Coolant leak under intake manifold - Older BMW's with Inline 6.

-Applies to most BMW's with In-line 6 cylinder from 2000 -2006
-Coolant pipes leaking with repair.
-2002 BMW 325i (E46) shown here.
-Common issue on high mileage vehicles with this engine. (m54). Many mistake it as a bad head gasket, oil filter housing or water pump.
-Recommend replacing with factory parts as we have seen fitment issues with aftermarket parts.
----- follow on instagram mikemds_

[@waitemc]

Quick and to the point thank you from one mech to another thanks.

[@TheFrenchPug]

That's a beast down in there. I have an N54 and there is hardly anything under the manifold compared to that one. Nice video!

[@MikeMDs]

Thanks!

[@alcantarainterior8078]

These are “vaccum hose queens” 😂

[@MarqusReyes-yi4ww]

Have fun I just fixed one don't forget the bottom nut under the intake you will need a long extension

[@corkscrewlifestyle]

Thats awesome to see a high mile E46 with 236k miles, Im at 113k miles on my 325i facelift. Gives me an idea when I need to do this. I replaced the original ccoling system at 99k miles on mine right when the thermostat threw a cel. Great work, you do awesome work like my dads friend who works on bmws all the time and drives a E46.

[@MikeMDs]

Thats awesome man! They (e46) really are great cars.

[@corkscrewlifestyle]

@@MikeMDs Absolutely! My dads friend drives a 330i sport with over 200k miles with a 5 speed manual. Great cars as far as powertrains and smooth six cylinder engines that give simple performance.

[@JuniperLamplight16]

Thanks for the tip on the rtv gasket maker. Someone had done this job previously and the port surfaces are not very smooth at all. Will be using rtv on it. They had rtv on it but it was disintegrating.

[@MikeMDs]

Oh great. Thanks for the visit.

[@JimGLopez67]

Thanks bud great information, mine x5 has a mistory leak , I'll looking it.

[@ZestYYAiMBoT]

Can you show how you took it off with the injector rail still attached?

[@josedanielmariscal7345]

Got any links to the specific parts you recommended?

[@davemoll1151]

Just did this swap on the hard lines. 251000 miles. Second time I’ve changed these over the life of the car. 2004 E46. It is a bit of a job.

[@khayyamamirov7609]

good video, can you send link where I can buy those houses. Thanks

[@jasonlatty9559]

I have recently discovered I currently have the same leak underneath the Manifold on my 330ci convertible. It took a radiator change , a sensor change and an expansion tank change for my bloody mechanic to discover the leak is here. The car is due into the garage again tomorrow 😞.. I may as well have my Crank case ventilator change too seen as that area needs to be opened up.

[@jorgehuezo4657]

Hey guys, my 2001 330i BMW just started to leak coolant from the same hoses at 354k miles, yup 354k on it. Do you guys have the name of the hoses so I can get them and fix mine? Thank you for the video, it’s awesome and easy to follow.

[@chodsyter7545]

I wish I had seen this video sooner.

[@mikealicious3848]

I definitely believe in replacing the low quality plastic parts with an aluminum upgrade and OEM rubber hoses with the high quality silicone ones (if available). Doing that is a must to increase reliability to make ownership easy as possible.

[@smoakpipe]

great video thank you

[@MikeMDs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jellyman6669]

I appreciate the video! I just picked one up and the owner said it was leaking from back in this area. Diagram only showed these 2 hoses… dismantled and followed your advice and ordered all of the replacement parts… exactly as you described, crusty pipes and hoses that needed to be replaced. About to button back up and move on to the suspension… 😩

[@MikeMDs]

Wow, you're rebuilding that thing. Right on!

[@gamesturbator]

The L-shaped pipe at the bottom of our radiator broke. It connects to the bottom left of the radiator (driver side) where it connect to what appears to be a large o-ring but I've no idea how to remove it. Do I just give a hard twist?

[@elijaah81]

HELPFUL TIP: THE O-RING SECTION WILL PROBABLY BREAK IN THE BLOCK. USE A SECTION OF HACKSAW BLADE OR JIGSAW BLADE WITH VICE GRIPS. CUT SOME GROOVES IN THE PLASTIC. BREAK IT WITH A SMALL SCREWDRIVER AND THEY WILL POP RIGHT OUT. DONT PRY ON THE BOCK PLZ!

