How to Replace BMW E46 Expansion Tank

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Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
Video Mentioned (Replacing Cooling System): • BMW E46 Water Pump and...
In this video I show you how to change your BMW e46 expansion tank on a 2003 325i.
Vlog Channel: / @moreshoplife
Instagram: @ShopLifeTV
Disclaimer: Not sponsored Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. When using any of the affiliate links I may get compensated for any products purchased using the link. This compensation does not affect my views on the product.

Пікірлер: 351

  • @woodst408
    @woodst4082 жыл бұрын

    Thanks ...your explanation is to the point. I was asked $600 to exchange the bad reservoir. After watching your diy I muster the courage...I did it. You save me 600 dollars. Thanks!

  • @ShopLifeTV

    @ShopLifeTV

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice! thanks for watching glad I saved you money!

  • @U4Eye
    @U4Eye4 жыл бұрын

    After checking 20 videos this is the best one to see what you're doing because the other guys hold the camera in their hand you have somebody filming you that's better

  • @dylanbreceda4184

    @dylanbreceda4184

    3 жыл бұрын

    Try 50's kid he's the man!

  • @NorthernChev
    @NorthernChev Жыл бұрын

    Pro Tip: Plug the coolant level sensor on the bottom of the expansion tank in BEFORE you press the tank into place. You'll have a hell of a time doing it after, especially if you still have the original vent tube connected to your alternator in the way. Notice he shows you every step, but jump cut edited this one out...

  • @Hiddensubliminalt

    @Hiddensubliminalt

    10 ай бұрын

    And it’s crazy how he flips the expansion tank clip with the black tab that goes connected to the mounting play he flips it around real fast so u can’t see in which side it goes correctly

  • @ryley92

    @ryley92

    10 ай бұрын

    ​@@Hiddensubliminaltit's the same both ways

  • @krackNsmackk

    @krackNsmackk

    9 ай бұрын

    The coolant temp sensor is nowhere near the expansion tank it's over by the windshield wiper fluid side of the car

  • @HeterosexuaI

    @HeterosexuaI

    6 ай бұрын

    personally, i did it after placing it in and it took me about 2 minutes. that said, im skinny as hell and can fit my arms down the left side by the radiator fan and i imagine it would be near impossible if you can't

  • @robertfuchs4895
    @robertfuchs48952 жыл бұрын

    That is why I love looking for you when I repair anything on my BMW you are so detailed about everything that you do because that little sensor was destroyed underneath my expansion tank and I had no idea what it was but as soon as I watch your video you explain everything and now I am worry free thank you so much keep posting videos for us newbies to learn and save us some money

  • @ShopLifeTV

    @ShopLifeTV

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Robert! Glad to be a helpful resource for DIYers like yourself!

  • @markcos85anthony85

    @markcos85anthony85

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ShopLifeTV how much water do we pour inside? I don’t want to put too much water and not enough coolant?

  • @crystalearthh

    @crystalearthh

    4 ай бұрын

    Tiyto

  • @scottlake5280
    @scottlake5280 Жыл бұрын

    I was thinking of springing for the local dealer to swap this out. After watching this video I'm sure I have all the tools and it looks like it might take an hour. One of the service consultants at the local BMW dealer said - "Look, it's a simple repair" Go on youtube and there's probably a hundred videos on swapping the expansion tank. Just do it yourself, because we are going to charge a diagnostic, which is $230 to begin with. He said you can find parts just as good as this dodgy part on eBay and save yourself probably $500-700. Yours was the top video and I'm about 99% sure I'll be able to do this job in short time. Thank you. If I get this done for under a couple hundred I should probably take him a 6 pack. Thanks agai!

  • @deadassbeats1925
    @deadassbeats1925 Жыл бұрын

    your videos have saved me so much money but more importantly have taught me how to work on my car. i always recommend your vids to my friends that own bmws. your doing the lords work bro keep it up

  • @gordythecreator
    @gordythecreator Жыл бұрын

    DUDE! I had the hardest time finding someone to explain the coolant "REFILL PROCEDURE". You knocked-out 2-Birds with 1-video!

