Water leak

[MarkG - E85]

Hi all, my Z4 has been losing a small amount of water for a while now and I've finally tracked it down to a pinhole leak in the expansion tank. I've got myself a new expansion tank ready to be fitted this weekend, but does anyone know the capacity of the cooling system? i.e how much coolant am i going to need to buy.

[bigwinn]

5 litres and a very small drop of distilled water to top up

[MarkG - E85]

Cheers bigwinn.

[enuff_zed]

MarkG - E85, you shouldn't lose all that much tbh.
I did one for Jock156 a week or two back and we only had to top up about 2.5 litres.
I put the front of the car up on ramps so I guess it prevented too much running out.

Just checking, you car's not an auto is it?

EDIT: looked through your previous posts and you've mentioned a clutch, so that's answered my question. No need to worry about the self-destructing oil cooler thermostat inside the bottom of the expansion tank then.

[MarkG - E85]

Cheers Enuff, no it's a manual box. I was planning on putting mine up to work on it so hopefully i won't lose that much.

[enuff_zed]

Cheers Enuff, no it's a manual box. I was planning on putting mine up to work on it so hopefully i won't lose that much.

When you disconnect the hoses you'll see one goes to the auxiliary pump on the left inner wing.
When you reconnect that make sure it is clear of the pulley on the front of the engine.
I think there's a clip under the air box if it needs to be held away.

[MarkG - E85]

Oh eck, i can see me messing this up

[enuff_zed]

Oh eck, i can see me messing this up

It's a 4-pot though, so loads of space to see what you're up to!
Take a good look before you start and all will be fine.

[Scubaregs]

Take pictures and video before you start, ideal for reference on reassembly.