BMW E46 Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Replacement DIY

If you haven't seen part 1: • BMW E46 Radiator and C...
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@dariusdowney8618]

This man and the dudes from ShopLife and auto repair guys are literally all u need if u own a e46 🖤

[@user-yi2uv2rb7o]

My man your absolutely right I second that ! I am new to the e46 and these videos have been a wealth of help it amazes me how well these cars run and even in 2021 will a full complete maintenance work done

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

There's one thing you certainly don't need to own one in the first place.....A BRAIN!!!

[@ForidKhan123]

Let’s not forget Nathan’s BMW Workshop

[@tannervallejo1340]

don’t forget FCP Euro 🎉

[@startingtech3900]

Who misses 50s kid?

[@PlayerNineteen]

Hey 50s Kid. Really just want to extend a big thanks for these videos, you have really helped me out.

[@toniocastro5426]

Jason: You really are a BMW genius. I have learned so much from all your videos. You should be a College professor. You are an excellent INSTRUCTOR. Thank you for sharing your mechanical abilities with all of us. You are to MUCH. ! ! ! Tonio.

[@50sKid]

Thanks!

[@cuylerrigney8998]

How does anyone give the 50's kid a thumbs down?! Hands down, best bmw tutorials on youtube.

[@maxmanca1968]

Congratulations, explain very well and illustrate perfectly everything you do. For you only applause.

[@richardelliott1]

Love your videos, really brilliant. I particularly enjoyed the coolant completely missing your tin foil. Hats off to you for showing it. Reassuring for us amateurs to see the pro get a soaking! Keep 'em coming. Yours, another 50's kid..

[@50sKid]

thanks for watching!

[@ivicanaumovski7316]

The best videos for replacing everything on bmw e46..YOU ROCK...

[@ladonepperson8692]

love your videos...i learn quite a bit from you..keep doing them

[@50sKid]

for sure, dude

[@peterbuno518]

@@50sKid hi 50skid. I've been watching a lot of ur video. I run in some issues with leaking radiator. Even autozone couldn't figure out whats the problem. Do you happen to have a cell phone where I can send a short video. Thanks. My number 352 630 3302

[@PacsunGuy15]

just did my water pump yesterday. it was new and almost east. since my tension pulley , the upper one, wasn’t a 16mm it was a 13mm with the 50 torx and forgot to realize in your other video. so i didn’t get lucky i was stuck and ended up breaking the 13mm and so now i have half of the nail in there then realizing it could still work lol. so i took out the pulley that holds the alternator in and well i had a rough time lol. especially putting it back in with the belt. now i need a new tension and finding out how to get that screw out. i tested it with the belt and it’s really firm on the upper tension pulley. i love your videos and next will prolly be the thermostat if i have too. first was my inlet outlet pipes and then the water pump . thanks 50skid i really really appreciate it!!!

[@elroddin76]

Hey... Thank you for all these amazing videos. I just bought an E46 and kinda got skunked. Luckily I've been able to repair it myself. Thanks to these videos... I was wondering what is that driver that you seem to use in many of them?

[@deseancarter9643]

Very well put together video. I’m about to pick up a 2002 E46 soon and am just doing my homework. Thanks from Canada

[@bayareaartist999]

Once again thank you for your time and video. I learned the hard way about buying the proper parts.

[@ovidiusbikes8718]

Imagine how many e46es this guy saved from total failure. Big like for the work man

[@kurzjames]

You are amazing. Thank you so much for your help. I'm doing this to my car and I would be so lost if not for your videos.

[@taz391]

Your videos are still relevant today 👍🏽 got prepared for doing a full service on my 320ci

[@leonchang9692]

Hey man very informative. I'm ready to tackle this thermostat failure problem tomorrow. This video has been a great help. Wish me luck!

[@dylanbehrendsen7274]

Dude you're awesome I definitely need to teach these so called mechanics how to properly work on A BMW!

[@wakinfevrier6685]

I have to give you a thumb up for every one of your videos man... cuz, you always save me a lot of money from the dealer! I went to the dealer to have some services done. After diagnostic my bills went up, close to $3000.00. for only 3 things, thermostat, steering angle sensor, and fuel pump. And I didn't let them do it, I bought those part, went home, and have them done myself. save me around $2000.00

[@freonberg6977]

Thanks God you are, cause your videos are very informative and detailed. I got e46 and doing step by step of your video tutuorials

[@MartyHaloMeyer]

Another well done video! Found a Wahler thermostat boxed at Advance Auto, branded as CARQUEST, but Wahler, made in Germany stamped on the part. $60. Didn't have time to wait on Fcp. Rest of cooling system is just over two years 30,000 miles, so didn't change anything, but have spares on the shelf, just in case.

[@SootyHunt]

Forgot to say.... Excellent vids by the way. Im learning so much from you, Thanks !!!

