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2003 ZHP 4dr | 145,000 miles (ACTUAL before RIP) | BBS 17"
Hankook Ventus V12
Front: 225/45ZR
Rear: 255/40ZR-17 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 XL
[ Staggered on square (17x8.5 +38) ]
Thanks for always going next level...
The thank, do I need the one with all the extras or can I just get the $100 tank only?
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...le-e46expankit
Mech says lets get the tank first and test for a blown gasket when I suggested we do that before replacing the fan and thermostat etc...
That's the right move right?
(FYI there was no milky film under the oil cap, he checked that twice)
__________________________________________________ ____
2003 ZHP 4dr | 145,000 miles (ACTUAL before RIP) | BBS 17"
Hankook Ventus V12
Front: 225/45ZR
Rear: 255/40ZR-17 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 XL
[ Staggered on square (17x8.5 +38) ]
You're mobile mechanic is at best a generalist. He may be a good generalist, or he may not be so good.
If I am not going to do it myself, I'll let generalists do brakes, brake fluid flushes, oil changes, etc.
A BMW specialist who knows the E46 does everything else, and particularly anything involving a scanner.
An overheat on your all aluminum engine is potentially a very bad thing.. you need someone who knows the E46 cooling system well to properly diagnose this.
Last edited by Pilot05; 09-11-2021 at 07:59 AM.
You don't need the tank to test. You can do compression/leak test with it like it is.
The no film under the cap doesn't mean much. I could still leak into the cylinders. If you're suggesting the test, it sounds like your car is way worst off than what you are telling us. I would not buy anything until I do the tests at this point.
Perhaps draining the oil could give more of an indication of coolant mixing with the oil. It should be pretty obvious there.
I guess the question needs to be asked: how bad of an overheat are we talking here? Was the coolant gauge reprogramming done on the car (to show REAL temperatures, not that buffered factory garbage coding) or is it still on the stock coding? If it was stock coding and well into the red, you may have a serious problem.
Are you having any symptoms of an overheated engine?
Bummer about your overheating problem and the lack of luck with the mobile mechanic so far.
If you have AAA (with the 100 mile tow membership), have it towed to a reputable independent BMW shop and ask them to perform a compression test / diagnosis. It might cost 150, but is worth it, IMO. If you're handy and willing to wrench, a compression gauge isn't that expensive (maybe even free to borrow from O'Reilly's) and it should take an afternoon.
Throwing parts at a problem gets really expensive really quickly, and only compounds the frustration in my experience.
Is using the mobile mechanic because there's no reputable shop within a reasonable distance?
Edit to add:
Seems kind of strange to just jump to the conclusion you need a new fan and expansion tank.
Also, an overheating m54 can be as simple as air in the cooling system - bleeding the system can be finicky.
I just saw OP's post on E46fanatics. I see why you are asking about the test now.
So the car overheated, then you continued driving while in that state? Do the tests because you may have a more serious problem on your hands now.Originally Posted by Dathaeus
The head gasket would be the least of his concerns.
Top tip: if the temperature even gets NEAR the red, pull over safely and immediately shut it down. Being late is better than shelling out tons of money for a new engine or car.
With that said, have the tests performed before buying anything, as you don't want to throw money at a potentially totaled engine.
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