Coolant Tank Removal on BMW E46 330 328 325 323 models

[@jasonl5589]

when I don't know how to remove some parts, I always go to this channel because it's so easy to see as the car is parted out already. Nice video. Thanks

[@jordanensminger6046]

Thank you so much for showing everything and also the camera angles! Only vid I found on internet removing the expansion tank retainer for a manual! Clears things up for me 🙏

[@MrSwift05]

One of the best how to videos I have seen on the NET !!! Well done thanks a lot

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks

[@lsd25records]

great video .. no other expansion tank replacement video deals with the manual transmission.. awesome .. now I know what i will find when I pull the tank off.. I must have this setup as i have a standard trans..

[@bimmermerchant]

let us know how it went

[@darylarquero3682]

I just removed mine with less steps. You made it harder for yourself buddy.

[@bimmermerchant]

Good to know. Upload video and show us

[@nashvilledaveb]

Thanks for spending the time to put this video together....very helpful!

[@kisichok7]

Thank you so much!! Extremely useful video for me, had a problem with disconnecting bottom hoses like you.

[@hitznkoff4285]

Trying this very soon. Coolant is pouring straight out of my lvl sensor. Nice video man thank you!

[@czoach2399]

Thank you for your help. When is it appropriately/necessary to drain the engine block?

[@UCChrist]

I have replaced the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and bleed the system, in my 02 325 xi BMW automatic , and it still runs hot after bout 20 mins. top hose under pressure. is it possible I was sold a bad thermostat? can the sensor at the bottom of the expansion tank cause it to run hot some way? You do a very good job. Thank You

[@aidanbarreraiii4705]

If you changed literally all the cooling components and its still overheating then most likely a blown headgasket man

[@rhythemandpoetry]

If you're looking for the plastic sensor that you need to replace if your coolant is full and has already been bled but you still get the engine coolant low light 740. You're welcome

[@jetglide1]

You forgot to take off the censor on the bottom vary important step I saw you pulled out the wires

[@RAMSFitness]

Yeah looks like he just cut it off

[@ashcatcat9720]

Will it not register?

[@1dogbreath688]

Good Video, after replacing multiple expansion tanks (cheap ones, supposedly OEM), I found that if you put a lil antifreeze around the connections they go on easier. Also if the tank is stuck, tap it from the bottom with the wooden end of a hammer/mallet. My question is, the transmission cooler that the tank rest on I could not find any fasteners that go to the radiator.... Any thoughts there? I have a weird leak that only happens after I drive and turn off the engine but not while the engine is on......nope not the water pump.

[@bimmermerchant]

1 DogBreath hard to diagnose issue but solution could be as simple as an O-ring

[@toddc6017]

+bimmermerchant I need help tried to replace the tank as shown but broke some sort of pallet where the tank is supposed to click in at and now it went click into place either

[@toddc6017]

+bimmermerchant I need help tried to replace the tank as shown but broke some sort of pallet where the tank is supposed to click in at and now it will not click into place either I can't find the replacement. part

[@ryanwhipple2932]

what is the name of that plastic piece that the expansion tank was attached to at the end?

[@isrealperez9069]

What's the name of the hose connected to the block from the expansion tank that's where my leak is coming from

[@TheOnlyRaceEngineer]

big help for me. thanks for the video. SUBSCRIBED

[@jeremywestwood3769]

Hi just want to ask something im going to replace my expansion tank on a 325xi 2001 problem is those upper hose connected to the radiator tab is very tight that i could almost break the radiator tab to pull it out. what would you suggest to loosen the hose from the tab? ive tried silicone spray still very tight. thank you very much.

[@bimmermerchant]

You need a new hose. slice one side of hose and pull off. hose is cheaper than radiator

[@czoach2399]

Great video. If I am removing my thermostat. Water pump, hoses, do you recommend draining the engine block? Or simply do as you did in the video?

[@bimmermerchant]

No need to drain coolant from block. Just follow the steps shown in this video and you should be fine. Just remember to bleed your cooling system properly so no air bubbles remain in the system and cause heating issues in the future. Good luck.

[@TheNostorian]

You just saved me 150€. Thanks allot!

[@bimmermerchant]

Music to our ears.

