If there is anyone familiar with the e46 330Ci could I ask abit of advice?
I'm following the bmw330Ci.net write up on the coolant system overhaul. I remember the bloke drain plug is impossible to get to though. The exhaust gets in the way. Do I really need to drain the block? If so how do I get to it?
330Ci Coolant system
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stuartgallafant
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I wouldnt say its that important to spend ages messing around with it. Take the bottom rad hose off and most of the coolant will empty out. when you put the new stuff in, it will circulate when bleeding it and when driving, then if you wanted you could do another coolant change
IIRC after 2004 it stopped becoming part of the service schedule, as we were using lifetime coolant in the cars anyway.
IIRC after 2004 it stopped becoming part of the service schedule, as we were using lifetime coolant in the cars anyway.
BMW recently launched the lifetime car. It lasts about 8 years after which it's completely unfixable junk.
What's the difference between a modern BMW and a Peugeot?
About £8000...........
If you're doing a cooling system job on a 330i, you need to be putting a rad in as well unless the one you have in mint. They have a habit of a) bowing out at the bottom and b) fracturing the top hose elbow. A BEHR one from ECP will be okay and Nissens rads are alright. A genuine water pump is best as well although the £30 ECP steel impeller ones are okay. Don't use the cheap ones with the iron impeller as they knock the bearings out and fail very quickly.
No need to drain the block. With the pump out, just shove the garden hose in there and run it for 5 mins.
Another E46 job well worth doing is to remove the front arch liners, wire brush the arch lips and brush some waxoyl around there. E46's are becoming very prone to rotten wings - my mate has a 2 owner 330d on an 03 plate and it needs new wings.
What's the difference between a modern BMW and a Peugeot?
About £8000...........
If you're doing a cooling system job on a 330i, you need to be putting a rad in as well unless the one you have in mint. They have a habit of a) bowing out at the bottom and b) fracturing the top hose elbow. A BEHR one from ECP will be okay and Nissens rads are alright. A genuine water pump is best as well although the £30 ECP steel impeller ones are okay. Don't use the cheap ones with the iron impeller as they knock the bearings out and fail very quickly.
No need to drain the block. With the pump out, just shove the garden hose in there and run it for 5 mins.
Another E46 job well worth doing is to remove the front arch liners, wire brush the arch lips and brush some waxoyl around there. E46's are becoming very prone to rotten wings - my mate has a 2 owner 330d on an 03 plate and it needs new wings.
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stuartgallafant
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What does this mean?darkchild wrote:stuartgallafant wrote:as we were using lifetime coolant in the cars anyway.
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stuartgallafant
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Dont shoot the messenger...
To be honest, the probably took the coolant change interval away because they knew we'd be taking them apart so often anyway and putting new coolant in it each time!
To be honest, the probably took the coolant change interval away because they knew we'd be taking them apart so often anyway and putting new coolant in it each time!
some top advice from andyboy there. I own a 330ci and it's suffered from the bowed rad and rotten wings. Drove it to amsterdam not realising the rad was smiley faced at the bottom, caused no issues which was an absolute bloody miracle! Got a new gen BM one for £50 on the bay, worth keeping an eye out. Agree on the running it for a few mins too, that'll drain it right out, did that on the IS the other day as the coolant drain plug is equally annoying to get to.
2.1 318is, MS, LPG. 200bhp, 175ft/lbs GONE!
Boxster, e46 m3, e36 sport touring and alpina B3 3.0