BMW Radiator Drain Plugs. Short Long Manual - Auto Transmission. How to safely remove them

[@cgeromi]

Thank you so much for this video. My radiator in mt '04 is leaking at the end tanks and at 144K miles I figured it's time to refresh the entire coolant system. I've never worked on a BMW coolant system so the learning curve was intense with all the plastic they use. I was wondering why in the world the auto drain plug was longer. I would have bet the farm before my research that it was the short one that should be the auto trans. Awesome awesome write up my friend!

[@georgeteo8797]

My factory original has the long plug. But when I ordered the same brand as the original they sent me one with the short plug. And it specifically says in the description that it would fit only cars with automatic transmission. I guess the newer radiators are different.

[@ilirberisha3957]

YES - you are absolutely right, i have checked this with the bmw parts catalogue and the long one is for auto, the short one is for manual.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

ILIR BERISHA 👍

[@aliakkache2151]

Mark's reviews and tutorials Hi there, I was looking for the bleeding bolt to flash my n46 engine, I have tried to unscrew the black bolt as you would do with a regular bolt but nothing happened. Then I flashed the water from the other blue ring. while driving the car the black bolt came out and drained all the coolant. So my question is; have I damaged the srew or the inside of radiator (keyways)?

[@irieite100]

Some radiators when ordered for automatics come with the long one on the left side (facing the from the drivers seat) and a short one on the right. If you have a separate smaller coolant hose connected to the “Aftercooler port” on the right side, make sure you have the long plug in that side as well. It’s all more confusing than it needs to be, but these aftermarket radiators are made to fit multiple applications.

[@juliabradanesi9881]

What about the plug on the right (USA passenger) side? Why does nobody talk about that side plug?

[@tonybailey3944]

This is correct for BMW genuine part radiator only. If you purchase a quality OEM replacement radiator such as NRF you will want to follow their instruction & install the short plug for auto trans. All radiators are not created equal.

[@egegasf11]

Excellent video. The explanation is to the point and very informative. Thanks to the author of this video. And yes 1. Long one for the auto 2. Short one for the manual. Cheers

[@jimgerock9190]

I just replaced the radiator in my 2011 e90 with auto trans. It did have the long plug insert. Crazy expensive to replace just the insert, but the BMW OE radiators do NOT come with that part. You must buy it separately. When installing the part into the radiator, only turn the part until you hear one click. Do not turn it anymore or else you will break the tabs off.

[@amineo1061]

Thanks for the input. Do you remember if the rotation was clockwise?

[@arwinpamintuan4952]

@@amineo1061when installing the drain plug turn clockwise to tighten do not turn all the way just a slight turn with a ratchet will clip it and you’ll hear a click noise then just stop afterwards

[@arwinpamintuan4952]

@@amineo1061it’s also the same when removing it just turn counter clockwise slightly

[@Residew]

Thanks for the video. Saved my ass. Did a cooling system refresh and had a leak once complete. Turns out it was the petcock/drain plug. I accidentally installed the short one on my auto transmission which caused a leak once the system reached temp. Switched it out and no longer have a leak.

[@divakim206]

Hi there, did you have no heat also while you had the leak?

[@jengah43]

Thanks! You saved me a big headache. Your close up video and instruction help me install the plug correctly.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Glad it helped

[@KilliKonKarnage]

Hey mate, how did you manage to install the plug properly? I almost get it close but can't push in all the way to then turn it. I am able to get it past the last O ring, but struggle to push the square tabs far enough in, to the point where I can then turn the nut to lock it.

[@jengah43]

What helped me was him showing how the two little plastic tabs work, or keys as he calls them, around 4:50 - 5:00 minutes in. By seeing how they work, it let me visualize and feel how to insert the plug and then about how far to turn it (about 1/4 inch). Some people just kept turning it and that would strip them. Some people didn't turn enough because there was some resistance but in that case, they'd never lock in the tabs. There is a bit or resistance, but just know that if you have pushed the plug all the way in, and its in the correct alignment slots, then turn the plug with a bit of muscle but no more than 1/4" and you'll hear the "click" people are talking about and then stop. Hope that helps. @@KilliKonKarnage

[@KilliKonKarnage]

@@jengah43 thanks very much. I managed to hear that 1st audible click and stopped turning. It all seems secure. Thanks again

[@jengah43]

Awesome. Glad I could help. Pay it forward!@@KilliKonKarnage

[@besofacacia6103]

mine was clogged and actually i understood it was a key but the deal is i did not knew it would brake in any case ! there is no way to take out without breaking. maybe 1 from 10 get lucky enough. it has wings inside too and once 5hose wings get in place they will not allow to turn it back freely specially if its old. so think tvise guys before trying to take it out. you will break it and its even harder to take out what is left inside.

