BMW E46 Cooling System Overhaul DIY (2001-2005 BMW 330i M54 Water Pump, Radiator, & Thermostat)

►At around two decades old, the rubber and plastic cooling system components in your M54-powered E46 3-series are likely on their last legs, assuming they haven't already been replaced. Hoses, thermostats, radiators, and water pumps-the main pieces of every cooling system-should all be replaced at some point, and there's no better way to do it than all at once. Replacing your BMW E46's cooling system in one shot is the best way to ensure reliable, trouble-free driving for tens of thousands of miles to come.
The plastic ends of the radiator and thermostat housing will crack and leak. The water pump's bearings will begin to leak or even seize. Hoses will dry out and break-even the belts will do the same. Luckily, there isn't any major work needed to replace them all. Special tools aren't required, and neither is a lift. Just grab your socket set and start wrenching.
In this video, FCP Euro's Professional DIY'er Mike Hidalgo tackles a cooling system overhaul on an E46 BMW 330i.
00:00 - Intro
02:31 - Tools Needed
03:14 - Job Start/Intake Removal
05:03 - Coolant Draining
10:49 - Fan Removal
15:01 - Expansion Tank Removal
16:27 - Coolant Hose Removal
21:34 - AC Belt Removal
22:11 - Radiator Removal
23:11 - Water Pump & Thermostat Removal
28:52 - Water Pump & Thermostat Installation
32:36 - Radiator Prep
39:01 - Radiator Installation
40:34 - Expansion Tank Installation
42:25 - Coolant Hoses Installation
45:51 - Fan Installation
50:47 - Bleeding & Filling
56:02 - Airbox Installation
56:58 - Wrap-Up
Buy This Kit Here:
www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
BMW 325Ci
2002 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic, From 9/2002
2003 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Convertible, Transmission: Automatic
2003 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Coupe, Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Convertible, Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Coupe, Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Convertible, Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Coupe, Transmission: Automatic
2006 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Convertible, Transmission: Automatic
2006 BMW 325Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Body: Coupe, Transmission: Automatic
BMW 325i
2002 BMW 325i Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic, From 9/2002
2003 BMW 325i Cooling System Service Kit
Engine code: M54, Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 325i Cooling System Service Kit
Engine code: M54, Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 325i Cooling System Service Kit
Engine code: M54, Transmission: Automatic
BMW 325xi
2002 BMW 325xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic, From 9/2002
2003 BMW 325xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 325xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 325xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
BMW 330Ci
2002 BMW 330Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic, From 9/2002
2003 BMW 330Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 330Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 330Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2006 BMW 330Ci Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
BMW 330i
2002 BMW 330i Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic, From 9/2002
2003 BMW 330i Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 330i Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 330i Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
BMW 330xi
2002 BMW 330xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic, From 9/2002
2003 BMW 330xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2004 BMW 330xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
2005 BMW 330xi Cooling System Service Kit
Transmission: Automatic
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[@davidpeltzer9196]

Gold!! This video is a Gold Mine. His demeanor, the details he mentions…awesome.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you think so!

[@tl7338]

That license plate.. LOL

[@bditman1]

I doubt very many diy’ers would have the vacuum fill capability at home. For me, it is useless to exclude the bleeding process the way that most people would be doing it

[@MartelMartin736]

exactly

[@kota4878]

They want you to buy the contraption from them

[@diogogomes309]

underrated KZbin channel right here

[@erikthie2253]

Mike, i have watched a lot of your diy's and you are great at them. Very knowledgable and specific. Great youtube channel. now all i need is an old bmw!

[@edward1927]

Once again, helping me crush book time at work. You guys are the best!

[@jahnix7882]

Your channel good sir, is so underrated. Good way of keeping attention towards your video is your informative material considering it's nearly an hour long. I applaud your magnetic productivity. Direct, at the same time, relatable. Totally deserving a high substantial amount of Subscribers well done good sir

[@VWMANCA]

LOVE YOUR GUYS DETAILED DIY. U GUYS ARE VERY INFORMATIVE WITH YOUR VIDEOS.... U GUYS REALLY MAKE THINGS LOOK SO EASY AND MAKE EVERYONE FEEL PRETTY CONFIDENT TO WORK ON THEIR OWN CARS..... GREAT VIDS "MY GOOD PEOPLE"... LOL KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND VIDS.