  • @ftby59mikeD
    @ftby59mikeD3 жыл бұрын

    Great video, this helped me with my 2004 Z4. You are one of the few who mentioned the need to run the heater during the bleed process, so thx!👍

  • @madjoemak
    @madjoemak3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. This video helped me a lot. I did this to my 318i with the m43 engine. Something to note with this engine is that there is some hose connected to the air filter box. Instead of disconnecting it, I just put the bottom half of the air box up on the top of the suspension and held it there with an s hook. That was I didn't have to disconnect anything unnecessary

  • @nashvilledaveb
    @nashvilledaveb7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for spending the time to put this video together....very helpful!

  • @steverabbits
    @steverabbits4 жыл бұрын

    The best video I've seen on replacing the expansion tank. It's almost identical on my E53 X5 (and X3 I believe?) I was going to do the job myself but I'm now doubting my ability to do it, quite a few things to possibly go wrong! Great video dude!

  • @donavonarchie8508
    @donavonarchie85087 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Great video. I am changing my expansion tank on a 2006 325ci tomorrow and this really helps. I love working on cars especially my own. Look forward to seeing more videos.

  • @vizion4
    @vizion46 жыл бұрын

    Best vid on KZread for this DIY. I had to use a spark plug extension to pry up the old tank from its mount while wiggling. Thanks!

  • @jawzzo6761
    @jawzzo67613 жыл бұрын

    man your channel has been a lifesaver since owning an m54

  • @slickill5738
    @slickill57386 жыл бұрын

    THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO. 2004 330ci . Subscribed. By far the best vid I found to help guide me thru the process.

  • @gcepic233
    @gcepic2336 жыл бұрын

    Hey man great video! You saved us a great deal, on the road from Maryland to Florida, keep up the great work!

  • @o23hippy
    @o23hippy7 жыл бұрын

    I want to thank you for this video. You made this DIY easy and you did it without requiring fan and shroud removal! it was easy to follow and explained perfectly. Thanks so much for posting this video.

  • @ShopLifeTV

    @ShopLifeTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Glad I could help!

  • @jskorpzz

    @jskorpzz

    6 жыл бұрын

    awesome video and you made it easy to follow just too cool mate.

  • @jerryo6497
    @jerryo64975 жыл бұрын

    Hey same here.....mine was stuck tight. Tried levering off of the radiator support panel with a tyre leaver but still wouldn't budge. I thought I would bust something for sure. Had a bright idea and got a thin piece of wood like a wooden rule and put it down with the end on the bottom fitting that is jammed into the bottom of the tank and gently gave it 20 -30 taps with a hammer and it seemed to loosen it as it came out quite easily then and didn't break anything. Also had problems getting the top double fitting back onto the new tank.....wouldn't go on far enough to get the clip to insert and hold.....found there was a small piece of broken off tank in the small fitting preventing it from going right on......managed to fish it out with some angle circlip pliers. Great video :-) always come here for diy advice..... simple straight forward and condensed :-) keep up the great work.

  • @boudithehunter1320
    @boudithehunter13205 жыл бұрын

    Dude you are one of the best bmw professional online I like your work it’s clean and straight Can you please put link for the parts so we can buy them online thank you

  • @pcorbin4729

    @pcorbin4729

    3 жыл бұрын

    I use PelicanParts.com for my BMW

  • @themysticmariner1959
    @themysticmariner19595 жыл бұрын

    Great job, crystal clear video and easy to follow instructions!

  • @luludova5460
    @luludova54604 жыл бұрын

    I like that you get right to the point and don’t waist time

  • @showmestuff7868
    @showmestuff78683 жыл бұрын

    Thankyou for this, it is very clear and the best I could find- by a long shot! Its great to find someone who is a good mechanic and great vidoegrapher and presenter. I have been taping up my tank, now it is mostly tape but I have the parts and will have a go. I love my old bmw like a retired workhorse, it is sad I know... Can you please do a vid on fixing back window? I tried fixing mine but then it got stuck partially open again, thanks!

