E46 BMW Losing Coolant, Oil, Brake Fluid, Etc.

This 2002 BMW 325XI is losing coolant. It also has bad brake lines and a leaking valve cover gasket.
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[@WatchWesWork]

Need a bore scope or jump pack? Teslong: amzn.to/3ZBZJW4 JNC660: amzn.to/3KYzF3r

[@petepeterson4540]

check exhaust

[@aserta]

The boroscope is good, worth a buy for those in need. Don't abuse it tho, act with it like a surgeon would. They can break the neck, that said, they did warranty me, sooo that's a +1 in my book.

[@Eyoxtheimer]

Per mortske it’s pronounced “the schlong” 😂

[@EngineeringVignettes]

@@bobhoughton3785 - In some garage, somewhere on the planet.. there is a forgotten old drawer that is slowly filling up with 10mm sockets.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@EngineeringVignettes I saw a meme the other day of a gumball machine except instead of gumballs, 10mm sockets in a clear plastic ball.

[@crisprtalk6963]

I'm calculating the gray in your beard as the months and years go by. As we sit today we are approaching the log part of the graph. 🤣

[@WatchWesWork]

Yes, BMWs trigger exponential growth.

[@silent1967]

​@@WatchWesWork Heck you haven't seen mine and I've never rode in a BMW, much less worked on one.

[@DanEBoyd]

And gray hairs grow faster than hair which has not yet turned gray - perhaps because they don't have to stop off at the paint shop before emerging from the skin...

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

I've always said that as long as it stays on my head, I don't care what color it is!

[@seanbatiz6620]

@@DanEBoyd tell me about it!!! Ever since my face hair ran out of paint, i can have a freshly shaved face turn too haggard Unabomber homeless scruff in less then two weeks! Never have ritualistically daily shaved but, probably should… just something i don’t consciously think about, until @ a week or two passes & POOF, all back, greyer then before & seemingly longer in less time

[@nv1493]

"Its like I've learned nothing.." I feel your pain, some days are exactly like that for me.

[@brucehayes7251]

Even worse when you constantly remind yourself of the fact

[@QQQ-os9dj]

Try to not be weak at the knees. Stand up and see. Just a thought .

[@brandonruhl4525]

YEP.

[@Familyfleet]

Had a 325 that smacked a tree once, pushed the motor back into the firewall and cracked the thermostat housing on the back of the engine. Was a miniscule leak, but it caused same symptoms. When you said it had been painted, it reminded me.

[@ygoteamtarox3823]

I’m a tech at a ford dealership, and there’s an extremely common issue on the 1.5 fecal-boost engines where they get coolant intrusion into the cylinders. Typically they will have no evidence of coolant in the oil and it leaks just enough to evaporate and cause a misfire. They look exactly the same as your suspect cylinder. If it were me, I’d definitely be comfortable recommending a tear down on that engine. Happy wrenching Wes !

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah it may well be leaking in #6. I can't tell if it's coolant or oil.

[@jamesa1841]

As a completely unqualified opinion I agree and liked your comment.

[@robertpeters9438]

I thought check heater control water valve , vaccuum diaphragm if present,

[@TheRealJhoony]

I chased a similar coolant leak on my BMW a couple of years ago. No visible leaks, not smoking, no coolant in the oil. I took the parts cannon to it, and it turned out to be the thermostat housing (which is plastic). My guess is that the leaking coolant evaporated before turning into a visible drip.

[@fanglethorpe]

I bought a billeted aluminum thermostat housing for my e39 just because of that possibility.

[@danielburke8350]

I noticed that Harbor Freight now sells a 10-pc socket set that's all 10mm... short, deep, swivel, chrome, impact, a 10mm socket of every flavor. I just thought that was clever marketing - because the 10mm dilemma is real :-)

[@mattmanyam]

Astro has been doing the same for a few years, as well.

[@hypocrisyrulessociety]

@@mattmanyam tractor supply has their set. Rebranded ? Oh yeah!

