BMW E46 E53 X5 Coolant Expansion Tank Removal And Fix 320i 323i 325i 328i 330i

[@g0blin479]

This is the second time I change it in the past 5yrs need a refresher

[@mackiv8612]

The part you have in your video fits. The problem you're having is that the replacement tank has a longer clip that locks the tank from underneath. With the new clip, if you dont remove the fan shroud, the clip will just keep locking before the tank fully seats from bumping into the fan shroud. If you just swap out the OEM clip ( if you put them side to side they are different by about an inch) on the aftermarket tank you will still have room to install the tank w/ the clip open then locking it without having to remove the fans housing. I noticed when uninstalling the oem tank, when the clip unlocks and its so short you still cant see it from the top side down. The aftermarket clip is fully visible even when in the locked position from the top side. TLDR; the main locking clip on the aftermarket tanks are too long, so just swap it for the oem clip w/ is shorter. This saves you from having to remove the fan shroud because of how close it is to the tanks clip.

[@justgosee]

I figured that out after a while. Lol. But I still can't get the thing to install. Is it really loose fitting? It doesn't seem like it's seated correctly. Ugh. :)

[@myoginightkid13]

One thing to note, on the shmamazon brand coolant tank, use your stock clip from the bottom hoses. The one it comes with is too long to slide open.

[@nashvilledaveb]

Thanks for spending the time to put this video together....very helpful!

[@NullingtonVoid]

Going out now to try the URO parts tank. (rock auto) This video is great and shows exactly what happens with mis-fitting parts all the time. glad to know its not just me !!!

[@NullingtonVoid]

Update, took me ~30 min overall. you need 10 mm to take out airbox, and a couple different sizes of flat heads. also used a needle nose to pull the clips. reattach, fill up and let her idle to build pressure, so far good fit, no leaks part was ~$30 Thanks Nate!!!!

[@linnelcampbell7310]

Thank you very much for your time and effort putting this video together. It save me time and money. I did it all by myself with your tutorial. My bmw x5 is now in a better place. Thank very much.

[@MrFuckhed]

r.i.p your x5 thats now in a better place

[@kaamiljahmezjaanfoster5795]

I changed mine out but still leaking from the bottom. I think it's coming from the heater core that has o rings around them that pushes into the radiator mounting plate. Do you suggest I change them ?

[@dansklaire4275]

Was able to replace my E53/M54 expansion tank looking at this, thanks. One thing... Got a Modine unit (supposedly OEM) from FCP, but the O-rings are too small, and the fit to the hoses is not secure - they leak! Had to use plumber's putty, which the last indy repair job I hired apparently used, and the leak from the lower thermostat port was my leak problem. O-rings on that Behr (18 mos old) were flat. Got the Modine, used ALOT of plumber's putty and it now seems to work. Do Original BMW plastic parts shrink? I'll be replacing the radiator and hope they fit it better. I will try to find new bigger O-rings when that's done, taking the old unit to a home depot and hoping. But, this wasn't a tough DIY job - if not for the fit problem! Thanks.

[@topk1790]

Same leak im having after replacing ExpTank

[@mchestnut1970]

Mine had a crack and was leaking, thanks for the video it will be very helpful for when I replace it

[@jaciobe]

@Nathans BMW Workshop what's the metal box thing the resovoir suits on? Mi es leaking water

[@GLove634]

Yesterday i got home parked an shut off the car 2 minutes later all my coolant poured out . can it be the hose or gasket? I think my car kept telling me to check the gasket

[@alexkostenyuk]

Thanks for video , gonna change mine on old X5

[@malp6280]

ook, alil advice if possible I've a 4 cylinder e46 2004, I've just replaced the radiator, thermostat & water pump... I've noticed a small leak near a thermostat bolt, everything else seems OK regarding leaks anyway now I've noticed when I've the Heater turned on the engine temp drops, when the heater is off the engine temp is normal... any ideas?? could it be trapped air in the system still or possible something else???

[@Erikj1012]

do you recommend using BMW genuine parts or do you have an aftermarket brand that you would recommend for the expansion tank

[@ink5961]

Thanks to your video, this was very simple, but I do have a problem. Once I was trying to install the new expansion tank I could not get it to lock into place. I noticed there's a plunger type deal at the bottom with a brass piece and sping. The plastic cap that sits over the top of that assembly is broken to where it won't lock that spring mechanism downward into place, causing me to not be able to get the O-rings to seat. Am I screwed here, any ideas?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Inkstaind Unltd you can run it without that valve, use some lithuim grease to lubricate the o-ring , it is very difficult to get it to lock in

[@ink5961]

Thanks for the help. I got it all back together and now that smaller top hose is leaking. Without taking it apart could I assume that o-ring is no good? Do you know what that's called so I can order a new one? Thanks again for your time.

[@ink5961]

Nathan, sorry to bug, just trying finish this up. Really appreciate your video, great stuff. I got the leak to stop, so one last problem after pulling out that broken bottom valve I got a "transmission fail safe" warning I'm sure due to removing that valve and the "service engine soon" light came on. What can I do about that, it won't pass smog with that light on right?

[@ink5961]

Nevermind, something just occurred to me. After putting everything back together and looking at the thermostat online, I just realized that the rest of the busted thermostat is stuck down in there. I thought it part of the housing. :(

[@afg3233]

Where’s the thermostat on the bottom of the reserve from the bigger hole?

[@p1epoppa]

So where does the transmission oil cooler thermostat go?

[@rsad2857]

It sits in the bigger hole where the expansion tank goes on the radiator.

[@goodlife3561]

Where is the coolant level senso connection at?

[@derrickhancock7730]

Why is there green antifreeze comin out of that tank???

[@brenleegoodrich5457]

Incredible 😊

[@texas241]

O-rings are built into the tank. He just probably realized he installed it wrong the first time and is returning the new one. LOL!

[@kennethstanton5407]

Thanks for making all these videos Nathan. I often watch your videos about crap that isn't even broken on mine, just for the entertainment lol. I just picked up a 2006 E53 3.0i. It's had a few owners so there are some "mysteries". I replaced the level sensor in the expansion tank, but it is still whining about checking the coolant level so I assume the magnet on the float is MIA. The new sensor definitely works and I should have tested the old one with a magnet before replacing it. Anybody know if it's possible to remove the float and restore its magnetic personality? I don't see any obvious nondestructive way. It is possible that the current expansion tank is Chinesium and never did have a magnet on the float. Thanks in advance. 2006 X5 and 2000 328i.

[@GLove634]

Very helpful video. Thanks

[@jadenj9214]

Is your coolant supposed to be green? I thought bmw is blue??!?!

[@meezylife673]

Mines not fitting also I just bought a second expansion tank and still doesn’t fit!!

[@Volvo8Fifty4Life]

Thanks for the video!

[@brianschanuel]

Hey, quick question ... is the expansion tank a 'circulating' type? I have this 2005 BMW X5, similar tank as in this video. Mine broke in 2 pieces at the seam and won't hold liquid. Will it be possible to drive with the expansion tank in this condition?

[@internationaljd1017]

Thanks for the video. Bad idea to drain coolant onto the ground 1 quart or 10. TERRIBLE PRACTICE ALL.

[@SalvadorRodriguez-v7s]

Good practice

[@igorromanyuk8467]

Great video thank you very much