[@jamesrmore]

Totally agree. If it isn’t significantly leaking. Leave it alone 😅. 10% success is generous in my opinion unless maybe you’re a bmw mech and do them frequently.😊

[@mt4eahunterch649]

Hey Buddy, thanks for your video. I had exactly the same problem when both of the drain screws were sticked inside the drain plug. Hopefully the car was parked after few km I tested it after the coolant flush, with the pressure the full drain plug and screw was pushed out with the coolant liquid. Car was stopped so no damage but at least I know why it broke inside the radiator (nothing to screw and specially use only this cap 1/4 turn). I just need to replace it now...thanks for your video, cheers Just to add: I changed both drain plugs, when ordered they came with blue srews. What needs to be added is that when you replace the drain plug you need to know that once in the radiator they cannot be removed except if you break them. So when you plug back the parts you need to srew them very slowly 1/10 of turn is enough, you will hear a click when they are properly plugged. If you screw more than 1/10 of a turn you break them. Finally 2 drain plugs is the same price than changing the radiator so if you have time, it is better to do. In the new radiator both screws and 1 drain plugs have to be screwed so no more issue with that. Good luck

[@KilliKonKarnage]

Hey mate, could you help me lol. So I find it tough to push the drain plug far enough in to then be able to turn it. Should i use a mallet?

[@chrisnoth1646]

NICE WORK MATE YOUR SPOT ON GOOD INTUITION (VERY RARE THESE DAYS)

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Chris Noth 👍Thanks

[@jocevi1773]

My 2003 325i radiator coolant drain plug is leaking so i am not sure if just replace the blue plug or the drain plug and the black tube too

[@xavxjrd4810]

Luckily for me it's an E87 Auto trans. Congrat for your investigation pal, lot of work ! great vid :)

[@paulm5871]

Careful out there if you buy aftermarket radiators! Some come with what looks like the oem short stemmed plug and a plain plug with no stem. The longer one with the stem blocks off flow to the transmission.

[@Watchout1010]

Clearly you did not pay attention

[@paulm5871]

Clearly you didn’t pay attention to what I wrote. Some aftermarket radiators use opposite size plugs than the oem’s. Check with manufacturer if you can.

[@Watchout1010]

@@paulm5871 2 plugs came,some other brands?got it.whats fkd is there are 0 instructions in the box and 2 different diameter o rings also. B/S.

[@georgeteo8797]

My factory radiator off the 2003 e46 is just like yours, has the long plug. However when I order a factory replacement of the same brand, they sent me a new radiator with a very short threaded plug with Oring and no shaft. When I checked the order to make sure I ordered the one for the automatic, here is what it said: "Fitment details, Important fitment notes MfrLabel:New PREMIUM Perfect fit Radiator / OE Supplier PREMIUM LINE | | 580x32x445 / Only for Models with: Automatic Transmission. So I guess the newer radiators have the short plugs now. it's so confusing...

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

New PREMIUM Perfect fit Radiator. Doesn’t sound like a Genuine radiator so it seems they have re-engineered the internal flow for automatic cars??

[@jeremyanderson4075]

You sacrifice is greatly appreciated lol I assume I had the wrong radiator

[@iosephusnix1949]

I have right now a situation, I'm installing a new radiator in a 325xi with manual transmission, im putting the short plug and still leaking

[@ChieffinOnReefer]

Did you ever find a fix I’m having the same issue i think the oring is catching on the rad tube hosing some hose

[@iosephusnix1949]

@@ChieffinOnReefer I think that I put a oring a little bit more wider

[@johnkschiu]

Please shed a light ! Help ! I just got an aftermarket radiator (Mahler ) which only has an ordinary plastic drain plug , is it alright to put on the car ? (E84 X1 1.8 Automatic).