[@j.walterstrucking3893]

Hey Wes the e46 chassis is prone to cooling system failures , mostly do to all the components being plastic, which get brittle after 10 years. Preferred method is to overhaul the entire cooling system with only genuine (OE) components. The coolant hard lines are a common leak point, as well as the expansion tank cracking and leaking at the seams. And yes, it is in the service manual to use rtv where the front cover meets the block.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I was going to suggest expansion tank - that's where my E46 went. Common problem apparently.

[@j.walterstrucking3893]

@@rhiantaylor3446 I overhauled our e46 cooling system a while back, not completely tho, didn’t do the radiator or hard pipes. It still leaks. I check it once a week…sometimes it’s fine some times I add just a touch. I believe it is the thermostat housing. It’s not dripping, just seeping out. Oil samples haven’t shown any coolant in the oil yet, not a bad car at all, has over 230k on it, wife drives it daily

[@martlaar]

I had a old Golf. Radiator had a crack on the side plastic. Leaked only when engine was hot.

[@michael931]

Yeah everything under the hood is plastic. The pistons might be plastic.... I wouldn't be surprised.

[@mungtor]

LOL. Every BMW has cooling system failures. BMW GDCS - God Damn Cooling System.

[@TgWags69]

We had a VW rabbit diesel back in the stone age. Very similar issue, kept losing coolant and couldn't figure it out. Just by chance my dad the hood up started it up when it was really cold and saw coolant leaking out of the head on the back corner. Within a minute the aluminum head expanded from the heat and it sealed itself up and it dripped dry without hardly a trace. Remember from your school days, Aluminum has one of the highest Linear coefficient of expansion. It's one of the reasons that those VW rabbits had such a rough time with head gaskets, because the aluminum would stretch the head bolts during it's heat cycle and loosen up just enough that the interface would loosen up and blow. I bet you could snug down those head bolt in the back and it would solve the problem. If you hit it with a torque wrench I'd bet dollars to donuts they would be loose.

[@Kilen81]

This, i would def try and tighten those bolts in the rear and see whats up, im surprised he didn't try it.

[@katar0t0]

We call these oil leak spots on the gasket half moons in Europe. Its a common leak point on all straight sixes of the era, hence someone put red silicone in there, I always add some usual black one, otherwise they just don't last and leak from in there again. I cant remember if this one has it but there's a water rail hidden under intake manifold that would often be your leak source on lots and lots of european straight sixes. Looking forward to the next video!

[@FishFind3000]

I had that coolant pipe break on my and leak their. It could be it but I’m not sure there’s any area underneath it to hold to coolant from leaking onto the floor.

[@ElvianEmpire]

it's actually in the official repair manual (TIS) of bmw to put sealant on the half moons as well as the spot where the head and timing chain cover meet when changing the valve cover gasket.

[@LAactor]

Some Toyota trucks have these half moons as well and they're a service item and many fail to do them with a gasket job.. soon ish down the line they want to know why it's leaking out the sides..

[@haroldsmyth6685]

Bypass heater core and run it. If coolant stays full/found it

[@larryjohnston52]

Slamming the door is like closing a Bank Vault door 🥰

[@michael931]

If a bank vault door leaked every time it rained.

[@calholli]

Well if you have to slam it

[@Black88E30]

I have a 330i and love it. The only problem I had with it was chasing a coolant leak. Replaced hoses that were original, water pump, thermostat and it still was loosing coolant. Turned out the reservoir was bad at the seam on the radiator side of it so I couldnt see it. New reservoir and it doesnt loose coolant any more.

[@TheStefanskoglund1]

and you got a coolant system which basically will be ok the next 10 years (as long as something catastrophically doesn't happen ie collision etc.)

[@CCCommander]

Several good comments, I'd like to add for emphasis that the pressurized plastic expansion tank is a ticking time bomb on this era. A family member's 2004 325 had the tank let go in traffic on a hot day, circa 2010 with around 120k on the car.

[@FishFind3000]

One place you could be losing coolant is from the coolant cap. On my mothers f25 x3 I couldn’t find any leak and then realize the expansion tank bottle was leaking the tiniest bit. As you drove it would slowly evaporate a minuscule amount for a week or two until it triggered the sensor. I replaced the tank and cap and had no issues since. I heard the tiny leak when I couldn’t get my pressure tester to seal up on the threads.

