BMW Thermostat Replacement 6 Cylinder M54 Engine Full DIY And How To Remove The Fan Clutch

[@upallnight888]

Thanks for making these videos, I find your videos the most helpful in maintaining my BMW compare with other people videos.

[@rrudydedogg3779]

This was excellent!!!! I bought my first BMW three days ago, a 2002 Z3 2.5L, and brought it home the next day. I noticed that the temp gage was in the cold zone and the heater wasn't producing so I knew I needed a new thermostat. Not knowing jack about BMWs, I found this video, watched it and 42 minutes later my own thermostat was changed out and the engine temperature is right where it is supposed to be. WOW!!! This was the easiest, quickest thermostat change I've ever done! Thank you so much for providing an informative and thorough instructional video! Now, you'll have to excuse me as I'm going for a ride. ;-)

[@dtmx5]

Really, really helpful , man. Saving me tons of $. Thanks for doing your vids!

[@abhib1267]

Awesome job my friend. This is the best and most illustrated DIY video I have seen. Thanks a ton for uploading it and making this DIY seem so simple.

[@yqshl]

Hey, great instructions and video. My 528i CEL came on and autozone pulled codes P1188 and P1622 which are fuel control (O2 sensor) and MAP cooling control circuit eletrical, respectively. You mentioned this in the video. Is it safe to say then that I need to replace the thermostat? I'm asking because the thermostat was replace only 15K miles ago...seems odd that it would need to be replaced so soon.

[@pennybarker3572]

Just subscribed. Thank you for the diagrams. Damn good video.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you Penny!

[@billwilliams5945]

After watching your video I feel I can do it. I might try.I have a 540 i,the concept and parts look very close. I am sure it will take me a day. My shop said $425. I would love to save that cash.Tx

[@robertocoria5575]

Thanks so much! I'm subscribing if I may, I haven't seen a video explain this well!

[@yefte15]

Thank you so much for your video It was so helpful to me in this case

[@ryantippens8048]

Thanks....Im about to attack my 530i....heat isn't working well....that looks SIMPLE

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Ryan, Hopefully it helps with the heat issue. This repair is definately easy with a little guidance :)

[@David-yh5po]

Thanks for sharing this video.

[@rhlashley]

Very helpful, great attention to the details

[@deniselowry7890]

thank you this was very helpful, I did not know why it was so cold in my car ,no heat. we have a blizzard here in Denver today so will need to replace thermostat asap.

[@bertwilliams7393]

great video! Very well done...

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+Bert Williams Thanks for the comment Bert! I am glad you found the video helpful!

[@dileepkatta4399]

Thanks a lot - great detail. But can you please list out all the tools necessary for this? Just to make sure I don't miss anything before I start.

[@bloneyo1]

Very Good Video and Instructions. Thank You

[@baloneypatch]

Very helpful. Outstanding video

[@agustintrejosanches6899]

Gracias gracias bro

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Jose Sanches Denada

[@carlitosgy6]

Thank you very much for your help

[@Epicstory1994]

So that code for that engine is the thermostat

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Correct :)

[@Epicstory1994]

Perfect guy to trust I have a check engine light and it's p1624 and it came up as pedal position sensor but people are saying that p1624 on a m52tu that code means thermostat I have a 2000 e46 323ci I'm just trying to find out what I need to replace

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, Can you post the last seven digits of your VIN number for me please. The P1624 could be either depending on production date. If you have th MDK throttle which is the one tha uses the cable this fault would most likely be the thermostat. If you have the EDK with is the electronic throttle then it may be the gas pedal which is a potentiometer. With the VIN number I can help you determine what you have.

[@monkyjazz3007]

El mejor DIY con diferencia,detalles que no se explican en ningún otro video.great.

[@crapdoodle]

Great video! Are you concerned that the coolant might spill on the belt(s) and cause them to potentially slip in the future? I was under the impression that's the reason the entire coolant system needed to bled before replacing the thermostat.

[@rickyzhangnan]

Great instruction indeed! i just followed your video and changed the thermostat on my 2006 BMW 330Ci automatic, and added coolant after i install everything back. But the Service Engine Soon light is still on. I then tried to follow your another video to replace the water pump but when i took the original water pump out it did not seem to have any problem. it rotates nicely and makes no weird noise. i haven't finished the installation though. But i found out that the coolant gets heated up really quick, like i just switched on the engine and backed the car 10m, and the coolant is already very hot. i wonder if there is something else wrong other than the thermostat and water pump.

[@Chopsticks804]

Great video, just what i needed. I have a 05 X3 with the code p0547..open circuit. Not leaking coolant and not over heating. But i will change it this weekend.

[@JohnValishomes]

Excellent video best thermostat video on e46

[@vcb1202]

Hello there, thanks for informative video. I'm in the process of figuring out why my heater is not heating correctly. I've read on forums that I might need to change my thermostat. Some say heater core and others just change cabin filter. I'm wondering what you think or what other areas I need to look at. I'm inclined to go ahead and change thermostat because its due for coolant change anyways. Thanks

[@tjwilly]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@lisamatchett8967]

My 01 x5 is throwing P0128 code, would replacing the thermostat solve that problem?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+Lisa Matchett Hello Lisa, With this code it could be a few things. It could be a failing thermostat or an engine temp sensor or lower radiator temp sensor.

