3 Series E36 323ti (M52) COMP
VK-23/Seyfried
Baugruppe/Group: 17
17 01 97 (264)
Weltweit
All countries
09/1997
Low coolant level
E36, E38, E39 with M52 engine
Complaint:
Repeatedly having to top up with coolant, high reading by coolant temperature gauge,
possibly Check Control display "Check coolant level".
Cause:
During the manufacturing period stated below, original filling of the cooling systems at the
factory was carried out according to the coolant level and not the amount of coolant.
In addition, due to the glycol concentration of 50% used today instead of the 40% that was
previously used, the air still in the cooling system only escapes between approx. 1,000 to
2,000 km (glycol binds any residual air). This leads to the coolant level in the expansion
tank dropping.
During this phase, you may find that the area around cylinder 6 becomes smeared due to
coolant sweating out of the engine.
This smearing occurs due to settling of the cylinder head gasket during the running-in
phase of the engine. Once settling of the cylinder head gasket has ended, you will usually
find that no more coolant escapes in this way. This process can lead to the above
complaint from customers.
Nevertheless, the cylinder head gasket may in isolated cases still cause further sweating of
coolant after the running-in phase.
Due to this slight sweating, it is not possible to check the cylinder head gasket for leakage
by means of a CO concentration test on the coolant (using a CO leak tester).
Affected
vehicles:
E36, E38, E39 with M52 engine
Manufacturing period: September 1995 to March 1997
Procedure:
If after talking to the customer, you find the complaint described above is clearly a valid
one, the cylinder head gasket must be replaced.
If the above complaint is received, carry out the actions described below.
Action before replacing the cylinder head gasket in accordance with the Repair Instructions:
see Repair Instructions 11 12 100.
Check for traces of coolant on the exhaust side of the crankcase in the area of cylinder 6.
Important note on how to fill the engine with coolant:
see Repair Instructions 17 00 005.
In the E38 and E39 with M52 engine, both vent screws (on the expansion tank and on the
thermostat casing) must be loosened.
The following additional instructions have been added to the Repair Instructions:
-
Turn on the ignition before filling the engine with coolant.
-
Set the heating control to maximum temperature.
-
Set the blower to a low speed.
In this way, the heating valves are opened and the auxiliary water pump runs (if fitted).
Pour in the coolant slowly.
Observe the coolant mixture ratio glycol : water of 50 : 50.
Bleed the coolant system.
See Repair Instructions 17 00 039.
SI Low coolant level E36 E38 E39 with M52 engine
BMW AG - TIS
08.02.2013 04:11
Issue status (12/2007) Valid only until next DVD is issued
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