Member
Hello All, I’m new to the forum but have had several BMW’s over time. This one has me stumped. I discovered a cooling leak dripping down behind my steering rack. When I got under the car and looked within my flash list I can see buildup on the side of the engine in the part with the kind of waffle pattern, I can’t seem to identify where the leak and be coming from.
Based on the build up it been going on for a while and about once every two weeks I have to top off the coolant, but the car never over heats.
Any hep or ideas or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I have 227,685 miles and she still runs like a beast!!
Wagon meister :)
BMW Tech Expert
Welcome to the Forum!
Yes there is a plastic pipe under the intake manifold that can crack/break if it gets messed with. I would take a guess as that is where it is coming from, have a look at the parts book: #6 and #8
Also it can leak because of an old O-ring too.
Darin
Current:
16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
Past:
95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
M-Flight Member
Jbird
The plastic expansion tank mounts on to a plastic plate so that could leak, the readiatot seams could leak or the plastic coolant pipes could leac, have a shop pressure test the coolant system and find it. If the pipes are original it might be the pipes
Member
I just replaced both plastic coolant on my e46 today. There is a high probability that is your leak. The intake manifold has to come off for those pipes.
If you find that is the issue you might as well buy a complete ccv system and get the brake booster lines if they are old since your intake is off.
Member
At that mileage I gave to concur with the others. Try www.bimrs.org to find a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers. Has the cooling system ever been overhauled? It needs to be done every 100k miles. The cooling system is the E46s Achilles heel. If you plan on keeping the car and if the cooling system hasn’t been done, now is the time. Be advised that installing aftermarket cooling system parts is strictly verboten. Go to FCPEuro to buy cooling system parts that are made by the suppliers to BMW.
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