[@GroovyDrifter]

Agreed, those BMW caps are also security valves and when they get old water scapes. A new cap and it'll get better running temperatures too.

[@drewv1785]

Watching Dr. Wes performing an endoscopic colonoscopy on a 21 year old BMW! It doesn't get any better than that!

[@rovhalgrencparselstedt8343]

Well given the upper rad hose was popped off, maybe it wasent seated all the way so that was the leak before it decided to pop off completely.

[@billgeorge7804]

BMW corrosion protection is immersion of the all-new body frame into a manganese, nickel, phosphate zinc bath to provide a protective coating layer. Earlier versions most likely had something like Waxoyl. That’s why they don’t rust much.

[@rkan2]

I think all more expensive German cars from the early to mid 90s have such or similiar treatment. Not the cheaper models like polos though. VW also made the B6 Passat rust easier than the B5 for example. Same with the Audis. This was around 2005. This is especially true for the body, not necessarily the underside.

[@Truthseeker4449]

The rust is perhaps from an open intake valve allowing moist air into the engine while the engine was sitting. That little line of fluid going down the cylinder might have made me call a head gasket, but as you've said it's a tough call to make and it's a very expensive call to make. I recently went through this on a 6.7l Cummins after a bus driver kept driving the bus after a coolant line to the air compressor blew, in spite of the stop engine light and engine protection stuff. When I got the bus the temp gauge was 240 degrees. I slapped the tester into the tank and found that while the fluid wasn't changing color in the tester, it was definitely bubbling heavy. I revved the snot out of it and the bubbling was so fierce it splattered the side of the bus and those droplets definitely did change color. I didn't have the equipment or shop space to do the head gasket, and honestly I was doubting myself if the head gasket was actually bad so I kicked it to another shop and it cost the company over $10,000.

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

How funny you mention the 6.7 cooling line failure on a bus. I just did that on my bus. No damage, just bad O rings. Those odd O rings are $8.00 copy from Freightliner, LOL.

[@Truthseeker4449]

@@johnclamshellsp1969 I've found the two plastic quick connect lines get very brittle with age, which is what happened here. I would strongly recommend their replacement while you're in for any sort of engine work if those are more than 5 years old.

[@davidhudson5452]

I love stupid

[@bcbloc02]

That is a big bill for a head gasket. I wonder if they just put a long block in it?

[@Truthseeker4449]

@@bcbloc02 I unfortunately live in a very affluent area. Diesel engine repair here is expensive, like at least $150 an hour. This bus most certainly didn't get a long block or even a used engine. The final bill was actually over 20k because the bus stopped charging the batteries and the def pump also crapped out while it was there. These guys are one of the better shops in the area (they gave us a free injector from a core engine after one of ours crapped out after the head job) and their prices are much better than Cummins. Cummins is charging over $35,000 to inframe bus engines.

[@ouch1011]

I agree with you regarding the E46s. I’d say the E39 falls into the same category. Biggest downfall for those cars is the plastic cooling system. After those cars, BMW build quality went downhill FAST. Today’s BMWs are straight junk with zero redeeming qualities, and I don’t say that as an old timer or an old BMW fanatic. I say that as a mechanic who works on them. There is a reason that most mechanics don’t want to work on newer BMWs, and it’s not because they’re “too new” or “too complicated.” It’s because they’re garbage.

[@Rockardo_]

lol idk what you're on about but the new B series engine have been extremally robust and the S/N63s have been usurpingly reliable as well, Tech for bmw

[@JonatanGronoset]

Somewhere a BMW engineer is screaming "Neeein! You are doing everyting vrong und this is not how to treat das auto!" 😂 I'm pretty sure the silicone, oil, grease etc is the same stuff just with another sticker on it, they gotta make money somehow!

[@fjLh50go2wxP]

Thanks for the "Pup and Mouse Moment"...what a good pup!