[@davidherrera7810]

I have a 1999 328i and it has 245k miles on it and is leaking coolant, I have been trying to figure out where it was leaking from so I am grateful you posted this video. awesome work, now I just have to get the courage up to do this work myself. Or how much could I expect to pay a professional like you to do this work?

[@zaynepelayo5806]

like 1500$

[@alcantarainterior8078]

Do it yourself, just be patient bud. Get the proper tools for it, be organized and whatever parts you get, make sure you go OEM

[@halleffect1]

thanks. i saw a plastic flange bolted to the head, no sign of the pipe, broke clean off. I'm in for fun removing the intake

[@MikeMDs]

Oh dang!

[@richardmars8804]

Thanks I think this is what's wrong with my wife's x3. I'm going to try this and hope it works lol

[@MikeMDs]

Best of luck.

[@anjan0103m]

Hi, in 2008 bmw x3 i see tge same steam coming out but the temp gauage is normal and not rising, i dont see any temperature gauge pin moving towards red, also the radiator fan doesnt turn on while steam is coming, tried with bmw standard bleed procedure i dont see any coolant coming to reservoir tank, also i see the engine oil i coulnt see any milk color or coolant mixed with the engine oil nor i see any leak outside . any suggestions

[@jongkeunlee]

it's better to show actual work how to replace , not just talking.

[@MikeMDs]

Thank you . I have some other videos where I actually do the work myself you may enjoy.

[@Stian2001]

Agree. There is too many talkers on youtube now a days. Funny how he showed the oil line but not the coolant line which was the topic of the video

[@fallenf1owers]

⁠@@MikeMDsit’s better to walk the talk.

[@davidgarcia1917]

I think am gonna have to change does on my car. My 525i has 210k miles. I have dry coolant all over my engine I thought it was my thermostat and changed it but I still have the dry coolant.

[@mrsk8time]

Thank god it scared me thought it was my head 😅

[@basilbcf]

on my 03 Z4 just replaced the two plastic coolant tubes, plus the water pump, thermostat, expansion tank and all hoses. Basically everything but radiator. Getting the manifold off was a bear, but I managed it.

[@MikeMDs]

Good work!

[@claytonmasden1448]

What are they

[@oztngermolus5416]

This shouldn't apply to the e60 m54 though. So the bottom one is the water pipe and that upper one is the heater one. So I have coolant flooding out of my upper connection area, but when I pulled out the manifold there was no hose hanging out under it and there isn't anywhere for it to have gone and idk why it would have snapped there like that anyway. But it seems like my 2004 530i m54 has a "blind plug" where that upper would go in. Apparently it's only like that on e60 m54 engines and up 🤷‍♂️

[@peterfoster9162]

Yes I just ran into this problem looked like a black tag with a 1/2" hole in it being held in place by a nut on a stud to the side of head after talking with a couple of BMW techs and looking at all sorts of diagrams and pictures on Google

[@TheGlassTech]

Part numbers?

[@Dblock8998]

How long did it take you guys to complete this job, my E39 530i has the same problem

[@MikeMDs]

You can do it in one day.

[@Joelo7734]

Any ideas on coolant leak rolling from behind crank pulley and coming down from side of ac compressor I know it’s coolant cause it’s blue and feels oily only leaks when car is off and cold 2003 BMW X5 i6 3.0 155k miles

[@MikeMDs]

Sounds like water pump, or thermostat gasket.

[@mentallyderanged9169]

I always but key in hit the start button ONE TIME with NO foot on brake. This turns everything on but the engine then turn in heater to hot blower fan speed LOW. You then press the throttle to the floor and hold for 10-12 seconds. You will hear the water pump turn on it will run for 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on coolant level and add as needed this is the true correct way to bleed the coolant system. It works great and has no issues when done this way. It is the true correct way it is suppose to be burped.

[@MikeMDs]

You're right. Thats the perfect method for BMW's with electric water pumps. This engine has a mechanical water pump and requires the engine running to bleed the coolant system.

[@mentallyderanged9169]

Interesting I have never worked on one that did not have an electrical WP. Well newer than 2000/01 I thought they all had them now. My mistake I know when I am wrong and guess I was on that only for I have not worked on one that was belt driven, learn something new every day.