[@dannerfanatic9539]

Did mine in about 15 minutes, hit the resivoir from the bottom with an extension wide socket hammer in different places mine was stubborn AF I was pissed 💀.. take a break sometimes

[@georgecopen1490]

eazy pleazy..after removing hoses/clips and electrical connection..wiggle back and forth a few times...now the best part. Tighten rad cap, put pry bar under the lip of the cap, lever against the steel frame and pop up. CAREFUL, not to much force or you'll take out the plastic rad inlet just a few inches above.

[@michaelcoyle286]

lol you can just pull out the clip at the bottom beside the blue screw at the bottom and take all the pipes and give it a good pull

[@bimmermerchant]

sounds easy enough. Can you provide us with a DIY video?

[@Toscanimk]

I change the Tank, as you explain but after the motor was hot, start to leak under the tank, only Fits by pressing down? or I need to put some glue or silicon

[@Evildoer8]

I replaced my reservoir no problem, no leaks, but on the holder below the 2 connections there is another o ring connection right above the drain plug doesnt seem to want to fit in. any ideas on this?

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

I’m having the same issue..I didn’t want to put too much force but this thing won’t snap in. Any luck with yours?

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

@Brandi♥️ one thing I didn’t realize before was that one expansion tank was for auto and the other for manual. Just as well as the radiator. So double check that first but all I did was put some pb blaster around the outter tip of the cup shaped portion of the holder and then put the expansion tank on with slight force and wiggle it in. It’s a bit tough but don’t be shy with it

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

@Brandi♥️ No problem, anytime

[@kingb7243]

Made that shit look easy af thanks for dumbing it down 😂🤣👍

[@bimmermerchant]

sounds good

[@albertmarin4314]

Thank you very much you saved me some money

[@bulldogmrktr23]

Hi, I own a 2003 BMW 325xi and wanted to know if all BMW 3 series E46 models coolant overflow tanks have that small black cylinder at the bottom of the overflow tank? I had noticed this piece in a video and don't know if all of them need this piece.

[@bimmermerchant]

+The Bulldog Marketer 2016 You might be refering to the temp sensor located at the bottom of the expansion overflow tank. If that's the case, yes, all e46 models should have that sensor

[@bulldogmrktr23]

+bimmermerchant Thanks ok I need to get one then.

[@stalkinurmom1000]

I'm having troubles getting the expansion tank back onto the radiator any tips?

[@kibumbaholiness3887]

Thank you sir for the tutorial, Muzamiru now can do it.

[@bimmermerchant]

very nice.

[@palewriter1856]

I think you should mention a non-trivial detail that is visible at 5:26 where you are demonstrating use of a pry-bar to force the hose off of the expansion tank. The potential gotcha is that one could EASILY be prying not only the hose but the ring that is part of the expansion tank and CANNOT be pried loose. If you don't lift the prybar up so it only grabs the outermost cylinder (looks like maybe 3-4 mm thick) you'll NOT be able to move it -- in fact, you might break the ring off the neck of the ET. At 5:28 you can see said "ring," as well as the end of the hose. Hard to explain without being able to point at it, but if you're undertaking this thing I URGE you to get your mind around this concept before you break something with too much force where it doesn't belong. Personally, I've had FAR more trouble getting a new hose back ON there all the way - it's nigh IMPOSSIBLE to find any purchase to pry the thing back ON - and mine just would NOT get on far enough to click the clip in place! 'Bout sprung a hernia straining at it!!!

[@bimmermerchant]

Thank you for sharing

[@palewriter1856]

@Brandi♥️ Wow - this was only 5 years ago? Well, I don't remember finding any ELEGANT solution - I just remember that it was so difficult to tug with my paws that I thought I was going to spring a hernia! That was a one-off adventure for me, and that car was totalled shortly thereafter (some lunatic ran my wife and daughter out of her lane (and into the center divide) on the freeway. WAS a fun car to drive, and I miss it, but its too-frequent cooling issues I do NOT miss (and have been trying to forget, apparently, so ) Thanks for asking?

[@palewriter1856]

@Brandi♥️ No big story here - I DID manage to get it back together, but mine, for whatever reason, was INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT to pull into position. What more can I tell you - I was WAY too focused on the problem to even THINK to video it for posterity. Sorry?

