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View Full Version : E36 M3 A few TIPS: DIY'd belts, thermostat, coolant temp sensor and coolant flush



lowviscosity
12-02-2013, 02:13 PM
Decided to do these items based on a few issues I was having. 1) Car wasn't warming up to temp 2) when car did warm up to temp it went cold after highway driving 3) car was not running in closed circuit mode thus CEL came on and gave a code P0125

To rate this job would be a 2/5, it mainly takes patience, some aggression and a few beers or hot cider since it was cold.

I used the DIY from here: http://www.dvatp.com/bmw/thermostat/ as well as a Bentley Manual for the coolant temp sensor and belt routing

Main tools:
-2 torque wrenches for thermostat bolts (depends if a single one can get to such a small torque value, i haven't seen any)
-32mm wrench for fan removal; from experience adjustable and a normal open ended wrench from the shop does not work. My solution was to go up to a local bicycle shop and get a 32mm headset wrench: Worked perfectly
- Jack stands and jack; got a low floor clearance jack since I needed one from Harborfreight worked like a dream
- long 8mm hex key for the tensioners; I attempted it with a 8mm 3/8" drive socket however the area was too cramped during removal
- BMW Blue coolant 1 gallon worked well

Ordered parts from BMA Importers and locally owned BMW shop.

Long story short, follow the link above for the coolant flush and thermostat replacement; refer to your bentley manual for the coolant temp sensor location and follow all torquing values. I am not experienced by any means and was able to tackle this job in 3-4 hrs minus the usual running around for tools.

Belts are a breeze and I strongly recommend removing the fan; I left it in for belt uninstall so it can be done but re-installing with the fan on is a bit tricky.

MarketMaster
12-02-2013, 02:41 PM
Belts are a breeze and I strongly recommend removing the fan; I left it in for belt uninstall so it can be done but re-installing with the fan on is a bit tricky.

I did my belts not long ago and didn't find it too difficult to do with the fan still attached. i didn't have the tools to remove it and had no problems.

lowviscosity
12-02-2013, 03:23 PM
I did my belts not long ago and didn't find it too difficult to do with the fan still attached. i didn't have the tools to remove it and had no problems.

Agreed, it can be done and its not too bad. As long as you have a 32mm wrench it makes it a ton easier also I needed to remove it for the thermostat and housing replacement.

By the way I went to Gregg's Bicycle Shop (most local shops will have it) and ask for a 32mm headset wrench, it will range $10-19 dependent on bicycle shop markup or just grab one off of Amazon. I mountain bike so I didn't mind getting it.