[@bklynn1ghtmar358]

With car off I can pour coolant into the resovuior & it leaks out almost instantly. Can't see where it leaks from in the engine bay, but can see underneath from the middle of the engine/subframe area. Could this be the issue?

[@MikeMDs]

It could be the area. It's hard to say without seeing it. If its wet in the pipe area in the video then you know thats the spot.

[@Truthseaaker]

Would the coolant pipes be something that had to be removed when replacing the head gasket on an m54?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes the do and should be replaced at that time.

[@claytonmasden1448]

What pipe is it I got the exact problem on exact car

[@J0eyDosSant0s]

I have a 2003 BMW 530i, what part exactly is this? How would you call autozone and ask for this specific part?

[@user-xz3vj5ei3j]

Did you ever figure out what it’s called? I’m having this issue right now.

[@J0eyDosSant0s]

@@user-xz3vj5ei3j yes sir, ended up being something called the engine cooling system. Changed it out and it solved the issue all together.

[@peja133]

I'm hoping someone can help me I just replaced the expansion tank, also new fan shroud & plus some other stuff but as I was just about to hook the two hoses on the bottom of my expansion tank I was interrupted by a burst water main outside my place so when i finally got back to the car some 40 minutes later I noticed the hoses we're not in the same place I left them in 😮 SO, I hooked it all back up the way I think they should go but I'm worried I may have mixed them up took it for a run around the block & she was a little hot when I returned, now I did bleed it correctly but I forgot to run the heater on full & so I'm gonna leave it for the morning it's been a long day but any advice would be much appreciated thanks

[@quirino18]

hello! hey do you happen to know if Filter Housing takes any Engine Coolant? i started gettin milky/ honey alike oil so i was wondering if it could be getting mixed in there

[@MikeMDs]

Yes it can mix at the oil filter housing.

[@quirino18]

@@MikeMDs I did some research and coolant housing doesn’t have any water going in there my engine its E46 Engine M54 i haven’t remove it to check but i will just incase! i’m removing the head to replace head gasket thinking thats the problem! one way or another i’ll figured out i think 😂

[@josephhellams1742]

I just had my radiator replaced , now I got no heat or a/c my reservoir stays full car stays at normal operating temperature any clue? Radiator is a sealed one with no cap no way to check the level in radiator but level stays full and cool in reservoir any advice? I like your video!!

[@MikeMDs]

It may not be bleed correctly. What year and model do you have?

[@josephhellams1742]

@@MikeMDs 2008 Lincoln mkz

[@MikeMDs]

I don't know anything about those cars : )

[@RidinRaw]

What are those hoses called? I’m needing to replace mine right now, hope this gets read haha

[@MikeMDs]

They are just called coolant pipes from cylinder head. On the parts catalog it is just stated coolant pipe.

[@andrewquigley8052]

Could you provide a link to purchase the actual bmw parts, it seems I can only find aftermarket ones

[@MikeMDs]

I recommend purchasing from an actual dealership

[@MikeMDs]

You can try pelican parts.com as well. And chatt with the staff there

[@johnmorris6479]

I replaced my coolant pipe (upper) and it still leaks from the part that connects to the engine. I took everything apart again to get to that pipe. Does gasket sealer really work cuz this leak is driving me crazy?

[@MikeMDs]

it could be due to a pinched or rolled o-ring on the new pipe. I’ve seen that happen on that repair.

[@davidgarcia1917]

how do u know if does hoses are broken ? would their be dry coolant everywhere or on da floor ?

[@MikeMDs]

They start off with a slow leak, then split causing more coolant to spray out. At that point you will definitely see coolant on the floor.

[@MustangGT715]

Is there a way to JB weld it until I have time to fix it? I believe my leak is coming from the bottom hose but not sure yet.

[@MikeMDs]

You can try. The guy doing the repair on it after will not be happy though. Only in a jam, otherwise I don't recommend it.

[@MustangGT715]

@@MikeMDs I ordered the hard lines plus the return hose that one of them connects to because that was an original too. Question...when taking those hard pipes off, do you sand the area with 0000 grit sandpaper and vacuum it out? Do you use high temperature RTV to make sure it is sealed?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes you may need to sand the holes if they are pitted and not smooth and clean them out. If so then I would use the RTV.

