E46 COOLING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT DIY (STAGE 2)

Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
In this DIY I go over replacing your expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, upper and lower radiator hoses, belts, pulleys, and tensioners on an BMW E46. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment down below or contact me through instagram. Thanks for watching!
Videos Mentioned:
Fan Conversion: • BMW E46 Mechanical Fan...
Belt Routing: • How To Route BMW E46 D...
Vlog Channel: / @moreshoplife
Instagram: @ShopLifeTV
Disclaimer: Not sponsored Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. When using any of the affiliate links I may get compensated for any products purchased using the link. This compensation does not affect my views on the product.

[@cbd2231]

You are the golden boy of the E46! Thank you for taking the time to create these highly valuable videos, my friend. I hope you get tons of good karma. Thank you again.

[@dustincercado]

I know, right? He's probably saved six figures worth for all E46 DIY'ers.

[@ecsrepair]

@@dustincercado easily

[@arrondavis185]

E46 was my second car , that's when I fell involve with bmw's . All these videos reminded me of all the work I used to do for that e46. I hope your mother is okay . I will be praying for you .Keep up the good work !!!!!

[@christophercolumbus8944]

is that the same as the 328i ? ?

[@Juhnaaa]

Same 🙏

[@maxforce]

I just did the fuel pump replacement today for my brothers e46 2004 330xi (I'm an e39 guy myself), thanks for the video on that it was supremely helpful. Your videos are awesome and should be required viewing for bmw owners. Your videos are very clean, precise, angles are great, quality a++ you deserve to make money from this channel THANK YOU for making these videos.

[@moekhan5158]

For E46, followed your instruction exactly. Cooling system completely overhauled. Now car runs within the 50% on temp gauge. Very helpful tutorial.

[@stonesthrow420]

I just picked up another 2002 330CI VERT. 221,000 miles, had the original coolant system... the water pump I removed looked like it sunk with the TITANIC!! The power steering pump sounded like a cat being tortured. All 4 shocks were completely blown out. Some people just dont take care of their cars at all. And with excellent videos like this, there is really no excuse to own an E46 that is just "Dogged-out" and neglected.

[@turbov7611]

I can not believe how incredibly well these videos are made! Structured explanatory preparing and proffesionalism (mostly lol) Also: kudos to the cameraman/camerawoman !

[@NuMbE1KID]

I don't even own a bmw anymore but here I am learning how to replace their cooling systems.. lmao love these cars! good video my guy

[@hoopla175]

Excellent video! No nonsense, extremely thorough, excellent camera work, and just high quality all around. Easily one of the best auto DIY channels on KZbin.

[@harper34]

Thanks man. You have the best car maintenance videos I've ever seen.

[@ecsrepair]

I second this.

[@scottb7007]

I must say, your tips and delivery for a do-it-yourselfer is top notch. Keep up the good work!

[@design2survive]

I used this video to do the stage 2 from ecs tuning. Thank you for all your hard work. I really like your story and these vids are some of the best out there.

[@zaybolean2729]

If I have any e46 problems I will search this mans yiurube for an hour before I watch any other channel! Much love you helped a lot

[@Whiskey_Bar_OSRS]

You're the best. I was going to look for like 5 DIY videos for each of these parts, but you had them all in one video! Thank you!

[@MikeyFraz1]

Dude I specifically sought you out for this video because you are RELENTLESS!

[@HoochieMen]

Thank u from Russia. Dude in your videos tons manuals of "how to have nice e46". Thx u for your content!

[@rockyadkins8533]

Very well presented. Very informative without wasted information. Provided me with all the information I needed to complete this task myself! Thank you.

[@leeh9420]

That rocks - really appreciate the thorough instructions. Getting ready to do all of this (plus the radiator and fan cluth) on the X5 my oldest spawn drives.

[@gregorrobertson4874]

Best instruction video I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen lots. Congratulations. I’d love to meet you to thank you personally. But Edinburgh Scotland is a long way to come.

[@njbballboys4663]

You probably won’t see this msg but thanks so much for your tutorial! I took the day kicked back did it all by myself saved hundreds of $

[@sc-yl7ex]

Awesome video, just did my cooling system yesterday after watching this.

[@bfunmaker]

Replaced expansion tank,thermostat upper and lower hoses, didn’t do the water pump. Paying for it now. Lol redoing everything again. Great video’s I just like the BMW.

[@perezerick123]

This is a good video. This shit saved my life. Super detailed step by step. This is what DIY videos should be.

