BMW X5 Expansion Tank Replacement E70 With The N55 6 Cylinder Part Number 17137552546

I show you how to EASILY replace the EXPANSION TANK on a BMW X5 E70 with the N55 6 Cylinder Twin Turbo Engine. This complete DIY shows you how to complete the repair and bleed the vehicle cooling system. An expansion tank is also called a coolant reservoir. When your cooling system is under pressure from temperature there needs to be room for coolant displacement due to thermal expansion.
To order parts, find part numbers, and special tool information used in this video visit my website at:
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[@REdwardHiggy]

You are the best. You show all the details that someone may face where most other installers do not take the time to show small things like this. You are truly "The BEST" Thanx so much!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Ralph!

[@Tek87654]

If no one has ever told you that YOU ARE THE MAN. LET ME BE THE FIRST TO TELL YOU. YOU ARE THE MAN!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks bud! Glad my video helped!

[@jeffpavacic1541]

Just finished putting in my replacement tank with the electric water pump purge. This video made the daunting seem simple. everything now works as it should. Many thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Love to hear that Jeff! Thanks for sharing your experience and I am glad to hear the job was successful! If you didn't see it I have a giveaway on my website www.askthecarexperts.com for a great scan tool if your interested. :)

[@jeffpavacic1541]

@@AskTheCarExperts Yep, I entered

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@jeffpavacic1541 Nice! Only 11 applicants so far. You have a really good chance :)

[@jimmyhodge2221]

This is the best step by step repair I have found anywhere. And I am a retired 50 yr mechanic

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@FusionResearch1]

I have done a lot of work on my e70 X5, your video are by far the best, so many skip important steps and you also explain why you do each step. Fantastic man1

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@FusionResearch1 Thank you! I will be doing a lot more with my X5 at some point. Big plans...not enough time 😀

[@joelvandeberg1213]

Thanks for the video. Got out of work today and found my coolant reservoir had marked the parking spot. I had tools and a quick trip to NAPA got it sorted in about an hour and a half.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Nice Joel!! You did a great job if you got it done In a half hour.

[@mstevensvr4]

Great step by step! I'll be replacing my coolant reservoir for my BMW x5 and this one hit all the key points, especially sharing the vacuum tools

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Mark! Awesome to hear you found the video helpful. Let me know if you run into anything I can try and help with.

[@irontrev1640]

Ok this was a great Video, He got right to the pain point at the bottom of the tank , and very good advice on those metal clips, he is correct lose it... go back and order a hose and wish for a week you could find the thing that is now lost in the engine compartment. But the thing I would like to say is the pick he is using is good if you are an expert, But I was not,and fought to find that lower connection pull location. I found my right angle pick and it came right off. Great video, thanks for posting this !!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@timothybuggy4006]

Great detail! One of the best DIY videos I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you Timothy!

[@jorgegonzalez8885]

Very nice video with thorough instruction. I couldn't be happier I found this video. Makes my job so much easier. Thank you.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Awesome Jorge! Hopefully my video this Friday will help with the valvetronic motor replacement on the N55 :)

[@marcs6491]

Excellent step by step, very helpful tips. Thank you.

[@elpablinpolo]

Wow!! Thank you so much for showing this video it’s really helpful and inspiring definitely 💯 you do my life more easily. You explained everything with detail and clearly thank you again!!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Great to hear Pablo! Thanks for commenting!

[@Evan-e-cent]

Chinese O-rings in my BMW had squashed flat one year after the manufacturing date on this replacement expansion tank. This caused water leaks at one liter per day (one quart per day) occurring over night when the engine cooled. Replacing 5 O-rings fixed my leaks completely. Interestingly the leaks were not detected by pressure testing by 3 different mechanics. It appears that the O-rings seal under pressure but open up as the pressure drops.

[@hardevgill2425]

you are show all details even small thing thank so much,

[@AskTheCarExperts]

My pleasure 😊Glad my video helped you!

[@Gee-yd7hm]

Really do appreciate this video I followed this step by step and it made everything so much easier to come across especially with the bottom Hose and the pick, thank you !

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Gee! That is awesome! Glad my video helped!

[@glennwallace9203]

Very clear video. A couple of things. 1) I'm not 100% clear on that the hoses are to be pushed on with the clips in the closed position (rather than pushed on and then latched by pushing closed, maybe clearer once I see it, but a bit more explanation of the reattachment of the hose fittings would have helped me 2) the links on your page go to Chinese not OEM parts, which you mention in the video. I always take extra time when I buy to validate I'm getting OE parts, and I buy from the usual suspects (ECS, getBMWParts etc). Great video, easy to follow, thanks again!!!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Glen, I like to lock the clips into position and then push the hose on. This usually gives a nice audible click so you know it is locked. But you can also install and slide the lock down. Thanks for posting.

