M62tub44

[Rocket rob]

Got a leak (coolant)and its driving me insane no coolant on floor when I check 1st thing in the morning and only losing a dessert spoon every 2 to 3 days no overheating no white smoke engine is a peach iv checked top n bottom hoses they are also brand new checked underneath checked rad checked back of engine checked heater matrix carpets bone dry front and back haven't the foggiest so if anyone can help it would be much appreciated 2003 the engine petrol v8 4.4 N/A .

[bmwdirtracer]

Check the inside of the transmission bellhousing, where it meets the engine block. There are two small (~1") gaps where you can look upwards. You're looking for crusty, blue/white residue. There is a cover plate at the very rear of the engine for the cooling passages.

Mainly though, when looking for a coolant leak, you need to pressurize the system. A good BMW shop will have the adapter cap for your car, and a special pump to pressurize it, so you can find the leak.

[bmwdirtracer]

EDIT:

Here's a link to an 11 year old thread of mine, showing the hidden potential leak spot:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ks-w-ugly-pics

[Rocket rob]

Thanks for the reply and how fast it was I will most definitely check inside the bell housing but I also noticed as I pulled up on my drive I turned off the car locked up and as I walked round the front of the car I got a wiff of something and put my nose to the front grill and I could smell coolant you know that sweet smell so I'm wondering if it could be the rad but then you would most probably see coolant underneath on the floor its booked in for a pressure test next week ps the car im talking about is a range rover l322 2003 4.4 v8 with the bmw beast under the hood also have a 323i e36 with the m52 engine (dreaded plastic rocker cover) 😆 thanks for the info 👍👍

[dworthy]

If the radiator is original, then yes they do like to leak around the end caps as the seals go bad over time, which tends to be around 15 years. If it's towards the top and on the side facing the radiator support, it would be very hard to see and the leaking, if just a small amount, would dry before hitting the belly pan.