  • @markedwards6025
    @markedwards60256 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the vid and the advice on the oil cooler thermostat....ordered a new one when i ordered the new expansion tank just incase and yes it did snap in half!!! But thanks to your advice I was prepared. Not too bad a job to do, although like others have said the tank didnt come off as easily as yours seemed to, but with a little wiggling and pulling it came off in the end!!!

  • @kingvirginiaverg7528

    @kingvirginiaverg7528

    4 жыл бұрын

    How’d you get the thermostat out from the car? The half is stuck and if I try pulling it out it just breaks a piece of the thermostat

  • @taharbenseddik5607
    @taharbenseddik56073 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the more than good explanation. And, of course, the sharing in order to watch it by the own eyes. Greetings from The Netherlands.

  • @donaldlane6814
    @donaldlane68146 жыл бұрын

    Good job, Jason! Perfect instructions without unnecessary vulgarities and wasted time of other guys. Thank you! You ROCK!

  • @KeeksSecretGarden
    @KeeksSecretGarden3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the video. I have the same problem happening with my car. Will use your video as a guide. Much appreciated.

  • @voiceentertainment8339
    @voiceentertainment8339Күн бұрын

    Beautiful work-thank you sharing knowledge 😊

  • @kylenewman28
    @kylenewman2810 ай бұрын

    very helpful, walked me through the few tricky parts of this easy job, thank you!

  • @seanm5282
    @seanm52825 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! My ATF thermostat broke off clean-nothing to grab on to. Had to drill a pilot hole in top, insert screw, pull out with pliers.

  • @con5818
    @con58182 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much. Massively appreciate all the unique positives you created, which others highlighted. Wish you all the best on future endeavors!

  • @ShopLifeTV

    @ShopLifeTV

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!! Glad to be a part of such a supportive community!

  • @raymundoresendiz331
    @raymundoresendiz3315 жыл бұрын

    Thank you brother 💯 percent perfect in 10 minutes ready 👌

  • @rockysenatore9682
    @rockysenatore96822 жыл бұрын

    Auto Trans Oil Cooler Thermostat. Who knew??!! I live in Alaska, (not Anchorage, the real, middle of nowhere, Alaska), and getting parts means ordering them and waiting at least week. You just saved me a ton of time, thanks!

  • @edgetechautomotive459
    @edgetechautomotive4596 жыл бұрын

    Great video, clear, concise, helpful. cheers!

  • @nadroj6269
    @nadroj62692 жыл бұрын

    Saved me a $200 install fee on a $46 part. Thank you so much

  • @petersgarage6125
    @petersgarage61254 жыл бұрын

    Very clear instructions on how to complete this diy. Thank you

  • @Michael-cy7lb
    @Michael-cy7lb3 жыл бұрын

    You are awesome! Thanks for the education and for helping me save a bunch of money.

  • @gregkimura5906
    @gregkimura59062 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Very thorough and some good tips.

  • @chesterjones9565
    @chesterjones95655 жыл бұрын

    Great video, I would add that it's sometimes easier to access the retainer clip and coolant level sensor from the bottom and also to reconnect the sensor plug before reinstalling the expansion tank

  • @Staygoldfarms
    @Staygoldfarms3 жыл бұрын

    Incredibly detailed video. Thank you for sharing

  • @twentyfivenhot
    @twentyfivenhot7 жыл бұрын

    I watched vlog #15 till #34 today and then i found out it stopt hahaha, great stuff. Love the videos. i'm cathing up/ soon hopefully an owner of a 330xi E46 Touring Greetings from the Netherlands

  • @989782
    @9897823 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You make a great instructor!

  • @Contribuablevener
    @Contribuablevener3 жыл бұрын

    hello, tanks for your videos. Help me a lot with my olds 316i and 320i !

  • @jesussavescars807
    @jesussavescars8077 жыл бұрын

    have to do this in x3 and radiator may just be this part leaking some were around that area gonna find out tomorrow thanks for the video and ECS is in my town I know the owner good guy

  • @GotEmAll1337
    @GotEmAll13374 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video quality and detail of explanation. This is why I love KZread. +1

  • @kamemotorsports8741
    @kamemotorsports87413 жыл бұрын

    Great tutorial, massive help man, thanks!

