Omar Khalid
The BMW E90 is a popular car model, but like any vehicle, it has its quirks and issues. One common problem that owners face is a leaky radiator, which can be caused by a faulty drain plug. The E90's plastic radiator is particularly prone to leaks, and many owners have shared their experiences and advice online on how to deal with this issue. Some suggest replacing the radiator entirely, while others offer tips on how to remove and replace the drain plug sleeve, which can be a tricky process due to the plastic parts involved. This article will explore the different approaches to draining and fixing the E90's plastic radiator, offering a comprehensive guide for owners facing this issue.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the drain plug sleeve
The E90 radiator is known to have a challenging drain plug sleeve to remove. The first step is to identify the parts involved. The blue screw is the drain plug, and the black screw holder is the drain plug sleeve.
To remove the drain plug sleeve, you will need to purchase a new one from a BMW dealer. This is because the sleeve comes free with a new radiator, and BMW has a policy of only selling certain parts with a complete assembly. The sleeve should not cost much, and you can call your local dealer to check if they have it in stock.
Once you have the new sleeve, you can attempt to remove the old one. It is important to be gentle during this process as the plastic parts can easily break. First, use a flathead screwdriver to release the upper radiator hose retaining clip. Leave the clip installed on the hose so you don't lose it. Then, disconnect the hose by pulling it straight off the oil filter housing. Be careful not to damage the hose as it is made of plastic.
With the hose disconnected, you should now have access to the drain plug sleeve. Push the new sleeve into the radiator by hand until it is flush against the radiator. Do not use tools for this step as too much force can break the plastic. You should then turn the sleeve clockwise until you hear a "click". This indicates that the sleeve is locked into place.
Finally, reconnect the upper radiator hose by pushing it back onto the oil filter housing and securing it with the retaining clip. Ensure that all parts are properly seated and locked before operating your vehicle.
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Disconnecting the upper and lower radiator hoses
First, ensure you are working with a cool engine to avoid any potential hazards or complications. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, carefully release the upper radiator hose retaining clip by prying it up. It is recommended to leave the clip installed on the hose to prevent misplacing it. Repeat this step for the lower radiator hose retaining clip.
Next, you will need to disconnect the hoses. Gently pull the upper hose straight off the oil filter housing. You may need to wiggle the hose a little to free it completely. Be cautious not to damage the hose, as it is made of plastic. Repeat this step for the lower hose, disconnecting it from the radiator fitting.
If your E90 has a quick disconnect housing, you will need to use two pairs of channel locks held in opposition. Be extremely careful not to exert any stress on the plastic radiator neck during this step. Gently pry open the old radiator hose quick disconnect. With patience and care, you should successfully disconnect the housing.
By following these steps, you will be able to disconnect both the upper and lower radiator hoses on your E90 radiator. Remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid any damage to the plastic components.
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Locating the leak
Firstly, check for any signs of coolant on the ground underneath the car. If there is coolant on the ground, use a flashlight to follow the trail of coolant to identify the source of the leak. The coolant could be leaking from various components of the cooling system.
If the coolant is leaking down the right side of the engine, the likely sources are the water pump or the thermostat. These are the two most common areas for leaks on the right side. On the left side of the engine, the coolant could be leaking from the coolant hoses or the oil filter stand/housing.
If you notice coolant leaking down the radiator, the radiator itself or one of the radiator hoses could be the culprit. Inspect the side tanks on the radiator for any signs of leaks or fresh coolant. Use a mirror to thoroughly inspect the bottom of the hoses and connections at the radiator.
In some cases, the radiator outlet temperature sensor, located on the right side of the radiator, could be the source of the coolant leak. Clean the area around the sensor and disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the wire release tab. Remove the sensor from the hose by squeezing the plastic locking tabs and pulling it out. Be prepared to catch any dripping coolant in a container.
Another potential source of a leak is the radiator drain plug. Check the area above and below the radiator for any signs of coolant leakage. If the leak is coming from the drain plug, you may need to replace it or use tape or plastic zip ties/hose clamps to seal the drain port.
If there is no external leak and the system is unable to hold pressure, there could be an internal leak, possibly from the head gasket. In this case, you would need to perform a cylinder sealing test to confirm the source of the leak.
It is important to thoroughly inspect all components of the cooling system and follow any traces of coolant to accurately locate the leak. Once the source of the leak is identified, you can proceed with the appropriate repair or replacement.
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Replacing the radiator
To replace the radiator on a BMW E90, start by removing the electric cooling fan. Then, using a flathead screwdriver, release the upper radiator hose retaining clip by prying it up. Leave the hose clip installed on the hose so you don't lose it. Next, disconnect the hose by pulling it straight off the oil filter housing. You may need to wiggle the hose to free it, being careful not to damage it as it is made of plastic.
Then, disconnect the hose from the radiator fitting. Be very careful not to exert any stress on the plastic radiator neck. Using two pairs of channel locks held in opposition, pry open the old radiator hose quick disconnect. If you are careful and patient, you will have successfully disconnected the E90 "quick disconnect" housing.
When installing a new radiator, make sure to get the correct sleeve for your model. The sleeve can usually be obtained from a BMW dealer and should not be too expensive. When installing the sleeve, turn it clockwise until you hear a "click". This indicates that it is locked into place.
It is recommended to replace the drain plug when changing the coolant, as the plastic parts are not made to last with the heat they undergo and can break easily. There are plenty of videos online that can guide you through the radiator replacement process for the BMW E90.
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Using the right tools
To drain an E90 plastic radiator, you will need a few specific tools. A flathead screwdriver will be needed to release the upper radiator hose retaining clip. You can leave the clip installed on the hose so you don't lose it. You will also need two pairs of channel locks to carefully pry open the old radiator hose.
When removing the drain plug, you will need a 3/4 wrench to secure the other part. This is because the other part has two plastic teeth, and if you turn it without the wrench, you may break the safety tooth and cause a leak.
The drain plug sleeve should be purchased from BMW, and when installing it, you should turn it until you hear a "click". This can be done by hand, but be careful not to use too much force as the plastic can easily break.
To perform an anti-coolant flush, you will need a bucket to collect the fluid.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a step-by-step process:
- Remove the electric cooling fan.
- Using a flathead screwdriver, release the upper radiator hose retaining clip by prying up. Leave the hose clip installed on the hose so you don't lose it.
- Disconnect the hose by pulling it straight off the oil filter housing. Be careful not to damage the hose since it is made of plastic.
- Disconnect the hose by pulling it off the radiator fitting.
- Drain the coolant by loosening the hose clamp/sliding the hose by the water pump/thermostat.
- Re-seat the drain plug with a new gasket and some RTV.
You will need a flathead screwdriver and two pairs of channel locks. You may also need a 3/4 wrench.
Be careful not to exert any stress on the plastic radiator neck. It is also recommended to work with a cool engine.