[@stevenridges5721]

Great step by step. Im changing mine Tuesday! It just started leaking yesterday. Thanks again...

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Your welcome Steven! Thanks for posting a comment and I hope the install goes smoothly.

[@cbennettnj]

excellent video. much appreciated. you saved me some $$ on the repair. Thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Great to hear! Thanks for posting a comment!

[@cbennettnj]

I have to say trying to get that clip blind was a lot of fun. lol Keep the videos coming. You provide some of the best content in the car DIY space. Thanks again.@@AskTheCarExperts

[@cellphonehater6756]

great video - well explained and excellent camera work. thanks so much.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you! Hope it helps with your repairs :)

[@me24ujones94]

Excellent video! Just took my time a follow you the whole process and wasn't difficult, only but that bottom clip!!! Geez that's was a momo.. Thanks

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I really can't get enough of the success stories! :) Yes that bottom clip is a bit of a pain. I am running a giveaway on my website for a scan tool at www.askthecarexperts.com if you are interested. Hope to help you again in the future!

[@bobcarpenter3413]

Great video. The brake pick tool or something just like it is critical for getting than damn clip out. Oh, and go easy removing the sensor clip too. I snapped the retainer clip and then had to super-glue...I know...a terrible option but at 113k miles I hope I won't need to do this again...

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Bob! Glad the video helped!

[@R20Cs]

Thank you so much mate! Very straight forward my x5 is up and running perfectly.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Great to hear! Thanks for posting a comment!

[@glennwallace9203]

I also noticed the new BMW OEM tank has the level indicator 20mm lower in the tank than the original tank (80mm down from rim vs 60mm). Any ideas on this? A running change? The level indicator isn't loose - it is rigidly mounted like the first one. Thanks again, your video made the job really straightforward.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Glenn, Thanks for watching and I am glad to hear my video helped. I was not aware of the change actually. It most likely is a production change. Maybe to add more expansion room. BMW usually doesn't tell even the dealers why or when they change things like that.

[@paulanton4777]

You are a Legend!!! Thanks for the Vid. It was super helpful. Just fixed it on my X6. All thanks to you.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

LOL Great to hear my video helped! Thanks for commenting Paul :)

[@jasonmunger8409]

I just realized many of those hose clips can be released by pushing down on the clip as well as pulling up. So if you push down you don’t have to worry about them flying off. Just something to try

[@titleistprov69]

Thanks for posting. Was able to complete the job with your help

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That's awesome Nick!

[@titleistprov69]

@@AskTheCarExperts rented a free tool rental from autozone to pressure test the system. Sure enough was the tank which is what the internet said it would be. Then I found your video. Subscribed for sure!! We have the same vehicle ha. Thanks again! Your videos help people everywhere!

[@mohammadhayatca3244]

Another great video. Excellent work .

[@mohammadhayatca3244]

Roger ! 😊

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Great to hear my videos have been helpful bud!

[@atinoteintunovas9969]

Very well explained! Full details. Thank you! The only thing, is I don´t have that fancy tool. Pretty handy! Appreciate the time you used to show us how to do it right! Bye!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Glad the video helped!

[@nicholasfresella2267]

The tips are very helpful.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@estlhm805]

Great video and information! Very detailed.

[@RyanArnt]

Thank you!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Ryan, Glad the video helped! You are very welcome!

[@RyanArnt]

That bottom snap fitting was a real pain in the butt to get a pick on it to get the fitting loose.

[@DG-od4si]

nice video, thanks

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks D G!

[@oscargagalajr.6348]

Very clear demo..thank u sir!

[@alexbelash9899]

Thank you very much 👍👍👍

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Your welcome Alex 😀

[@sven1087]

Great video. Thanks.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Sven! Glad you found it helpful!

[@scottharrison6836]

Great video!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks Scott!

[@DJMikeLoverSmitty]

Thanks brother,

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks for watching DJMike! Going to be doing a scan tool giveaway in the near future after I review it.

[@user-rf8ix6im4t]

First off thank you for the video because you explained how to get that lower coolant hose off the bottom of the expansion tank My job was less of a headache. Now my issue is. They have changed the upper radiator hose. Now you have to buy 3 different parts to change the Upper hose on x5 2008 3.0Si. So i will list the part numbers BMW gave me and side i need all this to change the upper radiator hose. Main Hose #171275-93490 CAP Off #171275-987004 and "Vent" something #171275-36235. I like to think i have good common sense and a good Mechanical Aptitude, However BMW makes it so complicated to do some very simple repair. Here is where i need your experience: what is the configuration to the other two hoses 1. Cap off 2. Vent something or other. Really would like a answer ASAP as i have the vehicle tore down Thanks to your Very informative and to the Point Video. It was a Snap to get to this stage. Help, Advise, comment, appreciate feedback

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Sorry to hear you have this issue. I would need more information to help you with this including the last seven of the VIN. I do offer some help through chat like this but I do offer one on one help when you are a high octane member of my KZbin Channel.