[@palewriter1856]

@Brandi♥️Talk? You ought to see me WALK!! Cererally, though - no, no glue or tape or anything cheesy. It was just NIGH IMPOSSIBLE to pull that part back on far enough for the metal clips (both visible @5:38) to engage to hold the part in place. Like I said: there is nothing to pry back in the ON direction (like he demonstrated in prying it OFF) and MINE was VERY HARD to pull forward enough to lock in place! So I don't see how any tape or glue would help with ANYTHING here! If you don't get those clips to engage, the internal pressure when the engine warms up to boiling would be far too much for any tape or glue to hold that part on! So your comments make me wonder what on earth you are dealing with, anyway!?!?!? The USUAL problem is with the tank that this hose fitting is connecting TO - not the hose fitting that I had such a time connecting TO that little tank (which, being plastic, is prone to cracking and leaking). Now, THAT I could see TRYING to GLUE, although I seriously doubt ANYONE would have any long-term success with THAT! Glad you're amused, at least - as this is a very frusterpating task to be facing!

[@babssillah2472]

I am having leaks at the bottom of the expansion tank (both the blue plug and the escape slightly above it). I replaced the plug but the problem still persists. Can you please help in explaining what is causing this. Thank you!

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

+Babs Sillah It may seem like it's coming from those spots, but if u replaced the plug it shouldn't be leaking from there. What happens alot with these tanks is they get hairline cracks & the cracks are so tight that they don't even leak until the tank gets hot enough to make the crack expand. Most likely you have a hairline crack above where the plug goes. it's so common it should be a fkn recall on theses cars. especially since they barely hold any coolant and any loss of coolant can make them over heat.

[@fredthe52]

A very good DIY video thanks

[@Mrchris360ful]

What if the bottom hose doesn't want to come out? What could i do to assist it coming off other than what was shown in this video? HELP

[@sherlenerodriguez1596]

my expansion tank came with coolant oil thermostat where does it go on my 2001 bmw 330ci manual?

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

Looking at early 2000, 3 series bmws to buy. Should the expansion tank always have coolant in it? I was looking at a 330 ci today and i checked inside the expansion tank to see that it was either low or empty/ couldn't see the bottom.

[@bimmermerchant]

+rustypro98 Coolant should always be present in expansion tank. You should also check oil cap to make sure that no milky residue is found around oil cap. That would not be a good sign.

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

bimmermerchant yep i figured as much. XD i was going through my checklist at a dealer, & there was thick caked on oil in the oil fill cap & on the metal inside. Expansion tank was empty. Oil was still brand new inside. So i said lets get it to operating temp. to see if coolant enters the expansion tank. 2-3 min. later they say this car isn't available for financing cash only upfront for the whole thing.... sent my mom over there to ask about it like a new customer, and what do you know all cars on the lot including that 1 was available for financing. fkn scum bags tried to sell a 2001 328cic with 146k miles with a blown head gasket they tried to hide for $6k. Mind you excellent like new conditions $4,500 fair market dealer price in my area. Really starting to piss me the fk off. That car they have is worth like $1,500 at best.

[@markyyyyyyyy321]

+bimmermerchant hi what if you have milky residue under coolant cap?

[@fillecool2]

+markyyyyyyyy321 Could also be condensation in the oil, possibly causing a fail in ccv

[@BajaFool]

I have 2001 325i/auto with a cracked tank. Removed the tank and broke the trans thermostat. Took me a bit to figure out it was broken having never seen one whole before. I had to drill a hole into the part and threaded in a sheet metal screw to pull it out. It literally just disintegrated. Does the trans thermostat just press in by hand? How far? Also I have my silicon based grease ready for the seals to help with the tank install as well as a heat gun (!). This thing is a pig to get to seat. I am aware that the base I am pressing is plastic, 14 yr old plastic .8-@ Any tips?

[@BajaFool]

Baja Steve Well, after intalling the new thermostat and liberal use of some silicone based grease on all parts, It went together pretty quickly. No leaks yet and took awhile to bleed the air out but no heat issues. Unbelievable how brittle that plastic becomes. Thanks for a great video.

[@R22Man]

Great, instructive video. thanks for posting.

[@bimmermerchant]

Glad we could help.

[@nathanhooser4537]

hi I have a Bmw x3 and the expansion tank has a hole and I used some plastic repair putty and the problem still persist. I don't have the money to buy a new one what can I do for an easy and cheap fix . I need to drive 8 hours ... any suggestions. ..?

