Coolant Leaks And Over Heating BMW E46 E39 X3 X3 M54 M52tu

[@GrahamReid34]

Just got an E39 a few months ago for free, needed a bit of work, new coils and plugs, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, discs and pads all round, valve cover gasket etc, 2003 and currently at 119k miles. Your videos have been invaluable.

[@Kraxt0n]

Jus got an e46 01 330ci 118k miles on it for free myself. Needs bushings everywhere, had to do coolant, redid disa valve, currently the car runs like a top or seems like she's strong 💪 but the hoses are stiff under temp always no coolant in the oil, the coolant don't smell like oil, no leaks anywhere yet, and no overheating. But getting rather concerned bout how hard the hoses feel. As I'm fairly certain it should not keep that much pressure 100% of the time. Again free car, but I don't need a bad head now lol

[@robertwalker7010]

Call the salvage yard you may get 500 dollars for it.

[@johncoss5604]

Great advise. It’s all about the preventative maintenance.

[@jamesluke7377]

It thrills me beyond words that you include the m52tu as part of this. Yes, the m52to is a "Tecnicsl Update of the older m52, but also a more direct lineage to the m54, IMO. Ive done all the coolant update except for the water pump as I was shown that it was done prior to my purchase. Probable a parts store unit, but doesn't show (yet) signs of failure. Excellent info. Again, thanks for your help.

[@kennethhopkins2481]

I been having coolant loss issues on my e46 2001 330ci for a couple months,I've changed all the hoses except the 2 hard coolant tubes and changed the water pump and thermostat about a year ago,I'm going to pull the pulley off the pump and look for residue from a hint from your video,thank you,the car is running great so hopefully that will be my issue,I also have an e39 that I have to deal with,your videos have helped me to be able to do all maintenance including a head gasket repair on e39 and multiple other issues on both cars thank you

[@PeteAU9]

One data point: My 2003 E46 M54: Slow coolant weep from thermostat heating element after 11 years. Expansion tank burst at 13 years. Water pump bearing was wobbly and loose at 14 years. Every other cooling item original. Not too disastrous (only listing cooling related faults).

[@craigaxtell904]

Where can you buy an M54 engine for $500?

[@darrylbanda792]

Thank you for all the detailed information.... I'm at my wits end trying to find leaks which do not show and I'm no BLOODY mechanical guy to find these "undercover" defects.😵😵😵🤯🤯 So basically a BMW E46 with in excess of 150000 km leaks daily from anywhere around the coolant system notwithstanding normal wear a tear ‼️‼️

[@johnmarek8985]

Mate!, you need a 1999 E38 740il, for your workshop audience, yes Nathan I own one and would be most interested in you explaining the maintenance on one. Cheers. Love the new workshop.

[@chewc2199]

Donate your e38 so he can fix it day after day .

[@Thrallmack]

I own an E39 525. I've seen the water pump issue you spoke if and changed it out. Now the overheating issue I'm running into is a bit of coolant leaking out of the resevoir tank but only when I run the ac. No ac = no leaking whatsoever

[@Thrallmack]

But I'm the middle of summer and that is no good. Do you have any ideas on what needs to fixed. Also!, I forgot to mention the thermostat has been changed out twice. 2002

[@c.george7451]

Upper radiator hose connector to the thermostat housing leaking. Hose looks good but leaking at the inner gasket ring. Are those replaceable instead entire new hose?

[@deankavivya2118]

I've had radiator hoses, radiator replaced, coolant transmission hoses replaced. . About every two weeks, it goes from max to min . I do not see the coolant on the ground but there is coolant on the underside. Is this normal?

[@ignacioromero5014]

Shop's coming along nicely! thanks for sharing knowledge

[@everettblue9484]

My wifes e39 will be fine for awhile then leaks once it gets hot. Its spraying coolant somewhere around the expansion tank but i cant find from where.

[@chris24hdez]

The port on the side of the block where the heater pipes connect is a constant problem for me. It’s not a small job to remove that manifold and especially running into plastic problems while digging in there.

[@Yrnxdallas38]

true

[@josekanucee1428]

i have two m54's do refresh your cooling systems!