  • @1tom35
    @1tom35 Жыл бұрын

    Great video, watched a few, yours was thorough 😊

  • @martsmarts
    @martsmarts2 ай бұрын

    Amazing how yours popped out so easy. Mine was HARD

  • @stoneroses22
    @stoneroses22Ай бұрын

    This video really helped me replace my expansion tank on my 330ci. Thank you

  • @StevenB31327
    @StevenB313272 жыл бұрын

    Really useful video thank you, just bought a 330ci and it has a slight coolant leak coming from the bottom of the tank 👍

  • @pographics81
    @pographics81 Жыл бұрын

    This was super helpful. Thank you

  • @BitLateMusic
    @BitLateMusic4 жыл бұрын

    thank you for mentioning about the oil cooler thermostat breaking. Mine broke and was freaking out lmao

  • @mihaitzqbogdanudrea1304

    @mihaitzqbogdanudrea1304

    3 жыл бұрын

    How do you know if its broken or not? O recently did this operation on my bmw but didnt pay attention to the thermostat. Thanks!

  • @xDistortionx1

    @xDistortionx1

    3 жыл бұрын

    It would be in half that’s how you know it’s broken.

  • @smartassboy

    @smartassboy

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think mine got plugged by some stupid leak sealer previous owner poured into the expansion tank. I just removed the transmission heat exchanger and it has some residue inside. My transmission is overheating because of this

  • @litaj5267

    @litaj5267

    4 ай бұрын

    anyone know if the oil cooler thermostat being broken would cause a coolant leak???

  • @urielliquidano7112
    @urielliquidano71122 жыл бұрын

    Thanks my dude 🤙🏽🤙🏽 helped out a lot

  • @dannycarlsen2202
    @dannycarlsen22026 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Very informative and you covered everything I needed. Thanks for pointing out how to bleed the system and that this may cause the heater to not work.

  • @koreanfreak7433
    @koreanfreak74332 жыл бұрын

    Having a manual saved me money for the first time, too bad that 60 is going into other repairs😪 bmw’s man.

  • @RetapitarecanapeleRoTapiter
    @RetapitarecanapeleRoTapiter6 жыл бұрын

    Very helpfull, thanks, i did it to my 318i E46

  • @terencepierce8488
    @terencepierce8488 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent. I did not know any of that until now! Terry UK

  • @ezekielreyes9147
    @ezekielreyes91476 жыл бұрын

    This video help me a lot thank you so much

  • @mikealicious3848
    @mikealicious38488 ай бұрын

    Good video. I definitely believe in replacing the low quality plastic parts with an aluminum upgrade and OEM rubber hoses with the high quality silicone ones (if available) is a must to increase reliability to make ownership easy as possible.

  • @Gleem4L

    @Gleem4L

    4 ай бұрын

    Aluminum is cool for more “fun applications”…but in my experience if you’re not pushing the car super hard or doing fun activities with it all the time I’d stay OEM+. If you replace everything plastic with aluminum your weakest point in your cooling system is now your headgasket!

  • @slickill5738
    @slickill57386 жыл бұрын

    OF COURSE my automatic transmission oil cooler thermostat was broken like you said. Would've been nice if removal/install of that part was included in this video. Didn't see instructions in your linked video. Thanks again

  • @CharleyMarionsMusic
    @CharleyMarionsMusic2 жыл бұрын

    great video! It would be nice to have those thermostats and sensors identified so we don't have to look for them all over... it would help a great deal...

  • @prb-vp9ku
    @prb-vp9ku6 жыл бұрын

    Very well explained Thankyou.

  • @davidarchila6617
    @davidarchila66177 жыл бұрын

    Your awesome Bro keep making BMW e46 videos

  • @syednasirsyedharun7043
    @syednasirsyedharun70432 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, fot the info and training...