[@alejandromercado982]

First of all I have to say, great video very detailed and helpful from start to finish. I replaced the tank as well as sensor and cap, no problem. Thanks! However, when I bled the air out of the system engaging the electronic water pump, the coolant was not flowing as strong as in your video. No kink hoses or anything. Any thoughts? Btw. My tank gave up in the exact same position as yours identical crack. Thanks and take care. Alex

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Alex, Thanks for watching and it is great to hear my video was helpful! The water pump flow can he reduced if the battery voltage was low. You can always charge the battery and rerun the procedure to help remove any air pockets as needed. Water pumps are also a common failure. Hopefully the flow is not due to a tired pump. I had a full video on this but my computer failed recently and I lost a bunch of videos.

[@brianstrong8112]

Awesome vid, very helpful. Thank you. I did replace my x5 tank but I think I need to replace the bottom hose that’s connected to it. When I went to connect the hose back it seemed like the end of the hose where the metal band is felt puckered up. Of course I needed the ride so I put it on and filled it up, not 30min later I get the “coolant low” warning urg!!! Is that hose difficult to replace, I figure I’ll probably have to access from the bottom. Any thoughts? Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Sorry to hear that bottom hose needs replacement as well. The hose is not too difficult. I think there is one junction that can be hard to separate. Wish I had a video to help :)

[@zazabalarjishvili2398]

Good job. VEry profesional

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thanks! Hope my video helped!

[@alfredmor8459]

Great video! I'll be doing this in my X5. One question, I want to do the bleed but I have a Noco Genius5 battery charger, can I do the bleed procedure while keeping the Noco car charger connected so the battery doesn't drain? I don't have a professional battery charger as you, wondering if that would be okay. Thank you

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Afredo, I hope you and your family are well. As long as your battery is healthy you should be able to perform the bleed procedure. Then you can charge it slowly back up or take it for a drive to help recharge the battery. I hope this helps. Let me know how you make out.

[@alfredmor8459]

@@AskTheCarExperts Thank you and I hope you and your family are safe and healthy as well. I replaced the expansion tank and I successfully did the bleeding procedure, everything came out great. Your video helped a lot, thanks a lot!!!

[@Itsmessam4u]

Do I have to do a vacuum fill?

[@Evan-e-cent]

@@Itsmessam4u No. I understood from the video that you can run the electronic water pump to bleed air out of the system INSTEAD of doing the vacuum fill. This is the way I have done it in the past: Actually the expansion tank is designed to remove air from the fluid as it circulates so I think you could just run the engine briefly and top up the fluid, repeating until the fluid doesn't drop any lower. Is that correct? You would have to be careful not to burn yourself by opening the cap when it is hot. The pressure drop can cause the water to boil suddenly and explosively unless you are very careful. Place a thick layer of rags over the cap and unscrew VERY slowly and if it starts to boil tighten the cap quickly. Do not add coolant when the engine is hot as you can crack the engine block. (amateur mechanic!)

[@christolmacs4419]

My X5 has a very slow leak in the expansion tank. I have to add a small amount of coolant about every other week. When I replace the tank and refill it, do I really need to pressurize the system or can I just let the electronic water pump purge the system?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Chris, You can use the electronic pump to bleed. Using a pressure tester will help see if there are any other leaks.

[@Docercan25]

Very helpful!! Subscribed. Canuck?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Thank you for subscribing :) My family did come from Canada :)

[@cellphonehater6756]

question from a wannabe DIY: 1) engine is cold and i have the recovery tank cap off 2) when i start the car i still see the pee-like stream shooting off from the side as if it was purging. is it actually purging? (without going thru the engine-off electronic purge). under normal operating conditions, is the coolant system always purging air anyway?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, The electronic pump is running but if you have an air pocket it could cause the engine to overheat. The purpose of the electronic bleed is to remove as much air as possible. Hope this helps :)

[@chamanrickheeram5099]

7:31 😊

[@eastpantherbenz]

Nice video! Is there any reason some of the N55's spin bearings and grenade? Poor maintenance? I have an 11 335i Xdrive Msport. I've been changing the oil every 3k miles since I got it at 70k miles, and I've done the ofhg gaskets. Anything else I need to know, Thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi CBenz, Thank you. You are correct that N55's can have bottom end issues with spun bearings and engines seizing. Doing your oil changes every 3k should help prevent this. Poor maintenance is one reason for this. 8 to 10K is a long time before oil changes. I would recommend at least every 5 K and 3 K is even better. Also, short distance driving is a factor due to moisture build up in the oil. I actually have seen ice balls in the oil on really cold days which if it occurs can block the oil pick up and starve the engine of oil. This is usually from a lot of short trips and the engine does not have time to heat up and dissipate the moisture. When you see a lot of foam on your oil cap this is what is occurring. I plan on making a video on this in the near future.