[@juliansteenbergen9057]

Not too sure but I bought my 2003 325 I for only 700 bucks did not start but after about 1000 bucks later got everything working

[@JohnJohnson-ce9tq]

Thanks for the great info. I love working on cars and am currently a student in my 2nd year of auto mechanic school and you've helped me out alot with working on my 2nd e39. I've only ever worked on toyo Lexus Nissan infi and older Audi's 95-02 hope u keep the pages goiñg!

[@liljuz1981]

That's awesome bro! I'm on my second e39 and now just applied for auto school.. I know, wrong order. But that beautiful dual overhead cam v8 has been the main catalyst for me to begin my learning. I've been a big car guy for years but that car has made me fall in love

[@STSTV94]

Just had my heater core hose go out, first guy clamped it.

[@frankiejackson3795]

I have a 2005 325i overheating passenger side of the radiator is cold and the driver side is hot replaced cooling tank . And top radiator hose but still overheating any ideas

[@dennisbentley7022]

Hi Nathan, thanks for another informative video. I have an 2002 530 and 2001 540....The later model has as you put it "an undetectable leak" like you described.....coffee cup of coolant every once in a while.....which begs the question, are the water pumps on the 530 and 540 identical/prone to same leaks, especially at highway speed. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@BMWDoctor]

first bro BMW JACKET 😁 where it next time !! Show them what time it is

[@ninjabeatz905]

Gotta promote Nathan

[@BMWDoctor]

Yep you got that I sent him the same jackets as me just he ain’t worn it yet on here lol

[@tlegg8745]

How to tell when the auxiliary water pump go bad?

[@leonardplanckiii998]

New water pump belts reservoir coolant tubes reservoir cap and it’s still bubbling out the reservoir cap wtf is going on with this thing ? 03 m5 525i

[@pd9163]

Thanks for your video, I have a situation with my x3 2004; it overheats when I’m stalled on stop light with the warning coolant yellow light I’ve seen the fan not working so I turn on the AC and the fan turns on, it helps cool it down and the warning light disappears. But the major problem I have is when I try to start it after 30 minutes or an hour it’s off and it cranks; I need to crank it about 4 times and then it turns on, there’s white smoke. When the engine is cold it cranks two times what do you recommend? Thanks

[@simon2949]

Hey Nathan I got a question on a 02 e39 530i to were is the auxilary water pump fuse or relay?

[@lightvision1474]

My e39 leaked coolant while driving. Overheated and pulled over immediately. The serpentine belt and another small belt snapped, also some small belt is stuck in the fan blade near the radiator. Chances are I have to replace the pulley, pump and tensioners?

[@timjohnson8230]

Great info, I enjoy your channel and will visit your amazon store! I have used a lot of your diy's on my z4. Thanks!!!

[@criticalperformane9382]

So the metal cooling lines under the intake manifold, will they make a undetected leak towards the center/ back of the engine? I've changed thermo, water pump, radiator, and reservoir. Now my leak is mid/back of engine.

[@southernfoods7302]

Passenger side?

[@utube4greenfuture]

Wish people would GIVE SOLUTIONS that prevent these known issues so they don’t keep failing again and again.

[@designlab-lh8hh]

hi I have BMW x5 e53 m54 engine 3.0i and have a miss fire done new inlet manifold new ccv and new rocker cover gasket but still got it checked air leaks nothing any ideas please im lost

[@WunKoolKat]

$500 for an M54 engine, free shipping??

[@JuanHernandez-eb8el]

Has anyone had the issue of the the tank not fitting into position it go in and try clip it but when I pull up come straight off

[@botladola]

I have to add coolant every 3-5 days. First I noticed small drops coming from the coolant tank so I replaced that. Next, I noticed water under the radiator of the car. Not sure if thats the radiator leaking or the water pump. Also, sometimes when I turn the AC on, it makes a wierd rattling sound.

expansion tank is ok ? pressure test it.

[@botladola]

@ I ended up replacing the radiator as there was a leak. Since then I top up coolant every couple of months, if that.