  • @vviiper
    @vviiper7 жыл бұрын

    Good video @ShopLifeTV - I recently did my system excluding the return hose that goes to the expansion tank. It's never mentioned in the cooling overhaul guides - is that because it doesn't usually go bad?

  • @filiplovisek1158
    @filiplovisek11583 жыл бұрын

    Evan a shop life, Best online mechanics to answer your questions in their vids.

  • @switchoff64
    @switchoff646 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video. It helped a lot. But the oil cooler thermostat for the auto transmission did break in half like you mentioned. It was late Sunday so I didn’t replace it. It’s currently missing with everything hooked back up. What’s the disadvantage of not replacing it?

  • @abel2909
    @abel29097 жыл бұрын

    thanks dude. very good video.

  • @treyslaps9974
    @treyslaps99742 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for being the only one who helped me do this. QUESTION: there is (what looks like) a piece of styrofoam at the bottom of the red straw in my new coolant tank, do I leave that in? I just installed it to look down and see it in there. Is that packaging or is it part of the coolant tank and should I leave it in there? Please help, thank you

  • @PepeDaily
    @PepeDaily7 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. Please can you do bmw e46 replacing rear wheel bearing? I'm going to do this with a special tool. But when I remove the half driveaxle shaft with e14, is there something I need to be aware of?

  • @miikaairas1372
    @miikaairas13723 жыл бұрын

    Thank you man!

  • @ghostshadow6628
    @ghostshadow66283 жыл бұрын

    AWESOME STUFF!

  • @mrscrewu1199
    @mrscrewu11995 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, thanks

  • @u387714
    @u3877144 жыл бұрын

    Great Job - thanks!

  • @jasonl5589
    @jasonl55897 жыл бұрын

    5:29 That looked too easy.. when I did mine, omg it was the hardest part of the diy. It just won't come out. I had to struggle with it for 45 minutes or so, trying to pry the tank out..etc Great video as always

  • @FAIRBOY11

    @FAIRBOY11

    6 жыл бұрын

    Mine also will not come out, what I did is unbolted it together with mounting plate that mounts to the radiator, p/n 17111436251, after that it is much easier to do it on the table to separate those two.

  • @petec7100

    @petec7100

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mine was completely stuck and I've hardly managed to pull it out with water pump pliers grabbing it by the collar!

  • @NealFosterHD

    @NealFosterHD

    4 жыл бұрын

    Just like that you say... 1 hour and still not out

  • @mordfustang1933

    @mordfustang1933

    4 жыл бұрын

    I agree VERY tough to pull out. I used a socket on the end of an extension and tapped the bottom of the tank, of course I took the temp sensor out beforehand as well. Worked like a charm.

  • @nocount7517

    @nocount7517

    4 жыл бұрын

    I was lifting the front of the car, trying to do it how he did. WD-40 isn't helping.

  • @armandosantiago3771
    @armandosantiago37715 ай бұрын

    Excellent video...

  • @gilbertarcilla7070
    @gilbertarcilla70707 жыл бұрын

    thanks buddy..well said

  • @gsmecanica
    @gsmecanica7 жыл бұрын

    Did you bleed the system with your car jacked at front?

  • @pwnfromabove
    @pwnfromabove5 жыл бұрын

    thank you for thre articulate help

  • @407_ryan8
    @407_ryan8 Жыл бұрын

    huge help thx

  • @LuisAngel-eh8si
    @LuisAngel-eh8si4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks bro 🔥💪🏼

  • @danbouwer1954
    @danbouwer19542 жыл бұрын

    Thanks my guy. Done

  • @ellis4066
    @ellis40666 жыл бұрын

    the expansion tank is very hard to pull out but it just takes about 10 minuets of maneuvering and lifting and eventually it will break free, also it is hard to push back in but eventually it will work

  • @bravadoplayz630
    @bravadoplayz6304 жыл бұрын

    hey there is 2 holes on the bottom beside the sensor. One of the holes if for the thermostat that breaks, but what about the other hole? I saw a video of a guy that seemed to remove one more hose than u. Maybe his was a manual? Does the automatic car only have the top hoses (radiator and the tank) and the one on the bottom? and of course the pin and the sensor to dissconect? or does it have another hose? Ik its kinda years later, but hopefully some1 will answer! Thanks

  • @joemartinez8211
    @joemartinez82115 жыл бұрын

    What is the sensor that you said needed to be replaced if it was an automatic? I have an 04 330ci and the expansion tank cracked today, so i'm going to replace it tomorrow. Thanks and great video.

