Full coolant drain down, help needed

[Ladderman]

Could anyone recommend the best way to drain down as much old coolant as possible from my 3.0si engine. I know were the drain plugs are at the bottom of the rad, but this doesn't drains all the fluid. I don't think theirs a plug on the block either, so do I need to take off a hose near the pump? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Jl-c]

I think the official BMW way is a vacuum pump that empties the system then refills in reverse by using the tool and an air compressor. It’s a similar process to the 911. Manually I can’t help but indy’s may well have the tool?

 

[saj77]

You can remove the coolant hose from the thermostat.

See here for full guide.
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e85-z4-3.0si-roa/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-51-coolant-pump-with-drive/I1qdK1F

 

[Ladderman]

I think the official BMW way is a vacuum pump that empties the system then refills in reverse by using the tool and an air compressor. It’s a similar process to the 911. Manually I can’t help but indy’s may well have the tool?

Hi. I've had a look at those systems, but I'd need an compressor too. The costs would totally out way the need. The other option would to get a local garage to do it. I know it's a quick job so I don't think the labour costs would be too high.

 

[Ladderman]

You can remove the coolant hose from the thermostat.

See here for full guide.
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e85-z4-3.0si-roa/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-51-coolant-pump-with-drive/I1qdK1F

Great I'll give that a go

 

[saj77]

Bit more info - I’ve just done this when replacing the stat and water pump.

7.6 litres of G48 coolant required according to BMW spec.

And the guide for electronic bleed procedure.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e85-z4-3.0si-roa/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-51-coolant-pump-with-drive/OYeyvvP

Good luck

 

[Ladderman]

Bit more info - I’ve just done this when replacing the stat and water pump.

7.6 litres of G48 coolant required according to BMW spec.

And the guide for electronic bleed procedure.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e85-z4-3.0si-roa/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-51-coolant-pump-with-drive/OYeyvvP

Good luck

Yep I'll be using G48. Cheers

 

[saj77]

I used the same but the ready mixed version.

 

[AndyJB]

Is there something about this coolant that makes it the best for these engines? I have just picked up my first Z4 last week and would like to do a few preventative maintance jobs. I see a lot of talk about using BMW Blue coolant, but finding it is proving difficult, hence looking for good equivelants. Thanks!

 

[MKZ4000]

Go to a main BMW dealer. It’s cheap about £11

 

[AndyJB]

Thanks, will do.