[@jdagreat4595]

@@botladola how much was the replacement

[@Phillijr100]

Great information and video. You’re knowledgeable with these cars. If you can please help me with my N54 335xi My car has over heated this last time. When I first start it nothing is leaking. After it gets hot it pours out severely underneath somewhere. I have looked very well with hood open and cannot see any coolant leaking? Also sometimes when I start it the fan comes on super high, and when it gets hot the fan isn’t on at all? Even after I shut it down I can still hear water pump making a buzzing sound for little awhile after it’s off. I have tested the water pump and it works but doesn’t seem very strong. Like when the engine gets heated up it literally pours out the underside? Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You again

[@bogusienombre355]

Thanks Nathan. Do you have any good detailed out list for o ring sizes for coolant hoses and also for P- codes for e46 2004 325i , I have 88,500 original miles. Will you consider doing a live chat for e46ers?

[@thebeastmatt2804]

I replace my coolant reservoir and I replaced my water pump for my 2006 BMW X3 and it still leaking where the water pump is what could it be

[@jdagreat4595]

You figure out the issue?

[@leoncambero]

Am changing the upper radiator hose on my 528i E39 and am having trouble sliding it on the thermostat housing I also unbolt the power steering reservoir just to have more leverage to push it on but no luck plz help.

[@chewc2199]

Lube up the o ring and itll slide in real nice and easy

[@brianross9926]

I have a 2003 z4 3.0 e85 m54. I always lose some coolant and it appear to come out right around the radiator cap. It isn't always enough to trigger the dash light. I replaced the radiator cap recently with a german auto solutions cap that has a lower pressure and it didn't fix the issue. Any opinions on this? DO I need to replace the plastic tank as a next move?

[@kevinvandevelde9789]

Yep did the cooling system overhaul at 72k to stay ahead of the game.

[@johnwilliamson1742]

My 05 x3 BMW 3,01 ran hot from a reservoir leak. I replaced it but it won't start

[@johnwilliamson1742]

How do I check to see what's wrong with it

[@veezybee23]

Same here Mine starts but stalls shuts off and

[@Monty16v]

I have a m52 with a coolant problem. Changed heater control valve, water pump and thermostat, coolant doesn't circulate properly, heater blows cold. Have back flushed matrix and rad

[@I.Odnamra]

Are you losing coolant?

[@Monty16v]

@@I.Odnamra No, and not overheating even with bad fan clutch. The pipe that runs to the heater valve/matrix is always cold

[@I.Odnamra]

@@Monty16v this is going to sound dumb, try bleeding the system for about 30-45 minutes. If you haven't done it. Once it's up to temp, drive it around for 20 minutes. Or just drive like you would any other day. Top off any lost fluid the next day and repeat the same process. You didn't mention it so I just had to ask, ya know? I had the same problem with my S52 but after two days of bleeding and driving the car afterwards, the problem went away.

[@Monty16v]

I had it jacked up nearly to 45 degrees trying to bleed it for a couple of hours one evening. Because I'm not getting anything through the matrix I can't get it bled properly

[@I.Odnamra]

@@Monty16v I've never tried jacking my car to one side to bleed my car because I never had to. But I hear it's a solid method. Man, that's wild. Well, it seems like hot coolant isn't getting past the radiator. Could be why that one hose is cold. I'd hate to say replace the radiator but I'm running out of ideas. Unless you already replaced the rad then I'm definitely out of ideas haha. I did an coolant system overhaul on my S52. Hoses, pump, rad, expansion tank and even the hose clamps haha. Everything. I also went with aftermarket parts. My expansion tank is aluminum from mishimoto. Rad as well. It's pricey but got tired of all these damn plastic parts. Replaced some of the rubber hoses for silicone. If somethin' comes to mind I'll definitely hit you up.

[@mousawadbezri5116]

Where did you buy this engine for 500? help

[@debruynactionvideo8360]

Where do you get your replacement motors

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Ebay

[@johnlad1481]

Awesome vid I'm going to look at a e46 330 2mro but it has a misfire and overheating apparently is it worth looking at or walk away?

