BMW E46 N42 Radiator Replacement AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Detailed DIY guide on diagnosing a coolant leak and replacing the radiator on my 2001 E46 316ti BMW with N42 engine and an automatic transmission. Filling and venting the the cooling system included. Mix BMW approved coolant concentrate with distillated water only!
0:00 Intro
0:25 Missing coolant and symptoms
1:02 Removing intake cowling, engine cover and airbox
3:02 Finding and inspecting the coolant leak
4:26 Draining the coolant
4:50 Removing the fan cowling
7:50 Disconnecting the hoses and coolant level sensor
10:00 Removing the expansion tank
10:41 Removing automatic transmission fluid cooler
11:11 Removing the radiator
11:53 Relocating mounting plate to the new radiator
13:28 Automatic transmission thermostat replacement
15:40 Installing new radiator
17:55 Installing expansion tank
19:19 Installing automatic transmission fluid cooler
19:53 Installing fan cowling
21:02 Installing airbox
21:25 Filling the system with coolant
23:33 Venting air from the cooling system
24:45 Installing engine cover and intake cowling
26:22 Outro
PARTS:
- Radiator: 17119071517 (manual or automatic transmission)
- Expansion tank: 17117573781
- Thermostat: 17111437362 (automatic transmission only)
DISCLAIMER:
BimmerZen assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BimmerZen recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BimmerZen , no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BimmerZen.

[@zahkam7322]

This guy makes the absolute BEST N42 repair vids , straight to the point , clean , precise , no annoying music , very calming clear voice and perfectly step by step guide on the procedure needed . Thank you so much!

[@BimmerZen]

There is still a lot I can improve in my videos and comments like yours help me stay motivated. Thanks!

[@matmanpromotions6457]

Hello friend, thanks for posting this, I swapped engines in my 2003 e46 318i n42 a couple of months ago then left it til today..... I had sort of forgotten where bits and pieces go when I started to install the bits n pieces like hoses, rad etc..; Thanks again from Brisbane Australia.

[@wizzywilson]

Another brilliant video, I've just changed my water pump and thermostat, another hell of a job...!

[@jlochner5060]

Hi BimmerZen! Happy new year to you. Thanks for this video, it might come in handy in the future. I am currently experiencing VERY slow coolant loss in my 2004 318i. The coolant system in these vehicles are weak points and will fail eventually, be it hoses, the thermostat, and the radiator it seems. I replaced the 2.0 bar expansion tank cap, with an OEM 1.4 bar one, which should help with longer life of the cooling system. The plastic connectors of the hoses seem to become brittle and break over time, I've replaced two hoses since the vehicle has been in my possession. I will have to keep an eye out for where a possible leak might be, however it might also be due to pressure release because of the lower pressure cap that I put on. Thank you again for your guidance, time, and effort and in turn making it easier for E46 (especially N46) owners to maintain their vehicles with confidence. Greetings from South Africa.

[@gst_6377]

Happy new year glad to see your still repairing the car

[@peterastley-sparke7526]

Excellent video. I did my radiator last summer. Since this is quite a big (and messy) job, I'd also recommend replacing the top/bottom radiator hoses and expansion tank, together with the coolant level and temperature sensors (located in the bottom hose). Happy New Year to you.

[@ivanchen8050]

Thanks for the guide

[@LosPaegles]

Very useful!

[@marekmarecki3883]

Very good video

[@menusbmw720]

Perfectly. Thanks.

[@FeeeshEP3]

Nice. I did mine as well a few years back. If you ever need to replace the reservoir get one from BMW directly. I got the one from Hella/Behr, it did not seal properly on the bracket towards the bottom and kept on leaking. Was a pain. Since a few weeks my heater is no longer working, I think the heater valve is broken. Still being totally Zen about it.

[@THE-UNKNOWN_7163]

you close the TOP vent screw when the water seeps out while the car is running

[@alfaomega1231]

excelente

[@THE-UNKNOWN_7163]

you can run the car without that thermostat depending on where you live. im in new zealand and as it doesnt get that cold here we dont need it

[@fgrignard]

My Electric fan is not coming on, BMW 320i, N42 Engine, manual, Do have have any advice for me please.

[@sealslayer]

How much antifreeze does the n42 hold? I’ll be filling mine today but I’m seeing conflicting amounts from 6L to 8.8L

[@BimmerZen]

Documentation states 7.5l

[@sealslayer]

@@BimmerZen thank you 🙏

[@GK-Greece]

Maybe you need to up the front of car so the coolant goes to the oil cooler to ???

[@BimmerZen]

It's advisable to lift the front of the car if you can.