[@joemartinez8211]

Yo! your video's are spot on. Thanks for posting these because I'm learning so much from watching while saving a ton of $$$ doing the work myself! Keep posting them.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Awesome! Thank you Joe

[@HornOfGoat33]

Yo, I just followed this guide and did a complete cooling overhaul. Very easy to follow and everything worked out beautifully. Thank You for the vid, super appreciated.

[@Cezarguitar]

Night Time how much work have you done on cars before you attempted this? I want to do it but am pretty worried although I am quite good with tools.

[@sailee2346]

Awesome. Very detail with full explanation. Best vids on bmw

[@justmichyd248]

My fucking dude, I asked and you provided thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@rusty9967able]

Yo I used your video for the center console, and just had a hell of a time getting that fan clutch nut but your video got it! Thanks again

[@David-yh5po]

Love your video's thanks again for your time and attention to detail.

[@TonyDates]

finally this job on an m56 engine. this along with my oil filter housing gasket are my next jobs.

[@guylainer-albert3919]

I love those videos, very clear and well done. It helps me understand what under the hood of my 325 CI, but I will be princessly and take my baby to the mechanic, and I’ll be able to understand his lingo.

[@bashort1]

You're going to make me go buy one these. With your videos I'm sure I can fix anything. My problem is identifying the issue,

[@mrgallo18]

thanks so much for this videos i just did this job to my car run good

[@parman01]

Heh I bought E46 in January and after two months radiator broke. So I did my cooling system just this weekend. I did only new radiator, water pump and belts and pulleys. I found out expansion tank was already changed in 2014 and both hoses looked nice and rubbery, so I reused those. Funny thing a new radiator didn't fit properly into plastic mounting bracket. I had to use bunch of zip-ties to secure it. And it even was BEHR/HELLA brand not some Chinese ripoff. The most painful part of the process was draining the coolant from engine block. That damn drain screw is almost inaccessible.

[@rjmglf]

Nice video. Lots of information, minimal fluff.... Nice job...

[@todd69acup]

love your vids get right to point and no rap music crap.

[@pd649]

Hey! Iam a big fan of your videos. Keep up the good work. I do have a suggestion to make. If you can list the links to the parts you use in your DIY tutorials, it would be of great help. Thanks!

[@munif8884]

Awesome video mate,well done, thanks for take time for showing us your maintenance schedules on the e46 BMW's, much appreciated, All the way from down under, (Western Australia) I've just bought a 2001 E46 coupe 330ci steptronic gearbox(automatic with manual shift mode) with 183,000 kilometre on it, with US miles, I think 108000 miles? any how very please with it so far, thank you once again..........you definitely know your stuff.........................................

[@victordreyer8731]

Hey man love your videos I was wondering if you could do a detailed video on removing the right Cv axle and tools you need. Your videos are so detailed and love watching them let me know if you can

[@redinstrumental7535]

Good video I was looking for something about a lower radiator hose this showed me some

[@mikemorehouse4641]

Great video especially for a new E46 owner. Only suggestion would be to provide the torque specs for the various fasteners during reassembly. Otherwise a great help! Thanks

[@gaaherrera]

Thank you a lot for this vídeo and all the others you made. 👍👍👍👍

[@sinceresmith5512]

Can I use k seal to stop a coolant pipe leak on my 325i bmw

[@krzysztofs6149]

Silicone trick worked for me. Thanks! :D

[@dmitrygear]

Thank you man - great vid!

[@joseortega9965]

Great videos!!! I just upgrade most of the coolant hose, water pump, thermostat, radiator etc. Yesterday I had to replace my starter and I order the CCV and the hard line. How do you remove the coolant hard lines without breaking them? and if we do break it what tip you can give us to remove the plastic parts from the block without ruin it? Thanks for taking the time to help us.

[@robwoodz3155]

Please do an secondary air pump /egr video. Thanks

[@robertoleeva985]

Indeed man.. Good vid.. !!!! God. Bless!!

[@carlusafg]

Thanks it's a very helpful video .thanks for the sharing

[@deseancarter9643]

Great video. Keep up the awesome work

[@ElBruno123]

Could you do a Wheel bearing next. Im about to tackle the job on my own e46 and a video with your input would be greatly appreciated.

