Changing out thermostat this weekend, any particular tips?

[johnrando]

As the title says, going to research some DIYs and change out my thermostat this weekend. Apparently my engine was running too cool to pass smog so that's likely the culprit. Any tips or hints, or other "while you're there" thoughts?

Also, do I have to remove the fan? (I did the mechanical fan delete already so that part's not an issue). EDIT: Yup. I do. Good thing the electric fan is already gone.

[danewilson77]

Good luck JR. I'll let other guys chime in.

If you don't hear from me again, they covered all of my price points.

"No flamesuit required"

[johnrando]

Thanks Dane.

[danewilson77]

:)

"No flamesuit required"

[Johal E32]

Its an easy task, just drain the coolant from the expansion tank first, squeeze the hoses a few times sometime some coolant is still in there. Have a catch pan ready and don't forget a new gasket, tighten all the bolts (monkey tight, not gorilla tight) and bleed your system.

Photo tanks to Pelican. Looks like two drain plugs, radiator and expansion tank. I am positive one of my E46's did not have the second drain plug, weird. Both had OEM parts. Or maybe I am confused with the E36.. Either way, loosen the blue screws (drain plugs)

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-3-Series-E46/32-WATER-Flushing_Your_Coolant/images_small/pic02.jpg

[cakM3]

Its an easy task, just drain the coolant from the expansion tank first, squeeze the hoses a few times sometime some coolant is still in there. Have a catch pan ready and don't forget a new gasket, tighten all the bolts (monkey tight, not gorilla tight) and bleed your system.

sounds right to me John... thanks Johal! :thumbsup

[Johal E32]

sounds right to me John... thanks Johal! :thumbsup

:word anytime

[johnrando]

Thanks!

[wsmeyer]

If you need help I'm free Sunday

[johnrando]

Awesome. You're welcome to come over. Looks pretty easy. I'll get the beer. What kind is it again? (Edit: I remember, Hoegaarden). Text me what time you are avail and I'll start the work then. Then you're free to come by or whatever works.

[slater]

unless you're due for a coolant change, you don't need to drain the coolant... but it does make the job a lot cleaner.

it's a good time to replace the upper and lower rad hoses if you haven't, otherwise it's easy-peasy.

the cooling system in this car is SO easy to work on. i love it!

peter

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

[Vas]

What brand of thermostat did you go with?

[Simmsled]

John...

There is only one drain plug under there on Steptronic cars.
Would be good to drain/fill coolant while you're in there.
No need to take off any of the pulleys/belts/etc. as long as you cover them with a plastic bag to keep them from getting soaked in coolant.
If changing out your upper and lower radiator hoses, make sure to get a new o-ring for the temp sensor in the lower radiator hose. (BMW part # 13621743299)

Good luck! :cigar

[CarbonZHP]

Recently did my thermostat as well. If you had still had the mechanical fan, there's a nice little trick to get the shroud and fan blades off without removing the big bolt on the fan clutch

[johnrando]

John...

There is only one drain plug under there on Steptronic cars.
Would be good to drain/fill coolant while you're in there.
No need to take off any of the pulleys/belts/etc. as long as you cover them with a plastic bag to keep them from getting soaked in coolant.
If changing out your upper and lower radiator hoses, make sure to get a new o-ring for the temp sensor in the lower radiator hose. (BMW part # 13621743299)

Good luck! :cigar

Thanks. Going that route. Did replace the hoses not that long ago so that's not an issue. Thanks for that tip.


Recently did my thermostat as well. If you had still had the mechanical fan, there's a nice little trick to get the shroud and fan blades off without removing the big bolt on the fan clutch

Thanks for the offer, glad I don't have to deal with that.


What brand of thermostat did you go with?

OEM

[ELCID86]

nothing else "while you're in there"?