[@davidprince4624]

Having trouble getting the drain plug out I don’t want to break it but I can’t tell if I’ve gotten it to where it needs to be or if I broke it 🥲

[@Kevin_Keo]

Your a lifesaver! Great explanation as well. Thank you greatly

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Kevin K 👍

[@officialyungtwizted3858]

I have a manual buddy.. can you help me please... I bought a new radiator and it came with the short and long one. It said manual takes the small one. But I've tried them both and water still come out that little hole where the bracket sits inside of it.. the water still come out... what do I do mann...

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Did you buy a radiator for a manual? I guess you are talking about the line for the automatic transmission cooler? You can buy radiators for auto or for manual. Also if non genuine then who knows what they have done internally. Watch this video a few times over as I cover heaps of info and I show you what it looks like inside once cut away. MRT

[@officialyungtwizted3858]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials it'd the plug drain plug. O ring was rong one

[@traqnsavov822]

the long one divides the radiator into two halves, a large half and a small half, the water from the small half (the bottom inch of the radiator) passes through the automatic transmission cooler... long is for automatic, short is for manual!!!

[@piotrlukaszewicz528]

You are a genius mate thanks!!

[@JMUDoc]

I broke mine removing it. It was aftermarket, so the previous owner _also_ broke his. I went to a scrapyard for a replacement, and half of them were gone, and the other half broken in the same way as mine. Ended up buying a brand new one 😁. Just remember: "push in, quarter turn", and "quarter-turn, pull out".

[@jamesrmore]

Slotted keyway. My question, to take out which direction is 1/4 turn? CCW or CW (clockwise)? This is the missing detail. If I turn it wrong way I will break the plastic tabs off. Thanks in advance. After checking it is push in at keys until flush turn ~1/8 CW to install. Turn 1/8th CCW (counterclockwise) until keys align and pull out to remove.

[@JMUDoc]

@@jamesrmore Anticlockwise to remove, clockwise to restore.

[@jamesrmore]

@@JMUDoc thanks I verified you info in field. Very easy to turn too far and break. 😢

[@KilliKonKarnage]

Hi could you pls help me lol. I've broken two new ones tryna fit them in. I see these 2 rectangular bits that stick out, they look like they slot in. But do i need to smack it in with a rubber mallet? And then once it's flush, quarter turn?

[@JMUDoc]

@@KilliKonKarnage The two "wings" fit into corresponding slots, and there is an o-ring that might make insertion difficult (but not to the point where hammering is needed!). Lubricate the ring, and make sure the wings are aligned.

[@lindapoworski2597]

I have a 2011 535i xdrive SUV and is a spring project car as I don't have a heated garage. I need to drain the rad but I can't find a drain plug on this unit anywhere, left or right. Can anyone help? It looks so obvious when the rad is off the car but mine is not.

[@edvinovic]

Yesterday ive got my new radiator for my 325i n53 e92 and there was an info-letter inside with the same facts: long for automatic and short for manuals:)

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Edvin Avdic Great Thank you. 😀

[@Timetaker1000]

My radiator came with both plugs already installed. Its a Spectra for a BMW 330i. Looks to be a long plug. Do I need to do anything with the plugs?

[@edvinovic]

Steve D Hey! In a few minutes i will start with the replacing. I will write you again. Is your car a manual or an automatic?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Steve D Have another look at this video. It shows you how to know if you need a long or short plug. Manual or Auto. With non genuine radiators I don’t know what they have done with the plugs. Some come auto only or manual only.

[@gnomebmw]

My Nissens radiator came with both plugs and instruction sheet.

[@Krivinator]

Hello my friend, this two types of draining boolts is for oem radiator or?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Yes this is for oem or genuine radiators. Once you go into copy radiators each one seems to be different.

[@Krivinator]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials Thank you so much! I had a issue because i have e46 320d 2002, i was on junkyard and found donor car, but the draining bolt isn't the same like mine...

