Replacing cooling system on N52

[Ohio_Guy]

2006 3.0si with 6 speed

I’ve had my Bimmer for a couple years now. The cooling system failed last November as soon as it hit 80K miles.

I drove it for a minute or two in the overheated condition. I did a cylinder leakdown test a few days later, and it appeared to be O.K. So I think the head gasket is O.K.

Since then it’s been sitting in the barn on a trickle charger. But the weather is finally starting to get nice here in Ohio, and I want to get it back on the road soon. So I ordered all new parts: water pump, radiator, thermostat, expansion tank, hoses, clamps, bolts, belt tensioner, o-rings, etc. (Thanks BimmerBum!)

I’ve done a lot of work to cars over the past 30 years, but this Bimmer is a new to me. Where to start? Is there a good online guide on how to replace all these things? Or should I just start digging in to it? Are any special tools required?

Thanks.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

The cooling system failed

More like just the pump. Easy enough job just to do that but might as well do the thermostat while there (though they don't tend to fail).
Belt tensioner won't be needed as the pump is electric.

 

[Ohio_Guy]

Belt tensioner won't be needed as the pump is electric.

Agree. But it was recommended I replace since I'm doing all this other stuff anyway.

 

[Mr Tidy]

A couple of minutes "in the red" should be fine.

When the water pump died on my first 3.0Si at 60K miles I drove it more than 5 miles - no way was I going to stop on an unlit dual-carriageway with a 70mph limit!

It did go into limp mode but was fine after it got a new pump fitted.

 

[Ohio_Guy]

Thanks.

So no special tools required?

 

[140KZ4]

Any luck with your cooling system replacement? Need to do same here in SC.