[@bklynr1]

words cannot explain how detailed your video. Great great.

[@dannymatthews855]

I have been trying to decide where and which radiator to buy for my 2002 BMW 330i. This video resolved my issue. With this level of detailed understanding of my car radiator and replacement, I'm shopping FCP Euro only... Great video with perfect instruction. Thank you..

[@jaciobe]

I'm doing my cooling system this week.. thank you for the info.. hoping mine goes as smoothly as this.. mines on a 2003 x5 e53

[@Williamdevenny-jg4ih]

Excellent tutorial! It’s given me the confidence to attempt the system refresh on my e46. Thanks 👍🏻

[@omartyson9652]

Great job bro!! Why can't all DIY videos be as clear and informational as this one. You were well informed on the job and it showed. Kudos for a well done video.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked it!!

[@user-zt5cl7kt2i]

hey mike great step by step video. just a question, i notice when you installed the expansion tank you clicked in the valve on one port but the other port you didn't fit the spring loaded brass fitting? is it not required? mine had the fitting but its proving to be difficult on re fitting can i just leave it out? any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Sunny

[@legambaz]

Another excellent clip from FCP

[@Kvs1920]

Surprisingly simple job. Thanks for making this video it helped a lot.

[@JohnnyDaines]

I’m gonna have to do this soon on my e39 pretty similar procedure with the straight six from this era

[@tomrworby7143]

Very good video, it was very helpful to me! The correct tool for the drive/fan belt tensioner is a T50. I used a Nissens radiator from FCP, it now has corrosion on the top bracket after 4 days out of the box! The core looks clean, but I will have to monitor it for a while. Fingers crossed.

[@user-he9mz3zp9x]

Mike, great video. Did this job on my 04 330ci yesterday. Your video basically did it for me. The overhaul kit doesn’t come with the coolant level sensor, it probably should. Also, was a little disappointed that the water pump didn’t have the metal impeller but the original one lasted 20 years so maybe OK. Thanks again….

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for the notes, glad I could be of some help!

[@bernard-francoistaylor4205]

I would love to see E65 745Li / 760Li content. A lot of us "revive" the bigger sedans and that would make great content for us.

[@rbell7666]

Just had to do this on my 1/4 million mile E46 from 2002. Jesus, this thing is hard to work on.

[@rmasco71]

He makes it look easy

[@rbell7666]

@@rmasco71 The value of being an expert!

[@E39M5SPEED]

Hero package. ❤

[@rmasco71]

Great Vid bro .. what about the lines under the intake manifold? I just got charged a small fortune to change them

[@jorgemora7190]

Wow very good inf really help thanks for your time love your video

[@salsations1869]

Great video, would like to see the fluid fill without the vacuum tool. Also, would you do a video of changing the rear reluctance ring on the 2002 X5 3.0i?

[@shaethobe3511]

would this tutorial work for a 2005 330xi?

[@zontarr8812]

"The car behind has a coolant leak so we decided to replace the whole cooling system!" -that is always a good advice! my car has an oil leak so I will decide to replace the whole engine, lol

[@fcpeuro]

It's the only way!

[@zontarr8812]

@@fcpeuro "This is the way"

[@note5btw]

Seems the coolant system has a lot of failsafes, very common to replace the whole system as the rest will start failing soon and you’ll have to take it all apart again

[@paulschroeder1078]

Great video, thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching, Paul!

[@JahronHesitates]

i just got another e46 and i want to do this myself this time instead of a shop

[@adambrand1305]

What was the part number for the automatic trans cooler o-rings you mentioned? Don't see the link for them and don't seem to be included in the kit.

[@salmaniftikhar6583]

Fcpeuro kindly do a BMW e60 m5 , water pump replace, and drivline and diff bushes video too

[@angelrojas6072]

Purchased the same unit for my 01 325i. The correct drain plug for radiator was not provided, only the gaskets. So I had to make a trip to automotive store, not very convenient if correct plug wasn’t included.

[@4kstreamer44]

Why do people not really do the heater hoses you sell? I'm trying to do them but they seem hard to get to

[@Enthusiast_Plus]

what about the hoses under the manifold?

[@ingegneriafacile]

hello great video, can i use the short plug for the radiator on an automatic transmission? my radiator comes only eith the short plastic screw

[@tomrworby7143]

No, the long one is for the auto trans cooler, must have.