[@mybigfartsreallystin]

I thought I had a head gasket leak... ...that was 25 thousand miles ago... .. it's now at 414 thousand miles... ... I'll keep you posted... XD

[@OZD-mb2bs]

The wagons are my favorite and I’m not Ashamed of it. Good video BTW

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

Love the E46 wagons

[@aserta]

I'd say they're a bit assheavy for my taste, but i'd never think anyone should be ashamed of their preferences. You do you bro.

[@donsurlylyte]

stand proud OZ

[@crpgap9595]

They all they rage with the kids today!

[@ronhaefner7833]

Speaking of 10mm, Autozone has a 60-920 that has an assortment of TEN 10mm sockets! All for two 10 dollar bills.

[@scottpollard3270]

Enjoy the variety, keep em coming. Thanks

[@ksokie63]

Hey Wes 👋, you got to love those mystery problems that don't show themselves . The car is in good shape . But that rusty cylinder is out of place. The fun max has chasing mice is funny. Thanks for sharing, and have a great day👋

[@mphilleo]

*Wes digs out another 10mm socket* Today, I learned what the "shop supplies" line item on my invoice is for.

[@davidd8435]

Thanks for the content Mr. Wes

[@Dmbyers2002]

Love the videos Wes. Your channel is the most relatable content I’ve found on KZbin. Keep it up.

[@hsiewert1312]

Shop looks nice! Keep the Videos coming. Your efforts are appreciated. And do gain knowledge.

[@greggb1416]

I didn’t hear the mileage on the “beemer”., but being a 2002, I would guess pretty up there., but the cross hatching on the cylinders sure appeared like new. Great tool there in that bore scope…, Thank you sir.

[@nitroruski7986]

we drive m52/m54 400k kms with maintence in eu

[@zakksrage]

Head gasket is 100% leaking. Rusted cylinder is the dead giveaway. Gasolina doesn’t rust and its hard to for surface rust to happen with the pcv system dumping oil into the intake constantly. But you know what glycol does. Causes the oil to just run around it. Oil doesn’t like coolant.

[@Navajo-man]

Hi Wes just finished watching video excellent job and as always you and you’re families be safe 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@darrenhawken9766]

Looks like that car has been sitting awhile, on to the next one , great work as always 👍

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Exactly the sort of video I look forward to you posting 👍 another lesson of how you approach problem solving 😊

[@craigsudman4556]

It's a mystery for sure Wes. Great video thumbs up.

[@guyina4x499]

What I like about this channel is Wes is always up for a challenge.

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

Great Video as always, Wes. I don’t know those BMW Cars too well. Thanks for the videos.

[@sergiobarros6102]

Max is such a good pup!

[@fullraph]

I too had an E46 a long time ago! Mine was a 2000 323i with Sport Package. It was red with the very rare two tone interior, it was beautiful. I loved this car, wish I still had it sometimes.

[@mischef18]

Well to make you feel better bro it sure made for great viewing. Safe travels

[@michaelseymour3534]

You're so upbeat and positive, Wes, one of the many, many things I like about your channel.

[@ash7700]

LOVE the bonus MAX MOUSE footage!!!!

[@mattlaptop5728]

Thanks for the video - looking forward to part 2…. ‘cause she’ll be back….

[@Richard-C]

great video Wes,thanks for sharing 👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@mattmanyam]

I have a jnc 4000 (same construction, smaller capacity) for at least 20 years. Changed the battery inside once for about $60... still going strong.

[@mark95b77]

Max is awesome !! He is certainly hardwired to hunt! Appreciate your videos Wes.. always learn something.

[@roypearce6968]

Nice video Wes didn’t see till today don’t know why. Keep up your find mechanical skills. Still don’t know why I didn’t see on the day you posted it.

[@patrickcolahan7499]

You can't fix what you can't find. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

That skid plate is like the penny dish at the cash register. Give a 10mm take a 10mm, give a penny take a penny. 🤷‍♂️😏

[@donsurlylyte]

one of the common measures of humanity bro, never get as much done as you think you should.

[@patriel1]

I really like your videos, I like the way you integrate your humor with sarcasm. I get it. Max and the rat at the end, hilarious.

[@milt7348]

Stay safe and we'll see you next week.

[@renterp]

Ive heard rumors that the pearly gates are indeed shiny gates. Constructed of the finest grade 10mm sockets lost over the years. A magnificent sight I’m sure.