[@zben5891]

看了教程还是没有明白怎么拆下这个黑色的螺母，能否有一个图解或者一个新的水箱拆下来的视频呢？不知道中文您是否理解我的意思，谢谢您

[@romeokortez4068]

I’m not sure if it’s bmw specific but yes automatic is LONG and manual is SHORT

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Thanks

[@michaltimko]

Sorry for reviving old discussion but do you think this plug can be safely removed without breaking those 2 wings?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Mike The main reason these break is because people expect a screw and just rip it past the stop. If you are careful they work great.

[@jamesrmore]

Also apparently some after-market do screw in… but definitely not the OEM original equipment. They are keyed. The video is excellent it shows cross section where you can see from side. The keys are visible from side, so you may see if installed correctly by observation.

[@Watchout1010]

Got a thumbs up for this answer,I was looking for just this!

[@Bxleddy]

What do I do if I broke it and the other half is inside??

[@Yanzo_70]

By any chance does anyone know where I can buy that same long screw in radiator drain plug

[@RockU2011]

So, on manual i put the short one? i changed my radiator and put the long one there, now all the coolant goes out when i try to bleed the system , i need the short one?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Re watch the video. 😊

[@RockU2011]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials Thank you verry much, my new radiator came with the automatic draing plug preinstalled and today i changed with the shorter one and the leak is gone! :D

[@6ixvamp]

@@RockU2011 did the shorter one come with the radiator?

[@RockU2011]

@@6ixvamp yes, it had both plugs

[@ltmotley4481]

Where are the links for the plugs? The ones in the stores have no threads

[@bernabecruzjr]

Did you find them?

[@Watchout1010]

I had this exact same dilema and both plugs leaked??

[@Top_g80comp]

Fantastic video 💯🤘🏻

[@LxkknTV]

Does having the wrong short long plug give you a low coolant light on the dash light ? My coolant is full and my light on I replaced my radiator and don’t know if it has the long or short plug I forgot to check it should I unplug the short or long plug and see if it’s short or long and that would fix a low coolant light ?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Did you watch the whole video? The difference is a radiator for a manual or automatic. Yes you do have to get it right. Watch the whole video

[@LxkknTV]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials Preciate it I had the right one on which is the long one but still have the light on with no leaks so i think it’s the sensor thank you!

[@divakim206]

@@LxkknTV Hi, did you figire in out?

[@LxkknTV]

@@divakim206 yes turns out it the long one was in and I got a lower radiator hose leak

[@divakim206]

@@LxkknTV thanks for responding. Did you have to take alot of the top apart to get to it or did you go from the bottom?

[@1987Evildamian]

THANK U VERY MUCH big headache until ur video thank u

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Pedro Mercado So Glad it helped. MRT

[@bigdeal87]

That happend to me tought is a screw and snapped them! Can i still drive around or do i need to replace because of the pressure?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Sascha B They Need to be tightly and correctly fitted. If they pop out while you are driving you will be stranded. Don’t drive without coolant. You can destroy your engine. So replace them look at the links I have put in the description

[@bigdeal87]

Mark's reviews and tutorials ok thanks i will replace it then. Do u put in the new only by hand? Slightly push it in and turn it until the marks line up right?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Sascha B Have a look at the video. I show you the key way so you can see how it all works

[@Jack-hx9xo]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials I snapped mine to Sascha, popped out under pressure. luckily was just about home when it happened!

[@irmabautista3318]

Bro my drain plug isn’t coming out , I’m twisting and pulling

[@kissel7429]

same

[@Nofundsleft]

Have you guys figured how to take it out

[@ml-ed4sc]

so why do they make a it a plug within a plug? why have the blue part be removable and the enclosing black part be removable too? to drain the radiator, most people say unscrew the blue part, but unscrewing the black part would give a bigger hole allowing a faster drain. do you have any ideas?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Look I don't know but I believe the little plug draws the water from between the two threaded sections so therefore when you remove the whole plug the water is coming from a different place. I am sure the BMW engineers had a reason.

[@durkkooistra4797]

The blue plug is the drain and the black insert it screws into the the flow director. It allows the use of the same radiator for both auto and manual transmission.