[@glen5940]

I didn't see the link you mentioned you will put it in the description for the automatic transmission cooler o-rings at 43.24; what is the link? I like to order it for my 325 CI

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Glen, that would be OES-17111711987.

[@AudiobloodTV]

whats that metal piece hanging @ 17:41

[@wskeens]

I need a similar video for 2000 e39

[@fcpeuro]

We have a Radiator Upgrade coming out soon!

[@PatrickTheJudge]

This vacuum on these hydraulic hoses, designed rather for high than for negative pressure, doesn't look sane at all. I definitely prefer the BMW way of filling.

[@SaHiNCeP]

İs this process similiar with the e46 m47n 320d ?

[@fcpeuro]

We were not blessed with that model here in the U.S. :( If you dive into is, please let us know!

[@LastChanceFossil]

At 21 minutes mine does not click. I spent maybe 2 hours praying, crying, bleeding. To be honest this was the only pipe that wasn't oem so I'm assuming that's what the rest fit with ease

[@KingsCrossVIP]

i have an e46 320i (2001) convertible with an m54 engine can i use this pack? or does FCP sell one for my car - thanks buddy

[@visibletoallusers9775]

Did you get an answer or try it out?

[@wonerable]

Been working on a BMW 330i for the passed couple of days at work, and just recently learned. That if you push those metal locks in. It opens them and let's you push lock the connector in...😂 I was doing the same thing, pulling the lock out of the connector. Until I figured that out😊

[@ragnarblackmane04]

For the love of all that’s E46… can someone from fcp please Point me to the Hardware my man used in this video to replace the studs to install the clutch fan to the radiator fan? Thank you.

[@CohnWolfeFitness]

I have the part number if you still need it.

[@heribertozarate]

Is this video the same for 04 325i

[@Supraifyification]

Yes it works for all 6 cylinder petrol non m3. I used the tutorial on my 99 320i.

[@ragnarblackmane04]

Can someone please tell me the Bolts used to install the clutch to the fan? Thank you.

[@tomrworby7143]

5mm socket, about 1/2" length.

[@joshbaker8574]

I hope I don’t start saying “alright my good people” all the time

[@skrtskrt7155]

Can I do this on 325i manual

[@fcpeuro]

The idea remains the same, with a few bits being different as show on this automatic example.

[@jbelc]

Crazy timing, did anybody have fitment issues with the Nissens radiator? Only hiccup I’m running into

[@Jay3rrd]

try putting some soap or grease on the sides to slide it in easier

[@jhncvngh]

Mine Nissens fit fine but I did have to cut a small piece of the bracket that holds the expansion tank to get it to fit flush

[@tomrworby7143]

Yes mounting bracket for the T25 screw was misaligned. I used drill bit to ream out the hole to allow the screw to meet the mtg bracket.

[@goodtiger1316]

37:40 the bracket I bought from you guys didnt come with an oring...

[@stewfly9227]

same here the connection from radiator to expansion tank bracket (where he says there is an 0-ring at this port), there isnt one for me so what raw dog it with no ring?>

[@goodtiger1316]

@@stewfly9227 i think it was because mine is manual transmission. Is yours manual?

[@cmaximus7627]

32:37

[@WayToManyAssassins]

"How to bulletproof an E46"

[@Andrewlone174]

more e46

[@fcpeuro]

➕➕➕

[@pitsohlabeli4987]

This is not a diy job.

[@tomrworby7143]

It is if you have time and patience. Took me 10hrs disassembly due to lower rad hose would not release and fan nut that was over-torqued by last mechanic! You need a great wrench and a couple of feet of pipe to break it loose sometimes, also the rotate stop tool!. 3 hrs reassembly, and success. But not fun.

[@newportpa67]

I did this about eight years ago on my 2002 330xi, in my garage. It did take time & patience, as noted. I have to do it soon on my 2003 325xi. Manual transmissions, I love driving these cars. Definitely worth the effort to keep them running.

[@stewfly9227]

@@newportpa67 attempting the 325i 03' manual job right now new tank new bracket new rad new t-stat and new sensors and new hoses ... missing an o-ring near rad and expansion tank bracket tho...

[@pnbnationsbest1]

Absolutely not true. I did it all myself with minimal tools and wrenching skills.