[@MrMcbear]

Ty for sharing that rachet info. I was wondering what it was during the video. With modern battery tools being so good air tools aren't as required as before. Definitely picking one of those up

[@carlosverduzco4725]

Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful. I did this in addition to all new hoses. Fast forward a frw months. Now I have a coolant leak, but suspect its coming from the coolant hose under the manifold. Do you have a video showing that particular fix?

[@irinamartynenko4807]

I recently drained coolant from engine block using one of those “form-a-funnel” molding thingy and worked very well, no mess at all. Highly recommend.

[@josephkinser]

you, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@HotlineKM1]

Replacing the thermostat and water pump today and this video is a lifesaver along with all your other E46 videos. Straight to the point with detailed guidance. Thank you so much man!

[@skunkedagain]

Your videos are the best for bmws. Thank you

[@anativeofearth]

Thanks man, leaving comment for support. Its that time for my car

[@twaveee5152]

Hey 50skid, I've always watched your videos and wanted to thank you for all the education when it comes to a e46. I'm having an issue where I was driving my manual e46 and my resevoir tank cracked and busted open while I was driving. Made such a mess. I replaced the resevoir and bled the coolant system from there. My vehicle never overheated before but now it's overheating after driving a few miles. No leaks and a new expansion tank was added and I bled the coolant system as mentioned. Any ideas what it could be?

[@veritasvincit4178]

I just bought the last year of the E-46 , 2006 330 ci. I am really like your videos

[@hammondjones9484]

Very very helpful, thank you!!

[@LIOTBs]

How tightly are we supposed to torque down the fan? Thank you so much for this video it helps so much!

[@emadsalem630]

I really like your videos very much informative.when it comes to thermostat i have learned the hard way from now on i only use genuine with bmw logo on it

[@BMWe-oz9wk]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful

[@keithstauferland9878]

First off I want to see your videos have been very helpful definitely appreciate them but got a question for you I replaced all of my coolant system the hard lines underneath the intake everything on it the O-rings anything that could be replaced I pretty much replaced and when I hooked the battery back up and tried to start the car the car turns over but won’t run I have fuel pressure everything works but won’t run :(

[@Villagerbluewheelsunflower]

I love you. no homo. Helped me out so much. Can't thank you enough. You are a legend and your videos will be here forever helping so many people save money and hours of time.

[@Cuebix]

Really helpful steps. Many thanks

[@tomgoffnett5624]

Thank you for taking the time to show all of us how to do this. You are making the world a better place :) Liked, subscribed, hit th notification bell.

[@garrettdempsey]

Thanks for sharing this content. Just a note that the 4-cylinder engine doesn't need the fan/shroud removed.

[@rey_1434]

YOU AWESOME AND LEARN AS I FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTION. THANK YOU

[@yoshi1u2]

Great video when i removed the lower radiator hose almost broke my hands when it broke loose lol. Also the sensor will leak is very true.

[@jasonfuller8522]

Great videos helpd me a bunch with my 325ci your rock

[@bertsbug]

Lol lol lol love the funnel with tinfoil ..... Good stuff... Watching this because I don't have a manual. You are the best THANKS

[@staceycrosby6521]

Wondering when you worded the aftermarket thermostat from India being "big mistake" then next you said Whaler thermostat was much better "and it has heating element" and it was brought to my attention that the way you said it could lead somebody to believe that the Whaler was good because it had heating element where the one from India didnt. I was thinking both of the ones you used would have had the heating element. I enjoy all your videos, and you are the first one i look to for video help. THANKS

[@TheEZFix]

thx for the video. what's wrong with the hose that made in Turkey?

[@kirkbanton9181]

always excellent

[@TheCsb1996]

Class man, awesome video keep it up 🤙

[@martyhut7303]

love the attempted aluminium funnel!

[@Ken-we9jc]

awesome video champ!!! great work!!! keep the videos coming!!!

[@50sKid]

That's the plan, for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@Sroor2023]

Nice video my brother got 330 2005 and the radiator blown one day then he replaced it and it blew again why ? Is it head gasket problem ?

[@Rendierenzijnlief]

After how many miles would you recommend doing this? I’m at 110k miles (180km) but I had a leakage lately, and I am considering just replacing all this because I have the feeling that one day another part of the cooling system will fail. Or would this be an overkill?

[@101morphine]

Thank's for the video. Can someone tell me whats the work temperature of the coolant for M52B20. Mine is 100-104 C in test 7. Should i've be concerned?

[@danlittlejohns5297]

Did they teach you how to make heavy duty aluminium foil funnels to catch coolant at the BMW academy? Flipping love your videos man. I can keep an E46 on the road thanks to your help. Please don't ever stop.

