2008 BMW X3 E83 coolant tank replacement - NO LEAKS!
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
- How to replace a leaky radiator expansion tank on a 2008 BMW X3 E83. I also purchased a new upper radiator hose and new radiator cap as a preventative measure.
This was my first experience using the BMW quick release coolant hoses and they worked out great. To remove a hose, pull the clip back and then gently wiggle the hose off. To put it back on, slide the clip back into the lock position and then wiggle the hose back on until it clicks. To ensure no leaks, I cleaned the O rings using a microfiber towel and some brake cleaner. I don't know if this is necessary but in my opinion it's better to take your time and prevent leaks.
I purchased a genuine BMW expansion tank for about $80 on Amazon. There are cheaper alternatives on eBay but they take forever to ship here and I read some users have trouble with leaks using the cheaper alternatives. I think it's worth spending the extra on BMW parts for something like this. If your BMW has over 100K miles, you'll probably want to replace the upper radiator hose as a preventative maintenance step as well.
I haven't seen any other videos on RUclips for this procedure on the E83 so I hope this is helpful, let me know in the comments below.
Parts used for this service:
BMW Expansion tank: amzn.to/2ghkweN
BMW upper radiator hose: amzn.to/2gzNGUq
New Radiator Cap: amzn.to/2gheLOl
BMW compatible coolant: amzn.to/2h2CyAx
Optional:
BMW Power Steering fluid if you want to suck out the old dirty fluid and top the reservoir off with clean fluid: amzn.to/2gZDLrG
Want to change your belt? You need a T-60 as I mention in the video. Go ahead and get it now so you're ready when I post the video for changing the belt: amzn.to/2h2Gdya
Thanks... Just over filled my coolant and cracked the expansion tank. Your video was extremely helpful. Did the job in about an hour start to finish. Hardest part was making sure the bottom clip was on securely without being able to see it.
Glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment!
Great video. Mechanics are always impressed that i keep my engine compartment as clean as you do... and my response to them is... You can't see what's leaking if everything is covered with a dusty grease film! (Plus... to be honest, i think they do a better job fixing my car when they see that i respect how it looks).
Two great points and I agree on both
Some people don’t have the tools or space to detail. Not that they don’t want to but may not have the resources to. This isn’t something that a regular car wash does. And your landlord might not want you messing with her lawn hose.
@@MariaRodriguez-wk7gw i have two thoughts on this, Maria. First, i would consider finding another place to live with a less possessive landlord OR purchasing an inexpensive garden hose that attaches to the landlord's hose.... that way your overly-anal landlord's hose is undisturbed. Secondly, you are going to the wrong type of car wash. Of course a drive through car wash or even having a car detailed won't address the engine compartment... you have to go to self-wash car wash... BUT before you attempt this on your own you need instructions (!!!!!) on what to keep dry/covered and to make sure the fluid caps are tightly secured or you can create BIG problems for yourself. i crimp aluminum foil over my spark plugs and it was an expensive lesson to learn this so please make sure you learn what to protect before you attempt it. Good luck.
excellent job on this video.. I had to fix my leaking expansion tank on my 2008 X3... your tips definitely saved me aggravation and who knows how much time
Al Delisle people helping people!
Thanks so much for the detail. I believe have the same thing happening on my 2006, and this video will be very helpful this weekend.
Accidental Headclunkers let us know how it works out
I realize it's kinda off topic but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?
@Brentley Ford i watch on FlixZone. You can find it on google =)
@Brentley Ford i watch on FlixZone. You can find it on google =)
Love BMW’s but the problem is all this plastic they used in place of aluminum and the transmission thermostat which can be problematic and is very fragile. OE is not always the best because if it was we wouldn’t have some of the same issues with coolant leaks.
Anthony Slaughter I think BMW intensionally makes them not last forever, so you buy new or get into their service racket.
I Agree
hi Chris after change expansion tank and upper rad hose I dont have a heat!!!one think what i did wrong i drain rad instead expansion tank....what would be the issue with the heat?thank you
you probably just have air in the system and the hot coolant isn't reaching the heater core. You need to burp all that air out by adding more coolant till it's at capacity. Good luck!
@@cthompson0531 thank you Chris,I will try it...