[@YoDa-vw1ly]

I got a 318i manual, it wasnt leaking until i decided to drain the coolant since the previous owner never changed it, I’ve screwed it back in and now it leaks from the tube for the auto trans next to the drain plug.. any suggestions?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Yo Da It is very easy to break the drain plug lugs when you take it out. So check those. Also I would remove and refit the other fitting. If you have a manual you shouldn’t have auto trans fittings

[@trueblue37]

I have the exact same issue.

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Awesome video.

[@aliakkache2151]

Hi there, I was looking for the bleeding bolt to flash my n46 engine, I have tried to unscrew the black bolt as you would do with a regular bolt but nothing happened. Then I flashed the water from the other blue ring. while driving the car the black bolt came out and drained all the coolant. So my question is; have I damaged the srew or the inside of radiator (keyways)?

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Hi Did you view the video? Or it may be in my 1 series radiator change video. The black bolt has delicate key way lugs and if you try to turn it they are super easy to break off. So it is possible you broke those or left it not done up fully and it would then drop off. I pray you didn’t damage your engine. Mark

[@aliakkache2151]

Mark's reviews and tutorials Hi Mike, Have you changed the whole radiator because you snapped the keyways of the adjusting srew? I managed to take off the used adjusting plug, the 2 pins or ears are totally broken. Now, I bought a new screw from BMW But I am having trouble to insert it! the one I have is slightly different from yours. I hear that I need to push it and turn it in the same time, is that correct? Very kind regards with many thanks for taking the time. Ali

[@t-rexautovlog3404]

This is a really big help and very veri informative... thank you so much...

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

T-REX AutoVlog Thanks for the kind comment. You are welcome

[@stephengolombecki8666]

Why do you have actual threads on your new drain plugs??

[@kevcat8655]

Think he metioned it in the video. It's because he bought a different manufacturer branded radiator with with different desinged plug.

[@Watchout1010]

THERE IS NO TRANS COOLER IN THE RADIATOR-???

[@lukakorakhashvili4120]

Where can i get long one ?

[@anaskamal8711]

Please do I have to use the long or short socket

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Watch the video. It will answer this very question

[@samking4179]

Excellent video! Thank you very much for making it!!! Very much appreciated!

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Sam King Thanks for your encouragement Sam. I’m so glad it helped. MRT

[@raybrenner799]

If I put short plugs in and I have a manual transmission then I dont have hoses to put on the tubing connector, Then fluid will come out the hole. I think you could be wrong. But nice video.

[@Marksreviewsandtutorials]

Have a read of the comments. I’m not wrong. 😳

[@raybrenner799]

@@Marksreviewsandtutorials I have a manual transmission. It came with 2 long plugs and fluid is leaking out the Trans fluid holes. Soo. you are right and I am waiting for them to send me 2 short plugs. Definitely counter intuitive!

[@fandyt9661]

@@raybrenner799 did you line it up and push down or push down and turn 1/4 clockwise?

[@raybrenner799]

@@fandyt9661 MY Radiator was from ebay and from China. Not same as OEM. These plugs thread in completely. The 2 short ones worked great for my Manual Transmission radiator.

[@Diablos397]

Hi, i recently changed and renewed coolant on my E87,now as i went driving apparently coolant leaked out because of the plug not plugged in correctly. Now i put it back in hopefully good this time because there was no leak after a drive,but i noticed the plug has a slight movement,you can move the plug slightly....is that normal or does it have to be sit tight in place because of the pressure? Since it was difficult to get it out in the first place...it was the whole plug instead of the blue by the way. Thnx for the information

[@YoungEOntheBeat]

I have the same problem

[@Diablos397]

@@YoungEOntheBeat its been a while now since i plugged it in the correct way and no leaks to be seen,i hope it stays that way. I have a spare one just in case it happens again

[@YoungEOntheBeat]

@@Diablos397 How were u able to find a spare 1? I had to order a whole new radiator just to get a new 1

[@Diablos397]

@@YoungEOntheBeat On a bmw dealer shop or any bmw shop. The part i ordered was 17107523260.

[@kevinlopes548]

How to remove it???

[@edvinovic]

Thank You!!!!

[@johnzuniga3567]

Long one doesn’t always fit auto

[@ejlesowske5038]

I ashume your right

[@aliakkache2151]

Spot on.

[@marianoramirez7277]

Tks so much

[@gnomebmw]

Perfect

[@skytasha]

Wow