCA discount
materials should $22 - $28.

BMW coolant is the best.  The dark blue color aids with the visual level
check through the expansion tank.  Mercedes coolant is the same
composition however it's orange in color.

Coolant additive like "Water Wetter" by Redline can be added, however if
your system is in good condition you may not notice a difference.

When was the water pump and thermostat replaced last?

Good luck,
Doug
92 525ia (M50)  160k

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-bmw@domain.elided [mailto:owner-bmw@domain.elided] On Behalf Of
Nicolas.Roman@domain.elided
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 7:20 AM
To: bmw@domain.elided
Subject: radiator flush? for a e36


Hi folks,
how hard is it? anything to watch out for? does Bentley cover this... i
havea 1994 e36 (m50?) thanks... (Embedded image moved to file:
pic29373.gif) Nicolas Roman Senior Engineering Consultant North Miami
Beach, FL.

[demime 0.98e removed an attachment of type image/gif which had a name
of pic29373.gif]




- --
to be removed from bmw, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe bmw" to majordomo@domain.elided

------------------------------