[@toniocastro5426]

Jason: The water pump and thermostat on a e46 325-2003- (M54) and a 328 -2000- (M52tu) are they the same.? Or are they completely different.? Thank you so much for all the videos.

[@rtfd4f4t5gft4]

I only need to replace my thermostat, do I have to change other things too or is thermostat only no problem.

[@MsMatth33]

Hey 50s kid... When a part is listed and it lists the OEM # does that mean the part is OEM or are they saying that's what its compatible to? I've been going through thermostats and I want to get the right one. I see the Borg Warner/Wahler one. I should buy that one right? The dealer of course has theirs for like $134.

[@daniyk5746]

I like all of your video becouse you are really naice guy and you explain things very naicely. Wish you all the best👍 God bless you.

[@JD-mn7sv]

Do you ever use loktight when threading pulleys to pumps or pumps to the block? Or do you go in dry?

[@urbancarszambia4969]

I like your presentation

[@joseseda5465]

Hello 50skid...!! i just saw in this video you are using a Meyle water pump, I would like to know your review about this pump, how many miles already has? is not leaking? is not making any noise? I'm thinking to buy one Meyle , because my last 2 water pump just last about 2 years and 20k miles each.! Thanks for your videos...!!!!

[@breakfree1967]

Love these Videos i learn so much from you

[@50sKid]

Glad you like them!

[@toofarr8655]

So detailed, Dudes bad ass !

[@alexandroneale4060]

Very usefull. I´ll follow your video to do my repairs, thanks for your time.

[@blackpassenger]

great tutorial as usual. Im in the process of replacing the water pump. gonna go with the italian one you recommended in another video. the car just got to 100k kilometers, thats about 70 miles. i had replaced the thermostat 7 years ago, around 40k miles ago with a whaler. would you recommend replacing it again now that im changing the water pump? The water pump in the car now is the original one from 2000.

[@FoxFaderWorld]

Did my pump, stat and hoses this am. After I took off the w/pump I went to the block drain. There was still plenty of water in the block after all the water dropped out pump housing. Pull pump then drain block.

[@DavidRamirez-ck2ph]

I went to give you a special thanks. Your videos has helped me out alot. Losing is not an option.

[@michaelwashington9106]

Your awesome thank you so detailed.

[@TRRehab]

As always, your videos are very informative and has literally saved me thousands over the years. On the subject of thermostat replacement.... I have now replaced my thermostat 3 times in the past month thinking that maybe there is a defect in the part. After install each new install the code goes away on its own only to come back maybe after a few hundred miles. The sat P0128. Is there anything other than the thermostat that can cause this code or would purchasing oem thermostat be my answer? Thanks again for your videos.

[@andrews1722]

TR Rehab ever figure this out? Getting same code

[@carcompilationsyt5278]

ive got a 2000 328i, the coolant drain plug is right above the motor mount on the passenger side and i was able to put a couple funnels together as i have the front end all apart and replacing a lot of stuff all at once, luckily it didnt make a huge mess but youd have to have the radiator out to do it lmao

[@haroldfrech2743]

Hello 50's kid,what brand its the water pump and thermostat housing did you replace? Please let me know. By the way you are been great in all the videos, I replaced many part's on my e46 thanks to you

[@midcoastmoto8724]

Your usual stunning quality tutorial. Thank you for the education you share. You have saved me a fortune! You are the only reason I can own an E46. Legend! Thank you

[@onnobeckerhof5790]

Mount the radiator hose with the clips inserted before mounting. It is supposed to click over the edge when mounting. It is the indicator that the hose is mounted correctly. Unless the o ring is damaged that will result in good connected hose. Apply some silicon on the o ring to allow easy mounting.

[@robertpersaud3626]

Awesome job with the videos, Dude! You certainly know your stuff! I live in Miami. Can I run my 2006 325CI without a thermostat?

[@yahoo2020]

Great Great Video, Thank You Sir

[@marcoscamposgutierrez8978]

I'll replace thermostat today... radiator is 6 months old as much. Another question: can we ""test" the thermostat without fan? I was seeing that you did not put it back and then you bleed the system... is that ok?

[@michaelwashington9106]

What is the second bolt that the coolant came out. Is it necessary to do both or just the radiator? And what is that second bolt housing or where is it stored ?

[@itsbridger1138]

i laughed so hard when the tin foil didn’t work 😭😭😂😂 my man miss the e46 videos !!

[@rafaelalvarez.exitos]

Very good video...Thank you

[@tredeeter430]

thank you so much!!!!

[@craigaxtell904]

I'm having some electrical issues. I have an 03 330ci. My gauge cluster, navigation and convertible top do not work. My navigation screen only says "BMW" on startup for about 20 seconds. I have no clue where to start. I've read this could be a "k-bus" issue? Have you ever heard of problems like this? And what do you recommend? Thank you

[@strockerzby5018]

best man ever

[@miguelangeldiaz3648]

There is a coolant leack from somewhere behind my thermastat housing but I cant seem to find where is leasing from. Is around underneath tha vanos and fist inyector. I see coolant collecting on a block right below two pipes coming out the block. Appreciate any advise. This used e46325i is draining my pocket.