[@roberthamilton9245]

Appreciate your videos!

[@rugervereen2171]

I have a leak rn that’s driving me crazy smh

[@marcelineingot9359]

I need some e46 blower motor housing parts.

[@alex_theguardian0673]

Where you get a motor for $500

[@curated.flavor]

Where did you buy this engine for 500?

[@mhellcess4532]

Need help here guys is anybody here knows the part number of radiator for 2000 bmw 323ci manual because all local store selling me for automatic transmission.thanks guys

[@chadriddle3517]

Nathan , need help ... I have 2007 e60 530i ... yesterday it overheated and the cooling fan ran at super high speed . Once cooled down I drove it home not far distance. But fan came on super high soon as I started it before engine was hot . Also tried to turn the heat on while driving home had no heat. Is there anything that would tell the thermostat to stay closed? Or open? And once home I opened expansion tank an started car while it was cooler and checked to see a stream of coolant in expansion tank and there was no stream of coolant! Is possible that both the thermostat and electric water pump both went bad at once ? Or maybe just the water pump ? Also after car sat cpl hours turned on to check water pump flow an the cooling fan immediately went to jet engine speed . Is that because it knows the water pump is bad? Please help if you can .

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Chad Riddle check coolant level and bleed the system , could be the pump but usually the give warning on the Cic screen

[@chadriddle3517]

Nathan's BMW Workshop thank you very much for the reply , ended up replacing the electric water pump & thermostat and lower radiator hose with new thermostat and works great back to normal.

[@ninjabeatz905]

Awesome Nathan

[@Itachi8179]

Hey Nathan , can one broken fan blade cause slight overheating? I mean temp gauge is slightly passing middle and stays there the whole time.

[@Throughthelurkinglass]

No, my fan shroud collapsed on my fan blades destroying them, punching a hole in my radiator and I still made it 20 miles home, only pulled over once to top it off when the coolant light came on.

[@utube4greenfuture]

@@Throughthelurkinglass my M54 x3 temp dial is just past middle. I’m curious what other BMW temp gauges typically sit at. Are all dead center at middle? Let’s hear from others.

[@Throughthelurkinglass]

@USMC4LIFE Dead center, unless the thermostat goes out, than a quarter up, mine is right now, waiting on a new one in the mail.

[@devanhixson7399]

Hey Nathan , recently my e46 330ci has started showing the coolant light for roughly the 1st minute I turn the car on in the morning, there are no signs of coolant leaking and also my heat does work inside it just takes a minute to kick on it typically doesn’t get warm until the car is at optimal temperature. Temperatures recently dropped by 25 degrees here so I’m thinking the light is just due to drastic temperature changes and once the coolant warms up and my cars been running for a minute or so it goes away🤷🏼‍♂️, any thoughts?

[@lp2565]

Good video! Thanks for posting, Nathan.

[@stickybucket1851]

Thank you, Nathan!! My 330i just sprung a leak under the intake manifold and this video helped me figure it out! Subscribed! 💪

[@Chris-xc1vd]

Thank You.

[@markt9438]

Traded in i my 325 CI after fixing everything ,i know i would have gotten 10 years more out of her ! But had M3 Fever ! LOL

[@ricklane8554]

Wow your shop is like a church building lol.

[@ricklane8554]

That big I mean... waiting for the Dutch MRE son ;) yum.

[@tonipalu2511]

I pour my coolant inside and all of it comes out in less then 10 minutes

[@divakim206]

Did you figure it out?

[@larryjohnson8168]

New engine for 500? That must be used

[@redrock1963]

Err yeah !!

[@sirbader1]

Can't buy a new one....

[@djn00dle]

E53 3.0 expansion tank for me

[@OSORIO662003]

Thanks bro awesome video I think I just bought e39 that needs new engine lol fuck

[@Truthseaaker]

I loved my BMW's but this is the very reason I gave up on BMW

[@GodsMan500]

500 for an engine? I can't find a Kia Sorento engine for under 2,000!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Get on eBay , they are on there by the hundreds with free shipping

[@AftabAli-ei1eb]

You talk to much...