[@ItsmeMr.V]

Awesome video! Very well done, nice pace and great explanations. Not sure if it matters or not - as I’m not a mechanic. But... Only thing I’ll note: don’t you need to install the airbox before running the car? Personally I wouldn’t run my car without it installed. Otherwise kick ass tutorial 👍🏼

[@nomodnolife]

This is impressive. Thanks!

[@mrayy_]

Please make a video on how to change the passenger curtain airbag on an E46 Coupe ❤❤

[@ScamaMar]

Welcome back!

[@vincegalang2103]

You're a Legend!

[@williammeredith7600]

Dude I love your videos. So helpful. How much would you charge for the labor on this? I’m buying a 2004 e46 and will be wanting to do this refresh kit.

[@Stuntzii1]

thx for all your videos!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Glad they help out! Thanks for watching!

[@floydee70]

Great video matey. We are having trouble with our lower radiator hose. It won't push on after 2 days of trying! Any ideas, we have used some light oil on it to try to make it slip on but still no luck!! Original bmw part too. Thanks matey

[@yum_yums9423]

So i saw your video on the e46 rear subframe removal and was wondering if the removal of a e39 subframe would be similar? Thanks

[@MoonlightShadow28]

Awesome video man. Do you have a stage 3 vid with the internal heater/plastic hoses?

[@davidlowrey848]

Regarding the coolant refresh kits from ECS Tuning, do you recommend the cheaper aftermarket parts or better to stick with OEM?

[@Godlivesinme2013]

I'm about to change out my 05 e46 cooling system but how can I tell if it has already been done by the previous owner?

[@31acruz]

Great video, suggestion to make it better: you often say "move this way, or pull that way", problem is most the time we don't see your hands, could be anywhere if the camera doesn't catch you hands. Instead train yourself to say this: "pull car-forward or pull car-rearward" that will take care of all "x' (fore and aft, front to rear movement). For "y" or cross car movements train yourself to say it this way: "pull it towards the driver side, or pull towards the passenger side). This way doesn't matter if the camera doesn't show your hands or if you move to quickly or too little, the audio direction is very clear and we then we know what you mean to say.

[@williameldon8768]

Do you have any videos of the heater hoses under the IM? Anything special there besides doing CCV/vac lines while I'm in there?

[@Tumanic1996]

Good video thanks dude

[@amanmalak]

Hey man you are amazing... And can u you help me with...... Can we have a brand new engine with 0 mile for e46?

[@hufy11]

Do you have a video to address the two heater hoses and the expansion tank return hose. I have looked for hours. 2003 325i with the e-46 engine

[@jongkeunlee]

hi. thanks for informative videos. I do have question though. Mine is non m3 E46 325 convertible. chance to get an e46 M3 electric cooling fan. Does it comparable? BIG THANK U.

[@Usmanthemecano]

Awesome job!

[@greatlagunaloire]

Would you plz write down where to buy the spare parts that you replace in description section and the tools?

[@osiristheproducer1316]

Lifesaver

[@jokeralpha4482]

You are awesome!

[@ryanmckenna5254]

You are my hero

[@dylanbattams880]

Hey just wondering what the hose is that connects to the plastic radiator mount that the expansion tank sits on? Not the return hose that connects to the expansion tank but the one beneath

[@luisorosguerrero3014]

I did the same steps as you did and from the bedding screw it started to come vapor, and car over heated. Don't know what I did wrong

[@jakeatherly5243]

In terms of priority, wouldn't the radiator and belts be more important than pulleys and tensioners? Seems arbitrary to do one and not the other.

[@larsonhomeinspection9932]

I replaced most coolant parts except thermostat and expansion tank, and those both failed at 130K. Expansion tank leaked out all coolant and almost over heated the engine. Also replaced front control arms, and had vacuum leaks from failed rubber. Car also burns and leaks out. Don't buy if you can't work on them yourself! AWD is very good.

[@franklinsosa4344]

Hey, I'm going to do a complete coolant system swap soon, I wanted to know your opinion on the best brands to get these parts from? I'm searching FCP Euro and they have multiple such as Rein, Saleri, Vaico, etc. I know the most recommended is BMW Genuine but the difference in price for something such as a water pump is almost double the price. Any input would go a long way, Thank You!

[@luvrboi1347]

have you had to replace the automatic transmission coolant return system

[@aleung1946]

You are the best

[@TheKuhaPoika]

make install free flow filter video, ty!