[@JohnValishomes]

if im changing the water pump and thermostat should I also change the clutch fan even if there's nothing wrong with it?

[@sjs751225]

Thermostat, removal and installation. How many nm is the prescribed torque?

[@cgeromi]

What brand t-stat housing did you go with?

[@kurzjames]

Hey! After I finished my install, I decided to read the installation instructions provided with the Meyle water pump. According to the instructions, I should have applied a gasket where the water pump meets the engine block. I applied silicone paste around the O-ring like you did, but I noticed you did not apply any gasket material on the actual mating surface. Did you do it off camera? Hoping I don't have to reinstall my water pump with a gasket.

[@50sKid]

No the o-ring is the gasket. It's what does the sealing. You're all good.

[@spacedefector]

Awesome videos! Just the right pace and detail. Only thing I can think of that might help even more is if you were to put the part numbers and brands in the notes, that you use for each repair. Other than that, thanks heaps for sharing!

[@CODENETSIGFRIED]

Hello, sorry about the question but what is the thermostat torque specs in Nm? best regards.

[@juicemotorsports5608]

I need help on trying to figure out my problem with my e46

[@toniocastro5426]

Do you think is better to have an electric fan, instead off the clutch fan when doing all these repairs w- pump, thermostat, p- steering pump, etc. Removing the shroud is easy. Replacing clutch fan and shroud at the same time is hard for me. So, please let me know if it is possible for an electric fan change. Will the engine be just fine.? Thank you so much.

[@50sKid]

yes you can switch to the electric fan without any problems. Best to remove the front fan.

[@toniocastro5426]

50sKid Thank you. So, so much.

[@MUCHOFLUJO]

50sKid my bmw certified mechanic said not to remove the aux fan and that it's the cars backup. He said to swap mechanical fan with electric

[@HumbertoBenavidesphotographer]

I think your certified mechanic is wrong Michael Swetell, ask him to explain then how a manual transmission E46 works with only an electric fan please !

[@howlingmedia4354]

I have a e46 2002 I replaced the thermostat last June and I get a code on my icarsoft software telling me 7b activation map cooling is it possible that the thermostat went out that fast ?

[@mattschmerbeck8375]

What socket are you using on the water pump pulley tensioner? I was told to use an 8mm allen but i’ve hit a wall because i can’t seem to find where to loosen the belt tensioner.

[@jimmmmmypokemonplug206]

Thank you

[@tallterrilaw8646]

Question. Is the waterpump attached to the thermostat housing in any way?

[@onnobeckerhof5790]

I suggest to use a funnel which connects to a hose. Guide the hose to a bucket. Unscrew the engine bolt and when the coolant flows press the funnel against the hole. Try to use funnel with wide hose to allow sufficient flow through the hose. It will be less messy for sure but it remains a pain to empty the engine.

[@davidweber6395]

Hey great video. Would a thermostat stuck open code mean it is SOL? Or would I️ be able to fix it by cleaning up the unit. Thanks.

[@50sKid]

Nah you're not going to be able to clean your way outta that. Replace it.

[@jaybikelife960]

HEY 50sKID I NEED YOUR HELP I WATCH YOUR VIDEOS WHENEVER I NEED TO DO SOMETHING ON MY E46 BUT NOW I REALLY NEED SOME HELP PLEASE MY CAR STARTED OVERHEATING I NOTICED MY HEATER HOSE WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE JOINT UNDER THE MANIFOLD INTAKE I PUT THEM BOTH BACK TOGETHER AND I STARTED THE CAR IT WAS GOOD I ADDED SOME COOLANT AND IT WASNT OVERHEATING UNTIL I TURN THE HEATER ON BLAST THATS WHEN THE CAR QUICKLY OVERHEATED I PUT IT ON DRIVE AND IT DIDNT WANNA MOVE ANYMORE I CHECKED THE FAN BUT THERES NO PROBLEM AT ALL WITH THE CLUTCH FAN AT THIS POINT I DONT WANT TO PURCHASE A THERMOSTAT OR A WATER PUMP I WAS READING FORUMS AND IT SAYS I MIGHT HAVE TO BLEED THE SYSTEM AGAIN WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS? PLEASE HELP ME THANKS

hello, i hope you can help me somehow here. i've got the same engine (M54B30) and recently my coolant starts to disappear through the exhaust and it only happens when the heating inside the cabin is turned on. when the heating is turned off, the coolant is ok and the car doesn't smoke. what it could be ? thanks in advance.

[@FitnessSacrifice]

So helpful!!