[@DontWorryUllDie]

I've got a leak by the transmission bell housing - whole top side is dry. any ideas?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes it’s most likely coming from the oil pan gasket. It collects at that area. It could also be a rear main engine seal or transmission input shaft seal. But probably the pan gasket

[@DontWorryUllDie]

@@MikeMDs its coolant though? whole top of the engine is coolant clean no leaks

[@zachattack2203]

Hey man I recently got a 03 325i with 176000 miles and there is a leak coming from what looks like directly under the center console area under the car do you have any idea what it could be

[@zachattack2203]

It seems to drip intensely after I turn off the car after running it for a while and seems like a pretty thin liquid and my ac doesn’t blow the coldest could that be it ? Or transmission leaks ?

[@MikeMDs]

it is most likely condensation from the A/C system. There is a condensation drain right in that area. If it is clear then I wouldn't worry about it. But keep an eye on you coolant level for the engine. The clear jug in the engine bay ( some are black) . If it keeps going low then you have an engine coolant leak.

[@MikeMDs]

If your A/C system doesn't blow as cold, then that is a separate issue. Most likely low on freon. In that case It just needs an A/C recharge.

[@zachattack2203]

@@MikeMDs thank you I’ll definitely make sure to watch coolant levels and get that ac recharge. One more thing is when I go full throttle to the floor sometimes the rpms go real high before it shifts not redline but pretty close and just takes a second to get going when I go pedal to the floor. Do you have any idea what that could be as well?

[@user-du2pw6sg1m]

Hello my friend, the check always shows me the check coolant level, although everything is correct, could the defect be from the same sensor as the bme x5 e53

[@MikeMDs]

The float could be waterlogged and stuck on the bottom of the tank. Or the system has air in it that is trapped after a repair or small leak.

[@teesee7864]

Where are you guys located

[@MikeMDs]

Hi, we are in Upland, CA. BMW-MINI MD"s

[@hellxxslayer9660]

What are those hoses called so I can go to my local store to get them thanks

[@johnJohnson-vm7oy]

Good question.

[@overlord4374]

Hard coolant pipe or head cylinder coolant pipe/hose

[@johnJohnson-vm7oy]

What is the proper name for those 2 pipes?

[@ExcaliburTTP]

HVAC heater hose

[@luissalas9488]

@@ExcaliburTTP does that cause the heater not to work ?

[@playuhhaytuh5633]

Can this issue case white smoke coming out your tail pipes, like there’s a head gasket leak when there isn’t?

[@MikeMDs]

This will not cause white smoke from the tail pipe.

[@playuhhaytuh5633]

@@MikeMDs i figured it out! It was my pcv system that was throwing a smoke screen while i drove

[@MikeMDs]

Wow i'm glad that is all it was. Good work!

[@elijahcandland8362]

I have an 03 bmw 325xi and when I refill the coolant it pours right out of the bottom. Any idea what it could be ? I can’t really get under to check myself

[@hellxxslayer9660]

Your expansion tank is cracked easy fix mate

[@elijahcandland8362]

@@hellxxslayer9660 yes it was ! so I replaced that and it’s still leaking a little now. Still drivable but I have to pour coolant in it so often. I think it’s something to do with the radiator drain plug. Any ideas on that ?

[@overlord4374]

Change your water pump and thermostat. Also it could be the orings on the hoses

[@overlord4374]

Definitely check those o rings. Like FR FR

[@elijahcandland8362]

It was the water pump and thermostat

[@zmozzy1115]

Hey i have this same problem im trying to find these hoses so i can buy them and install them but cant find them do you have a link?

[@MikeMDs]

No but you can look it up on realoem.com Click the engine diagram after putting in your VIN. You can find the diagram for them and the proper part number for your VIN will be listed at the bottom

[@zmozzy1115]

@MikeMDs Awesome thank you!

[@joeh2401]

Dammit, that’s what mine is doing. What should I pay for that and what are those hoses called?

[@MikeMDs]

Every shop is different on pricing and depends on parts brand. But they are called cylinder head coolant pipes.

[@9jatalktvglobalnewsfeed282]

Mines leaking, you think that could also cause vac leak ?

[@MikeMDs]

No but it will give you a good chance to change out the crankcase breather with pipes while you are in there. They cause vacuum leaks.