  • @frederickweeks4962
    @frederickweeks49622 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man. DEFINITELY appreciate the video. Do you have a video on water pump and thermostat replacement on the same car as well?

  • @ShopLifeTV

    @ShopLifeTV

    2 жыл бұрын

    yes i do!

  • @biz4twobiz463
    @biz4twobiz4637 жыл бұрын

    Another fab video! Only, IMHO, shouldn't this process just include a radiator flush as well? Plus, a more precise measurement of the 50 / 50 coolant should be observed.

  • @kngdvid3382
    @kngdvid33826 жыл бұрын

    Thank you..n many BLESSINGS

  • @rainvillecreative5410
    @rainvillecreative54104 жыл бұрын

    Should my aux water pump be running when I do this? Or is it only when the car is off? I can't get it to turn on, but I'm not too worried if it'll bleed just fine with the engine running.

  • @YourAverageFNAF_Edits
    @YourAverageFNAF_Edits5 жыл бұрын

    Good tip thank you

  • @Victor-DOOM
    @Victor-DOOM Жыл бұрын

    Great video I don't think I pushed down enough water runs straight out and the Clip at the bottom won't Clip in

  • @mirceabenga4892
    @mirceabenga48924 жыл бұрын

    thank you very much!

  • @Inkassie
    @Inkassie5 жыл бұрын

    Nice guide man! But just one question? I have the same expansion tank for my 318i but i don't have that bottom hose? They butchered some rubber cap on it. but am not sure where i have to connect that bottom hose, i have a constant leakage problem when i have to make long distance trips. Could you perhaps show where that bottom hose should be ending on the engine?

  • @fjwong7337
    @fjwong73376 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video like everybody says! Thank you. It would help much if you could have also demonstrated how to take/remove the AT oil cooler thermostat off, and show the broken one vs the replacement. Yours broken right? Below your video, there is an ad for a thermostat for $15.79 from AutohausAZ. It's a simple thermostat that an off brand should last for a few years. What symptom will the display show when the AT thermostat is broken or is bad?

  • @yookukson8200
    @yookukson82005 жыл бұрын

    you are great very much understand your work and explain how you do

  • @ShopLifeTV

    @ShopLifeTV

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @James-Gustafson
    @James-Gustafson3 жыл бұрын

    I was wondering what the automatic transmission thermostat thing was. thank you

  • @luisgrimaldo8625
    @luisgrimaldo86252 жыл бұрын

    For the automatic transmission oil cooler thermostat , you mention it usually breaks for automatics when you pull the tank out, now is it the same thing for standards as well??

  • @kaamiljahmezjaanfoster5795
    @kaamiljahmezjaanfoster57957 жыл бұрын

    I have a question I did everything right but it's still leaking from somewhere at the bottom. I think it's from the heater core thing that connects to the mounting plate it has o rings around all 3 things do I need to change them ?

  • @chris24hdez
    @chris24hdez6 жыл бұрын

    Is the ATF cooler thermostat failure a major cause of slipping transmission?

  • @mr.extrabodo9268
    @mr.extrabodo92687 жыл бұрын

    Good job!!

  • @1BMWdrvr1
    @1BMWdrvr17 жыл бұрын

    Should the cooling system be "bled" by partially opening the bleed screw as part of maintaining the cooling system? Just thinking that is something I could do to keep things in the best shape poasible. Also, please, I had the dealer do the expansion tank, hoses, radiator etc., at 60k. It has 100k now. Is that tank something that needs replacing again? Or is the new BMW expansion tank designed to last longer? I can't afford to get stuck on the side of the road due to health issues. Thank you for any information...

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