[@brandonbouknight8535]

I just put new radiator/brackets/core support/hoses/expansion tank/thermostat/coolant/and bleed.... stayed in good temp range for 20min.... then overheating???? everything is brand new and no leaks?? I don't know where to go from here @ShopLifeTV

[@ivanhinojosa24]

what would happen if the expansion tank is put into place without the automatic transmission thermostat? The plastic part where the spring and golden pin goes is broken and wont sit into place. What is the outcome?

[@ldee247]

Hi, I have an X3 e83 2.5i 2004 and have just drained replaced the coolant, at what point do I need to use the automatic bleeding pump were you put ignition key to 2, fan speed 1 and temperature on high? Do I just skip that step and warm up the engine until the thermostat opens?

[@hhn2002]

thanks

[@SaltydogNC]

Ankur, thank you for all of the informative videos you've produced for the E46. They have really been a big help. I noticed the expansion tank you used in this video is the Behr Hella Made in China tank. I ordered the same one, but I have heard reports of this one failing and leaking around the o-ring fairly soon after installation. Is this one still working fine, or has it leaked? Thanks again for your great videos.

[@lilkloud]

Always use OEM parts for your BMW

[@AlexGarcia-qt6ku]

Awesome video! @18:15 what was that part name that you replaced? I'm trying to find the part for it not sure what it's called if anyone can let me know or shoot me the link to purcahse one that would be great, thanks!

[@sinceresmith5512]

Hello I have a small coolant pipe leak on my 2004 325i bmw..wud u recommend me using k-seal??

[@Xccord]

Yo my e46 is leaking alot of coolant rn if i install this stage 2 kit would it free me of all leaks or do i have to find out where its coming from

[@milessawyer1199]

About how long did this process take you ?

[@ektorinosduke9858]

Hello my frind..how many liters of coolant does the expansion tank take...? E46 1600cc

[@luisorosguerrero3014]

In the part of opening the bleeder screw 1 1/2 turns and turn the heater on with the car on, the bleeder screw starts throwing coolant is that normal? Or third it throw and amount and the stops?

[@VicOrlando]

What about the hoses under the intake manifold?

[@prathameshsahay]

My E46 325xi 2003 is operating between 98c to 102c which I think is high. What could be the reason. I am feeling the thermostat is opening late.Any thoughts?

[@hpygolkyone]

Was that ECS Tuning water pump machined to EXACT BMW specs? I've heard horror stories about the more durable metal impellers leaking and not being worth the trouble of the installation. Stick with OEM water pump even though it's the *dreaded plastic*. o_0

[@teslam3chennel]

Awesome video. Excellent information about E46 BMW my friend. It seem like you have a solid knowledge about the E46 BMW. Just found out most of your videos. Very clear and to the point. Love it. Keep doing the good work. I have the same car like your, M56 motor 325Ci 2004 and would like to swap out the engine due to piston rings go out and start to burning oil as well leaking oil. It has almost 250k miles on it. My questions is, do you have a video how to removed/replaced this M56 motor? I just bought the M56 engine from junk yard and would like to install myself with the help of a friend. Other question, is it possible to swap M56 motor to M54 motor? What else do I need if it can be swaped? Thank you and please reply. Just subscribed to your videos 😁👍

[@ShopLifeTV]

I appreciate the support! As far as m56 to m56 its straightforward just like the m54 replacement, only difference would be the fuel line connection. Now with the m56 to m54 swap is possible but not technically legal since the vin would still register as a sulev model. The fuel lines would all need to be replaced as would the fuel tank. The wiring would be a little different as well as the tune on the ecu. The ecu is ms45 which can be reflashed with a normal m54 tune as well. Id recommend buying a m54 car instead unless you have sentimental value with the m56 car.

[@teslam3chennel]

@@ShopLifeTV Thanks for quick RESPONSE. Can you please tell me what is the first thing (location)I need to remove the motor. Where do I start? What tools do I need? What would you recommend to do first thing. I would like to know how to remove my M56 motor. Please REPLY. Appreciate your knowledge.

[@lukeskywalker8008]

Replaced my expansion tank, and my coolant level warning is amber and won't go off. Drove it straight after, waited over 24 hours to cool down levels good, light still on. Can you advise please

[@matrexwolf]

Wish you would have given a price for the kit

[@WarpSonDW]

Does this work for S54?

[@hhhhhjjj234]

i had a 320i 1998 and it is exactly the same engine with vanos nothing changed and i miss it

[@officialyungtwizted3858]

Mines manual? So when I took out the tank that thing wasn't in the there?