[@eastpantherbenz]

@@AskTheCarExperts Thanks for the reply! I'm just surprised how much darker the oil is at 3k miles on this engine is vs 5k I had an M54. I guess this is the nature of the direct injection turbo engines and tighter emissions. Also where I live the engine is always fully warmed up by the time I get there and I haven't seen any milky foam under my oil cap. Another question, on the N20's with the updated timing chains and guides, are they having the problems like the earlier engines with the timing chain failures? Thanks!

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Unfortunately the N20's and N26's are having some timing chain issues. I have heard of a possible class action lawsuit in progress but not sure on any details yet.

[@djgenius626]

Need a video for the actual tank

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi DJ, This is a video for the expansion tank. Which tank are you looking for?

[@jamesp4578]

Hi I have a e70 not maintaining temperature keeping the car warm can expansion tank affect a thermostat if it's leaking pressure

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Yes if you have a leak it can introduce air into the system or cause a low fluid situation. Both situations can lead to engine failures.

[@nguyenphuchien1812]

My indicator is floating out, is it possible to fix or do i need to replace the whole tank??

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Phu Chien, You will need a replacement expansion tank for the float failure.

[@alexferrari360]

My expansion tank leaks where the bottom hose connector is. Does the unit or the hoses comes with gaskets?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

This may be just the expansion tank leaking into the hose. However, the gasket for the hose is non replaceable and comes with the hose. If in doubt replace both items.

[@alexferrari360]

@@AskTheCarExperts appreciated

[@SeasideStrangler]

I didnt know Jon Hamm fixed cars.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

LOL

[@lisandrocruz4888]

Awesome video

[@yvetteshelton2173]

Where can I get the hose clamps from?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello Yvette, Which clamp are you looking for? I can help you better if you contact me via my website at www.askthecarexperts.com and use the contact me tab. We can then converse via email. Best regards, Roger

[@taylorsons4303]

Do you have to be on level ground to bleed?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hello, It would be recommended to be as level as possible but it is not overly critical. You can always drive the vehicle. Let it sit to cool down and then top off as need.

[@taylorsons4303]

@@AskTheCarExperts Thanks

[@ConceeitedTV]

just replaced the tank and attempted the purge method ( turn on, gas pedal 10secs). I hear it attempting to activate but i dont see anything happen underneath the cap in the tank. Thoughts?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Hi Keenen, Make sure you have the heater control panel at the highest temp and lowest blower speed. If it still does not work try charging the battery.

[@ConceeitedTV]

@@AskTheCarExperts I did that. No water is shooting out. I'm trying to see if my water pump is faulty.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@ConceeitedTV I was afraid it may be the water pump but hoping it was just a missed step. BMW has a class action that may cover the cost of the part and labor for your water pump if you are in the US market.

[@ConceeitedTV]

@@AskTheCarExperts Just to complete the conversation for anyone else, indeed it was the water pump. Part cost around $660 and labor was $288.

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@ConceeitedTV Hi Keenen, Thanks for updating me. Did you end up paying for the repair?

[@kpmatt2224]

The electronic bleed is supposed to be done with the expansion tank cap off?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

I like to watch the fluid to see if it drops too low if there was an air pockets. it can be run on or off.

[@kpmatt2224]

@@AskTheCarExperts great point! Thank you

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@kpmatt2224 Your welcome. Glad I could help clarify for you.

[@kpmatt2224]

@@AskTheCarExperts one more question - my electronic bleed isn’t kicking on even when my battery is connected to a charge. Can I do this with the car running?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

@@kpmatt2224 Are you turning the heat to the highest setting and blower to the lowest setting and then holding the pedal down for about 10 sec? You have the N55 engine?

[@gzman1]

$ for the tank?

[@AskTheCarExperts]

Depends where you buy it from.

[@carrigo53]

Should the system have no fluid in it to vacuum fill or can it be done on a system that has coolant in it to be sure there is no air in the system

[@AskTheCarExperts]

That is a great question! The system should be as empty as you can get without being too invasive.