e46 2.2l water | coolant - how often do you guys fill up your water

[Tlvivo]

I have a 2.2l 320i, I have noticed that I need to fill up water at least every 3 days - every time i fill the dip stick is half way down. I do drive the car hard and it is step-tronic is this normal or could the water be disappearing into the head? Could any of you guys shed some light if I should be worried or not.

Its definitely not dripping any where outside.

 

[freerider]

look for dried coolant in the vacinity of the thermostat housing. I'm also using coolant at the moment as my housing is cracked. There is no dripping coolant, but you can see that its come out and evapourated from the heat of the engine.

I plan on replacing the thermostat and housing when I get my new VANOS seals, as the fan and cowl need to come out, and the thermostat sits under the VANOS anyway.

 

[Tlvivo]

Thanks FR, I will look for that over the weekend and give feedback

look for dried coolant in the vacinity of the thermostat housing. I'm also using coolant at the moment as my housing is cracked. There is no dripping coolant, but you can see that its come out and evapourated from the heat of the engine.

I plan on replacing the thermostat and housing when I get my new VANOS seals, as the fan and cowl need to come out, and the thermostat sits under the VANOS anyway.

 

[Ricky318i]

I'm so glad my thermostat was replaced last year. seems like it's problematic ...

 

[Hellas]

Filler cap tight enough?

 

[323i]

sorry to hijack the thread guys but does anyone have a price or know where i can get a thermostat holder for 2000 E46 323I -

Same problem as above.

 

[freerider]

The thermostat is moulded into the housing, so you purchase the housing from BMW at R1300 odd, and you get a thermostat and gasket for free :mmm:

 

[Ricky318i]

for free? I'm asking for mine today!

 

[freerider]

for free? I'm asking for mine today!

with this once of offer, not only do you get the free thermostat and gasket, call now and they'll throw in a handy plastic packet, which prevents all the loss of the gasket.

This one in a life time offer can be yours for only R1299.99, but dont wait, call now.

 

[323i]

for free? I'm asking for mine today!

with this once of offer, not only do you get the free thermostat and gasket, call now and they'll throw in a handy plastic packet, which prevents all the loss of the gasket.

This one in a life time offer can be yours for only R1299.99, but dont wait, call now.

 

[Tlvivo]

okay after 6 months I am finally paying the price for not paying attention to the leak - havent driven the car in almost 2 months now...

So this weekend i decided I will have a look at it, removed cover plate at the bottom had car on tresstles started it and waited. Leak is not very easy to see especially from the top side, however when underneath the car also cannot locate the leak by eyesight but there is a sprinkle of water coming out seems to be just above the pulleys. So not being a BMW engine guru I need your expert advise because I cannot take it anymore - i miss my Goldie locks-:bawling:. Could it be the water pump or the thermostat? If my thermo was gone what would be the symptoms be? If i fill water in the car and drive it as it is it takes 20 - 25 minutes of driving for it to get over the half temperature point. I would like to fix this myself if at all possible your help would be appreciated.

 

[StK]

If i fill water in the car and drive it as it is it takes 20 - 25 minutes of driving for it to get over the half temperature point. I would like to fix this myself if at all possible your help would be appreciated.

duff thermostat...sounds like its stuck open a bit....also replace your radiator cap while you are at it cause coolant can also escape through that as a fine steam....Also how long does it take for the heater to blow hot air?as this is also another symptom of either waterpump or thermostat not working propely....

Finally if you do a proper bleed it may help as you may have an airlock in the system

 

[Tlvivo]

If i fill water in the car and drive it as it is it takes 20 - 25 minutes of driving for it to get over the half temperature point. I would like to fix this myself if at all possible your help would be appreciated.

duff thermostat...sounds like its stuck open a bit....also replace your radiator cap while you are at it cause coolant can also escape through that as a fine steam....Also how long does it take for the heater to blow hot air?as this is also another symptom of either waterpump or thermostat not working propely....

Finally if you do a proper bleed it may help as you may have an airlock in the system

I did replace teh radiator cap - its the 1st place i noticed that was leaking and I thought it was over. It takes a while now for heater to blow hot air almost 5km drive before i get some warmth and it is not as hot as it used to be.

Will definately do the bleed and see hwo it goes.

 

[dpadayachi]

I did replace teh radiator cap - its the 1st place i noticed that was leaking and I thought it was over. It takes a while now for heater to blow hot air almost 5km drive before i get some warmth and it is not as hot as it used to be.

Will definately do the bleed and see hwo it goes.
[/quote]

Yup. definitely the thermostat

 

[Tlvivo]

It seems to be the water pump and not the thermostat, similiar problem that freerider had. Water pump leaking water falling on to pulley.

I have the water pump now just need to remove the old one.

 

[freerider]

Its really easy, the one thing that caught me out was the T50 torx that you need to release the pressure on the tensioner pulley. I didnt have a T50, so had to go and buy one.

Oh and get yourself some 30mm M6 bolts from builders warehouse or any hardware store. You use them to jack the old waterpump out of the engine. There are actually 2 threaded holes provided for this very use on the waterpump.

 

[Tlvivo]

Another question - on all these DIY's they talk about coolant drain plugs under somewhere under the expansion tank, i cannot seem to locate any of these. What is the best way to drain or flush the coolant on a steptronic e46?

 

[freerider]

jack the front of the car up and support with stands, remove the cover under the engine and it will be a blue plastic screw right at the bottom of the expansion tank, there is also one near by on the bottom of the radiator

 

[Just Cruisin]

Funny thing- discovered a soft Squeaking noise from the engine bay that became louder over three week period and topped up coolant twice during period. Well took my car (E46 320i) to Mech 5 this morning to check it out- and well I was informed that they need to replace badly worn Water pump,tensioner and jockey pulley and alt belt. Well R3300(after R470 discount for paying cash) I'm a satisfied customer. I'm mechanically challenged:hammerhead: well at least where BMW's are concerned so I take my hat of to you guys with the DIY's. Wish I had the know how, workstation, tools etc but best of luck with your DIY Tlvivo:thumb:.Just thought I would share my story as a indicator how much you actually saving with the DIY.

 

[freerider]

WOW!!! I did a complete coolant system overhaul for a total of R2700 as a DIY. That included 3lt coolant, new radiator, new waterpump, new thermostat housing, new top and bottom radiator pipes.