Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Expansion tank stuck

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Hanover,PA
    Posts
    15
    My Cars
    2004 325I

    Expansion tank stuck

    Hi. I am replacing the expansion tank in my 2004 BMW 330XI. Got everything out. Pulled out the bottom clip & disconnected the coolant level sensor. But man o man I cannot budge the tank. Any tips shy of dynanite? Thanks,

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    54,655
    My Cars
    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    Moved to E46 forum
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,934
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    Do yourself a favor and buy the expansion tank bracket. It’s not that you won’t get the tank off, it’s that the bracket is in need of replacement after all the years and heating/cooling cycles. You’ll sleep better at night, too.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Peoria, AZ
    Posts
    7,696
    My Cars
    03 zhp, 97 e36m3, 04 zhp
    Quote Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini View Post
    Do yourself a favor and buy the expansion tank bracket. It’s not that you won’t get the tank off, it’s that the bracket is in need of replacement after all the years and heating/cooling cycles. You’ll sleep better at night, too.
    And if your's in an auto, buy transmission thermostat too which sits right under expansion tank in the bracket Marco mentioned.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,934
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    ^^^this^^^!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Millis, MA
    Posts
    147
    My Cars
    2002 325xi
    Just a quick couple of questions about the coolant level sensor (I have a 2002 325xi, so OP and I have essentially the same car; mine is a manual). I recently bought a new one and it came with a black sheath over it. The old one I pulled out had no sheath over it. Do I keep the sheath on? And when I plugged in the new sensor, the wire didn't "clip" into place like it's supposed to. I examined the new sensor for possibly missing that little plastic tongue that allows the pig-tail to clip into place, but it isn't missing any plastic. And the pig-tail appears undamaged as well, yet I can plug and unplug the coolant level sensor with ease, without having to press on the pig-tail at all. I can just pull it right out. And my coolant level sensor light is on I think because of this. But I can't be sure since the wire doesn't feel like it seats fully. Every time I open my expansion tank, the bauble comes up to indicate it's full, so I doubt it's ACTUALLY low on coolant.

Similar Threads

  1. stuck expansion tank hose
    By Fcoolbreeze in forum 1999 - 2006 (E46)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 03-21-2016, 11:28 AM
  2. Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-08-2014, 11:47 AM
  3. Expansion tank cap stuck!
    By Sean15 in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-26-2013, 08:20 PM
  4. Help--318is Coolant Expansion Tank--Stuck
    By buffalobrown in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 03-26-2012, 09:03 PM
  5. radiator and expansion tank replacement
    By sealbeach740 in forum 1995 - 2001 (E38)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 04-22-2003, 08:27 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •