Replacing Cooling System (BMW e36)| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

scardeal Reader
5/13/10 4:57 p.m.

A few questions (car is BMW e36 3 series):

About the most complicated work I've done myself on a car has been brake work: changing rotors, pads and replacing brake fluid. Does swapping in a new radiator, hoses, thermostat housing and water pump sound like it'll likely stump me?
Does it sound like I'm missing anything necessary in the coolant system? I want to effectively replace the whole shebang.
clutch fan
fluid
hoses, upper and lower
radiator
water pump
thermostat housing
thermostat
Any tips for flushing the old crud out of the block/heater core?
Opinions on the BimmerWorld kit?

PS - I do know about the Pelican Parts walkthrough, btw.

SupraWes Dork
5/13/10 5:02 p.m.

There's also a bypass hose I would replace and the reservoir and coolant level sensor. Its all tied together in one mess and you want to change it all at once because its a pain.

aussiesmg SuperDork
5/13/10 5:43 p.m.

Just did it all on the E46, definitely include the sensors, my coolant level sensor broke during the dismantle and the fan sensor O ring was bad

dj06482 Reader
5/13/10 8:13 p.m.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/e36-cooling-system-overhaul-notes/13016/page1/

One thing I'd add is the belts (A/C and water pump). And I regret not replacing the overflow reservoir when I did everything else...

cliff95 New Reader
5/13/10 8:25 p.m.

FWIW: just replacing the water pump on the e46 isn't a good idea - the overflow reservoir split the next workday when I did it that way.

I agree it's best to replace everything at once (including the heater core hoses - they don't look to be a fun replacement at the side of the road). Best thing is they are inexpensive when ordered online.