Great video, thanks for posting. Just a question, I damaged the grey thermostat that extends up vertically from the larger connection at the bottom of the expansion tank. I couldn't loosen it from the bottom connections so I think I made too much side-to-side motion to finally free it. However the top of the grey plastic sensor part snapped off and the spring amd metal sensor broke free. I can see that part is replaceable ( and thankfully not rhat expensive) but do you know how to replace it m ? It looks like I might be able to screw it off just below the thermostat but hoping you might be more familiar. It does not look obvious how I would remove the broken grey base left in the connection opening. Any help would be much appreciated.
Sorry, I didn't take any pics of that when I had it apart. I remember the spring and thermostat came out but everything went back together pretty easily. I'll bet you can find plenty of pictures online to help you install the new parts, good luck and let us know how it goes
Glad you're making these videos: Otherwise, what would I do to entertain myself?
Get back to work Crs Devs2 :)
I need your help Chris! How can I reach you? I changed the tank and now the suv is smoking like a coal train. I’m not sure why, there is no water in the oil and all I did was replace the tank on my son’s BMW with new part. It didn’t smoke before and I am baffled. Your video (this video) helped me tremendously! I was able to change it out in no time. But for some reason now it’s smoking 😪😪😪😪
iwillybilly sorry you’re having trouble, sounds like it might be better to take it to a mechanic at this point
Did you ever figure out what was causing the smoking?
very helpful video friend. just got a 2005 x3 2.5i and unfortunately it was leaking coolant. from the bottom side of the expansion vtank right where that lower hose ties into it. i have not determined whats causing it but i also noticed that this vehicle has green coolant and i believe it needs to be BLUE =( lets hope it doesnt damage the engine. its going to need a flush for sure. good video bro
Noel Gonzalez thanks for visiting. Check the links in the description for what coolant to use. You can use the official blue BMW coolant and mix it 50/50, or just use a sulfite free blend which worked just as well for me. Check BMW forums, you'll see the coolant I linked to works just as well. Good luck!
I’m not a BMW fan at all, but my son bought one anyway. I’m lost on how to fix this issue of is smoking after replacing the tank. It didn’t smoke before but now it’s like a James Bond car.......
iwillybilly you need to bring it to a mechanic, I’m not sure what you did that might have caused the smoking or if it’s even related. Plus I didn’t see everything you did so I have no idea what you might have accidentally broke, sorry about that
Probably time to take it to a mechanic if you're smoking
i got a leak in the upper radiator hose connector. seems the round plastic and o-ring is not installed properly. any advise? Thanks.
yea, you need to take apart the fitting that's leaking and clean it up with brake cleaner and a rag. Once everything is perfect, snap it all back together for no leaks! Let us know how it goes, hey at least it's on top
Chris Thompson cleaned everything but still got leak. It is even leaking even if i just started the car. I would like to show to you how the o-ring and round plastic look like. Maybe there is something wrong the way i install it.
Vincent Hernandez probably that upper radiator hose is old and not in spec anymore, it’s not going to seal. At least you tried to avoid the extra cost.
Do you have a video on how to replace spark plugs on this X3? Would really appreciate it!
You can remove the spark plugs with a normal ratchet, short extension, long extension, and spark plug socket. The hard part was getting the coils out in my opinion, especially the 4 furthest from the front of the car. It's hard to get a good grip and pull them up, I ended up using a screwdriver as a lever and the top of the engine as a fulcrum to pry them up by the latch hole. Good luck!
Also watch this: ruclips.net/video/eVfRQ7xcKpk/видео.html
The little dipstick and float broke off inside my expansion tank. I don't necessarily have to replace it but I'm thinking of doing it when I do a coolant flush because it has never seen new coolant (as far as I know) after 130k miles. I am 17 and this is my first car. Should I just leave it or fix it?
I can't believe it's gone 130k miles without swapping coolant but if so, just keep going man! But seriously, make sure there's enough coolant in there and then RUclips search "coolant voltmeter test" to see if it's time to change the coolant. Good luck Michael, I drove a 1981 Prelude when I was 17, you have a way cooler car
Screw bmws dam sorriest cars on the road cheap coolant systems ill never own another one.
It’s true