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

BMW = Broke My Wallet

[@sanara_on_tour]

And also: Bin Mal Werkstatt Greetings from Germany 😅 And also: Będziesz Miał Wydatki Who knows other language? 🤭

[@josh33025]

Blow My Wood

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for the video Wes!🐾🍺

[@christianclausen9434]

I am a fan of the last "workonable" BMW E46/E83 as well. Thanks Wes!

[@Kowyn]

Wes I feel you, I never ever feel like I'm getting ahead, things pile up around me. Mostly my fault though, I just can't seem to say no to people so my stuff takes the back seat.

[@robertchand]

just out of school my first job was at a tire shop and my boss had one of these 1999 e46 318i wagon 6 speed manual i use to love driving that car

[@scottmagoch5367]

Hey Wes,great vid,I have that jump pack. It will not disappoint. Ya did what you needed to do,ship it,tell'em to drive it. Take care!

[@terryrogers1025]

Thanks for the ride along Wes, and yes I know the work your butt off and look like you get nothing done feeling, gets a little discouraging some times, stay the course, you will win in the end.

[@ajwelch8877]

I use that jnc jump pack all the time they are a wonderful jump pack, I’ve had mine for 8 years with no issues

[@tweedjohnny8740]

I have 2 of the e46 wagon x & Xi love them. The jnc 660 jump box is 1 tough tool that will last for years, mine has been warriors. Good video with quality craftsmanship.

[@zukowski2023]

OMG, Wes have you ever watched one of your videos at 0.25 playback speed? What a riot! I stumbled upon it while you were panning the camera around the shop (I was looking for the Goldwing). I slowed the video down and only now I am settled enough from laughing that I can actually type. Thanks for the Share and Stay Safe!

[@patricklorio7657]

By the way, I really enjoy your videos.

[@fjr2go]

Max is on the job too, love it.

[@ronmimnaugh7674]

Good to see Max on duty

[@MarzNet256]

Holy cow! That valve cover gasket was as easy as my 2006 Matrix. I like how the half moon shapes are built into the cover. And absolutely you want sealant on interfaces/wick spots.

[@jeffdiehl8394]

drove an E46 330i ZHP for 10+ years, 250,000 miles. best car I've ever owned. low option, no sunroof, no auto lights, 6 speed. sold it with 325K miles on the original clutch! needed a valve job or at least valve seals but still drove better than any new sedan.

[@BULLDOGG]

I have jnc660 jump box. Use it almost every day, very happy with it.

[@kthwkr]

2003 Model 3. I parted it out at 70k miles. It had never been wrecked. It's just that nothing on it had ever worked.

[@CAPNMAC82]

Max on the Job!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good quick video Wes interesting can't find the issue with the missing coolant

[@melvingibson4525]

I feel your pain on that 10mm. I pretty much work exclusively on CAT/Cummins/Waukesha and always lose my 3/8 drive 9/16 shallow socket.

[@PamelaSergent]

i dont know why you say that about your self like you never learn nothing your one of the best old boy and very smart so i trust you word over anybody on the net im saying this not give you the big head but you are the best of the best keep doing this wess i learn so much from you buddy

[@TonyRule]

Thanks for that link to the borescope with the side lens! I think you showed it once before about a year back and I thought *_"That's a great image! I need one of those."_* and promptly forgot where I saw it. This getting old ain't no joke...

[@William1866]

My 92 Taurus loses coolant. I like the natural coolant changing feature.

[@peteraitken6494]

Good video Wes sometimes you just got to let them go mate you can only fix what you see good job though on the diagnosis max is possessed by those mice lol take care to you and the family mate all the best 👍👌🔧🔧🔧

[@patricklorio7657]

I've had 4 BMWs, and every one of them were awesome! I agree with you about that engine, I had a 2004 330ci, and it was great. I also had a 2007i, a 2008i and a 2011m and didn't have any problems with any of them. So I think all of BMW engines are awesome, especially the M car.

[@generaldisarray]

Great video. Depending on how big the leak is it could be a weepy radiator that leaks when it's hot thereby evaporating off the coolant. The telltale coolant stain is probably hidden behind the aircon heat exchanger and/or trans cooler.

