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Thread: where's the coolant drain plug that on the engine block in the 540?

  1. #1
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    where's the coolant drain plug that on the engine block in the 540?

    thanks...

  2. #2
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    You have to get under the car. There will be a 14mm plug tucked behind the headers on each side.

    Last edited by deathwarden5; 04-22-2010 at 11:15 AM.
    Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car and oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car.
    Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall, torque is how far you take the wall with you.

  3. #3
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    i need to take apart something or i'll have an access?

  4. #4
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    Probably won't have to take it apart, but it will definitely involve creative uses of swearing to get it off.

  5. #5
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    I bought a set of "wobble" socket extensions just to get to that damn plug on the left bank. You just can't get on it with a ratchet or any wrench I own. You will see what I mean.

    BTW: the wobble extensions were about $15 at Harbor Freight
    chiefwej 2003 540i ///m-tech 6-speed Black Sapphire Metallic w/gray
    See: My REGISTRY PICTURES
    Mods:plate delete, debadged, 35% tint,euro console, Evans NPG (zero pressure cooling system), CDV delete, Rogue Octane SSK, RP Symcromax

  6. #6
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    there's another way to drain the coolant?

  7. #7
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    Interesting, I was wondering this same question.
    Thanks deathwarden.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by idan View Post
    there's another way to drain the coolant?
    Yes, because pulling the drain plug on the radiator only really drains the radiator and some of the hoses. The rest of the coolant is held in place by up-hill flows and the thermostat (which should be closed when you are draining coolant)
    Richard
    BMW Convert

    Let us redefine "progress" to mean that just because we CAN mod a thing, it does not necessarily follow that we MUST mod that thing.

  9. #9
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    540i Block coolant plugs

    Just got finished changing rad coolant and removing block plugs.

    Not difficult at all. Must have car up on jack stands or on a lift to get at the block drain plugs. Right side drains nearly twice the coolant as the left side.

    I ordered spare block plugs and washers to be safe but did not need them.

    Use some non hardening sealant on the plugs when putting them in. Got them finger tight and then used small flex head ratchet to tighten them up. Could not get torque wrench to fit.

    Next time I will take off the heat shields and hopefully get a better angle at the plugs

    Replacing the coolant was a breeze. Used HyperCool for WP lube and corrosion inhibitors. Burped the radiator and was done.

    The key is patience and determination for this project. Enjoy!!!!
    Thanks as always, Cheers !!

    George P. Burdell

  10. #10
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    Bump for the power of the search function. Getting ready to do valley pan gasket, water pump, thermostat, and a bunch of other gaskets on my 540i about to hit 85k miles. Was wondering where the coolant drain plugs in the block were and now I know. Very helpful!

  11. #11
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    can't you just use a hose to cycle through the coolant out of the engine block?

  12. #12
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    chiefwej 2003 540i ///m-tech 6-speed Black Sapphire Metallic w/gray
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  13. #13
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    I can't FIND the drain plugs? Where should I look once under my car?

    One post implies you must get stuff out of the way or its hard and another person says its an easy job...?

  14. #14
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    You failed to identify the model year of your car. If you have a MY 99+, the header may be in the way.

    On my car, the plug is tucked up behind the header. The right side is easier to get at, and will drain most of the coolant out, so much so that you don't really need to remove the left plug.

    The plug is 13 mm. Use a 3/8 ratchet and a 2.5 in extension to remove the right side plug, and 11.5 on the left side.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  15. #15
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    My bad Ed! It is a 540 with MY is 09/2000 . Headers or anything else for that matter being in the way is what I was worried about...

    Some post above mentioned it was a 14mm bolt. While searching, I found a bolt under the engine area but it was a 13mm so I kept looking. From your post maybe I did find it?

    'll try to provide a picture ASAP when I get under again just to make sure!

    Thank you.

  16. #16
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Just replied to your other post.
    Here's where the plug is on both sides.
    It's just above that horizontal bulge in the block, which is an oil distribution passage.


  17. #17
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    Thank you sir. Again, another post said it was a 14mm plug so I became skeptical if I had found it since the one I found was 13mm just as Ed told. Realoem also says its 14mm. Anyways, the picture helps a lot, thanks. I will update once I give this another go.

    I will order some new washers and screws just to be safe.

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