[@hitznkoff4285]

Nice video, you should see some of the other videos...

[@tpkscreenprint]

Thank you I learn a lot by watching your video

[@lacamula1]

My needle is staying on cold side and only going to the middle between cold and hot when driving slower on surface streets. Also, could thermostat be the cause for hesitation issues during accelerating. 2004 E46 ZHP 47k miles. Thank you and Aloha!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+lacamula1 Aloha! I wish I was someplace warm :) This sounds like the thermostat is stuck open. Your thermostat being stuck open can prevent the vehicle from going into what is called closed loop. This directly effects efficiency of the vehicle and could cause a hesitation. I hope this helps!

[@BigMemo1944]

thank you very much for this video

[@kenboi2]

I have 2001 bmw 330i automatic. Do I need to take out the electric fan? In your video you mentioned that your car was a manual so you need to remove the electric fan. TIA.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+Ken Lu Hello Ken, For an automatic you do not need to remove the fan but it can help you gain some needed space for the T stat replacement. This video might help remove the fan on your BMW. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqunXoeLZ8l9mas

[@WanderinHawk]

Dude your videos are the THE BEST DIY ive ever watched,

[@kevlondon1236]

my temperature gauge would go up during idol and then cool down when id hit the gas which told me that my "new" thermostat wasnt opening im guessing..now the temperature gauge shoots to red when i drive exactly over 2 miles and i have coolant in my oil...car still runs but just over heats right when i get to work everyday..luckily it happens the second i get to work so i can get there but my gasket is probably blown and or head cylinder cracked right? and using gasket sealant with a new thermostat should make it better??at least for a while im guessing???

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Kevlon, I am sorry to hear this happened to your BMW. It could be a crack in the cylinder head or the cylinder head gasket has failed. On the M52TU and M54 engine if it was overheated during the first failure it may have damaged the engine block. The threads in the block weaken at the head bolts and can cause the mixing and overheat. Check to see if your upper radiator hose is very hard when it starts to overheat. This would be due to exhaust gases getting into the cooling system. If this is the case a new thermostat will not make any difference. The block can be time serted but the most cost effective fix on a high mileage vehicle would be to swap out the engine.

[@123markh]

great vids thanks for posting, im new to bmw recently purchased 03 e46, in the first 600 miles its stalled 2 times very suddenly, no codes set, also very slight hesitation at around 1000 rpm in gear only. After reading forums could be cam timing sensor, chain tensioner, fuel pump? where would be a good place to start? car has 64,000 miles. 1 cam timing sensor was replaced 8 months ago.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, I have seen both the intake and exhaust camshaft sensors cause stalling. In most cases they set fault codes however. If one was replaced you could definately try the other. I have also seen a failing oil level sensor cause stalling. The check for this is to simply unplug the oil level sensor on the bottom of the pan and see if it still stalls. I have a video on this problem as well :)

[@hnkfsh81]

AskTheCarExperts How does a failing oil level sensor cause stalling? Can it also cause poor idling?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I think it causes a voltage drop which effects the engine computer. You could try to disconnect the oil level sensor and see if there is any change. I have seen this sensor cause some strange problems so it is one I will disconnect during testing for symptoms like this.

[@oanhdoan3875]

My car needs fixing one

[@Epicstory1994]

My production date is 2/22/00

[@tonyackers5145]

Just done mine on my early E60 530i as the MAP cooling sensor/heater on top of the thermostat had packed up. Car is an auto with electric fan. The layout is much the same but for some reason no air bleed screws on the system any more. Also did the water pump at the same time as car has just done 103k miles so better safe than sorry. The MAP cooling sensor element/heater had corroded away from the inside.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That was smart to do both Tony. Thanks for posting a comment!

[@jimackpc2191]

Excellent Video. Thanks very much.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+JimackPC Thanks for posting a comment!

[@aleung1946]

You are the best

[@Peterstevoli]

Great Video. Thank you...

[@ouchensamr9153]

Thanks videos

[@oanhdoan3875]

Thank so much

[@amana1480]

Nice video, however probably a good idea to cover the left hose in case you drop any bolts into it

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+Aman A Hello Aman, You know that is a good idea :) Stuffing a shop rag into the hose would be a good preventative measure.

[@fioannisif]

Sehr gutes viedeo. Top!!

[@lordzik1234]

good job ! :)

[@izzyrosa3641]

Great video, being New to the bmw community I want to thank you for these time saving, money saving videos. AWESOME

[@Epicstory1994]

I have cable driven

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That does make it easier, I would replace the T-stat :)

[@Epicstory1994]

jn85543

[@ahokie]

Great vid and thank you. Your videos have saved me allot of money being my own mechanic which is needed on this car to maintain - valve covers gasket, vanos, CCV, water pump, window regulators, trunk latch, etc. The bentley specs state 10 Nm or 7 Ft lb for those of you that are data lovers - just snug plus 1/4 turn is a great way you describe it. Seem like this is the most common torque for the "snug" rule of thumb. A 1/4 torque wrench goes a long way on the E46 engine.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

+ahokie Thanks for the great comment. Glad to hear I was able to save you some money! Thanks for the specs for the spec lovers :)

[@mash33261]

great tip regarding the stuck thermostat , thank you

[@naimberisha8779]

thanx 4 help

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks for posting Naim! I am glad my video helped!