[@jimrerko3415]

Thanks for posting.

[@not-another-dev]

I love the BMW X3 even if the handling is a bit harder in snow, but the comfort is unreal. My old car was a Kia Sportage which had the opposite of comfort

[@samuelchartier3684]

The end clip with Max chasing the mouse was cute, thanks for that 👍

[@renem6441]

Wes I have a 2003 Trailblazer that had a slow leak and took along time to find, it was the radiator cap, at a time of desperation I wrapped a pice of clothes and after a month it developed a spot of coolant!! New cap problem solved! Thanks for sharing

[@horstkotte6114]

The sealant placement is correct, there should also be some where the vanos meets the block. The Factory uses "Dreibond", sort of colorless/translucent.

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

love the content!

[@user-ig5sd8kn1k]

Wes, we have one of those jump packs at work and you just can't kill it.

[@garyfeltus9801]

Get that mouse max get it. Love that dog Wess. Great video.

[@lloydrobinson7081]

keep the clips coming

[@_zzpza]

I too had an E46 330Ci, mine was a topaz blue 2002. Loved that car, the seats were the most comfortable of any car I've ever owned. I bought it when it was 3 years old with 30k miles on it and kept that car for almost 10 year, selling it when it had 160k miles on it. Only problems I had on the car was a broken valve spring, and three replacement steering racks (apparently there was a manufacturing process error). All was covered under warranty.

[@gunners4129]

We have 4 of that jump pack in our shop and they're awesome. Weve killed quite a few over the years, but I dont think it was more operator usage related lol I think you'll be pleasantly surprised

[@billfrommaine7384]

Finally, a BMW!

[@eddiepatterson5025]

I bet those mice 🐭 drive Max crazy 😜. Thank you for sharing Wes.

[@Jinxid77]

Reminds me of our Volkswagen Passat, the workshop also has trouble figuring it out. Eventually it turned out to be the coolant reservoir/filling tank itself, undetectable with pressure test.

[@rossweckerly4195]

Hi Wes, Those are known for the oil filter housing o ring gasket to leak. Sometime you will see oil in the pressure tank . It goes both ways.

[@ddblairco]

thank you Wes

[@FishFind3000]

I had a 2000 323i, it was a great car. After 252,000 miles the rust was getting to it after being in the rust belt it’s whole life and Illinois for most of it. That upper cover that’s above the engine is removal. Just remove the cabin air filter and there’s 4 t25 under it and it comes out easy and quick. It gives a lot of access to the back spark plugs. If you need bootleg software for it you can get factory ista+ and the old factory software. I know of a couple places if you end up needing it. The bootleg ista is great for reading codes and doing some two way communication but you can’t/shouldn’t program with it unless you have the icom box or wanna take huge risks and slow program times. Ista is great since it puts together a plan of attack for you and brings up wiring diagrams and pin outs within the software as your going between steps if needed.

[@BBBIndustry]

Had the same symptoms in a landcruiser. Only figured it was the head gasket when it finally let go. Rust in the cylinder but was still running fine

[@bairfamilyfarm1336]

I have a Saturn Aura with the 2.4l ecotec I'm currently working on a block replacement. When I bought the thing, it had blown the head gasket but the people kept running it but changing the oil constantly. It had worn a SLIGHT ridge in the liner but I had thought the magic sealing beads in the felpro MLS headgasket would fix it. Well, turns out if your coolant passage is near the cylinder, it can blow the head gasket without introducing coolant into the oil. I had the mystery coolant issue on both a chevy 5.3 and my current 2.4l ecotec. Both were able to seep coolant into the combustion chamber without milking up the oil. My only for sure test of head gasket failure was to bring the piston 3/4 the way up, and put the cooling system under pressure for 2 hours. At the end of the 2 hours, the ecotec had a pool of coolant ontop the piston, the 5.3 didn't pool, but the piston was noticeably wet.

[@dvandkq]

I'm on my second JNC powerpack. First one lasted about five years, and the second one is about four years old. Good reliable product that is well-made.