[@sainttt100]

I have a 2002 x5 156401 miles. It was leaking coolant for two days. I was literally putting a bowl under it and reusing the fluid from work to home for 2 days... then when I get to the repair guy.... NO evidence of a leak. WTF So what do I do now ?

[@MikeMDs]

Take to a specialist or dealership. It should be easy to find.

[@daniellerios2989]

theres a hissing coming from that area will it cause me to over heat

[@MikeMDs]

Yes, it will cause air to enter the system that may cause an overheat situation, or drain all your coolant out.

[@OHioyungsta]

Mines failing now at 234k

[@BunkGarage]

What are these pipes called I need part number or links my friends e46 I took it all apart and it’s these pipes I can’t find out what they called

[@MikeMDs]

Just coolant pipes. Give me the last 7 digits of your VIN number and I will get the part numbers for you.

[@aaronlevin912]

Hi Mike MDs - can you kindly help me with with part numbers too for my vehicle? Last 7 are PH32405 2003 325i.

[@peja133]

By the way it's a 525i E39

[@TheCsb1996]

I'm gunna be pissed if that's where my leak is 🤦‍♂️

[@User1O5]

Same

[@davidgarcia1917]

lmaoooo true

[@MichaelDPrice]

Just did a pressure test on mine. Yup. That's my leak

[@cameronsimmons6229]

What's the proper name of those two pipes can you tell me

[@s2art236]

The upper pipe is called: Heater Inlet Pipe - 11531705210 The lower is called: Water Pipe - 1537502525

[@titob1895]

was this car just leaking or over heating aswell?

[@MikeMDs]

It was just leaking. But it can cause overheating as well. If leaking while at operating temperature. Then letting it sit overnight. The coolant system goes into a slight vacuum and can suck in air from that area. This will cause the engine to overheat due to having air pockets in the coolant system.

[@titob1895]

@Mike MDs Thats exactly what mines doing Thank You for replying Much appreciated

[@mrsk8time]

What pipes are those where are they called

[@MikeMDs]

In the parts catalog it just calls them water pipe. But when asking for them. They are coolant pipes from cylinder head. Under intake manifold.

[@martingalvan9993]

My bmw is loosing coolant would you see it leaking on the ground

[@MikeMDs]

It depends. It can be a slow leak that dries , or a large one that is seen on the ground.

[@heirjordan14]

Is it worth buying a car and this is the only issue?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes if it is the only issue.

[@gardnerfred4]

What are those two pipes actually called?

[@MikeMDs]

Coolant pipes from cylinder head.

[@mrcody3151]

What’s the part number on those pipes?

[@MikeMDs]

11537502525 and 11531705210 . They may be different based off of your VIN Number. You can look it up on realoem.com. Type in the last 7 digits of your vin and click the brows parts button and then the engine symbol and scroll through the pictures till you see the pipes.

[@anthonysin2167]

What is it call. The hose

[@MikeMDs]

No exact name. But Coolant pipe from cylinder head. If you go on realoem.com and put your vin number you can find them in the diagram.

[@quirino18]

theres another way to bleed it had my car for Years! add water turn on car, leave Water Cap open, temperature heater at Max (Ac Temperature) and hold accelerator until you see water come out of that tiny hole on the side of the radiador expansion tank, ones it starts coming out it Spits air out as water is coming out do this until you don’t hear any more air coming out, water wont come out of this Tiny hole until Thermostat opens up, Maintain water level at all times and you should be good!! Never use Tap water it Must be Distilled or you’ll screw up your thermostat!!

[@rudyreyna4132]

Wats the part called

[@MikeMDs]

It's just called a coolant pipe. But to be specific you can ask for plastic coolant pipes from cylinder head and see if they look like whats in the video. BMW is not very good at descriptions.

[@collapsis]

whats the name of the part

[@MikeMDs]

The part name is vague. But, Coolant pipes from cylinder head.

[@collapsis]

@@MikeMDs thank you for replying i just bought a 2003 e39 and i think it has the same problem

[@collapsis]

@@MikeMDs were did you buy your replacment lines?

[@MikeMDs]

We have a wholesale parts provider. But you can get them off of pelicanparts/com

[@deepthoughtdeepbreath2383]

Can someone direct me to a how to video without extreme shaking or spinning around of the camera so that we can actually pay attention to what we are working on.