[@200mphBrian]

Nate Hooser I have a suggestion don't buy a car you can't afford just so you can be a poser and look cool

[@miguelmartinez8724]

does the transmission sensor break when removing the expansion tank?

[@bimmermerchant]

No. Transmission sensor is nowhere around expansion tank. The transmission oil cooler maybe but it’s rare that it breaks

[@jayjay8722]

Can you show how to chAnge o2 censor as well?

[@Jonathan-pr6de]

Having trouble setting the new tank on the two holes, the small one to be exact

[@willriseabove6858]

I've got an 01 325i and ive already had to replace the reservoir tank, however the top keeps leaking and my engine keeps over heating is their a trick to get that top hose onto the radiator correctly? I've put my full 130 pound ass into the thing but theirs still a leak. I've already changed the valve cover gasket, got a new altinator, replaced the fresh air intake hose, got new tires, new battery, and so far this leak is the only problem left -.- kinda aggravating

[@bimmermerchant]

try performing a compression test, you might have a crack on the head.

[@willriseabove6858]

@@bimmermerchant alright cool appreciate the reply an advice man I'll come back with the results.

[@TheAtlasturco]

did you cut the sensor cooler, or is hard to remove

[@chrispatrick8]

it is easy to remove, he should have done that while still installed in the car

[@gutjos]

Is this video can be use to remove the resevoir on a E83 X3(2006)?

[@bimmermerchant]

Hard to say if you can use same removal process on an E83 model since we haven't dealt with those models.

[@endorsti7137]

what is the spring in the holes at the bottom?

[@markyyyyyyyy321]

Where is the coolant overflow?

[@thymefrog]

spring and a cap come off when i remove expansion tank

[@markquezada310]

Nice video bro

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks. Be sure to check out our website for all your pre-owned bmw parts. www.bimmermerchant.com

[@fadi_koka]

And you cut the wire of the coolant level sensor

[@chole4me1]

Fadi Koka yeah, i noticed that to...what the heck

[@ernestomatos9697]

Hey would an automatic rad fit into a manual

[@bulldogmrktr23]

+ernesto matos no don't try it. The automatic radiator has ports and plugs that the manual doesn't. It's just safer to purchase the MT radiator if you have a manual and the AT radiator if you have an automatic.

[@darriusfalana1808]

Get a GoPro bro like the video very informative

[@bimmermerchant]

Will look into that. Thanks

[@mting6149]

Awesome video thank you

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@thymefrog]

and it did come off my X5 3.3 automatic

[@ChungFrancisco]

Thanks you

[@yamkapparkritis9289]

Nice

[@bimmermerchant]

Glad we could help. Be sure to check out our website for all your pre-owned bmw parts. www.bimmermerchant.com

[@gyorgischwartz]

can anyone help me find the part number for the hose pointed out at 6:26?

[@pito9020]

nice video

[@MartinGarcia-ng3ks]

where i can order new reservoir tank

[@alexmusic5497]

ebay 40 $

[@Ty-qe1jb]

Yeah I know go ahead just snip the thermostat temperature gauge wire on the overflow not like that's going to be difficult to replace you didn't know that on Clips right you do know that that part's like $60 to $70 to replace not including the cord you just cut in half

[@84Haragan]

We had to disconnect to the battery before

[@elultimo7046]

Omg 🤗🤗🤪 youre soo multitask

[@bimmermerchant]

Thanks for noticing, ...

[@rylendvasko5966]

you cut the coolant sensor lol

[@bimmermerchant]

Rylend Vasko No worries, it will get replaced.

[@mikemoyercell]

Rylend Vasko lmao i noticed that too

[@lucideyemedia]

+Mike Moyer same here! I was laughing as soon as I saw that.. this guy would never touch my 3series

[@lucideyemedia]

+Mike Moyer same here! I was laughing as soon as I saw that.. this guy would never touch my 3series lmao

[@alexmusic5497]

you're removing too much stuff I remove my the other day 20 minutes

[@Matice21]

This must be a stick shift

[@gertis7420]

BMW SUCKS!!!! Great video btw

[@andrejmatlahov3983]

U need not more as 5 min 2 remove it... Pipes off and just pull it up....

[@bimmermerchant]

good to know

[@christapen4366]

This guy took apart way to much stuff