Radiator bottom hose replacement

[Nick C]

I wonder if anyone can help?

My Z4 3.0i (2003, Manual), has been leaking coolant and it appears to be escaping from the bottom (offside) radiator hose, just where the rubber part of the hose joins the plastic section housing a temperature sensor.
My two areas of concern are

A. The strange hose end fitting - no Jubilee Clips, just a strange metal clip device I've never noticed before. How do these work?

B. The apparent lack of space. Has anyone replaced this hose themselves? Is there a procedure or technique or special tools required?

Also, is this a common failure point in the cooling system? The car has covered 60,000 miles and is 6.5 years old.

I feel ashamed asking for help with what should be a simple task! If it was a BMW E30, I could replace the hose in a few minutes.

Thank you.

 

[AlanJ]

Here's the link to the parts. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT52&mospid=47797&btnr=17_0249&hg=17&fg=05 At least the hose itself doesn't look too expensive. I've not had a chance to look at the clip fitting but would guess it's a contracting spring steel ring. There should be two lgs which you squeeze together to release the tension. There is a special tool for this but a decent pair of pliers should do the trick. No doubt others will provide more info and help but as a starter for 10.....

 

[Nick C]

I've just found Shipkillers superb write up on this very topic.

Thanks guys!