Replacing Cooling System (BMW e36): Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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May 13, 2010 4:57 p.m. scardeal Reader
A few questions (car is BMW e36 3 series):
1. About the most complicated work I've done myself on a car has been brake work: changing rotors, pads and replacing brake fluid. Does swapping in a new radiator, hoses, thermostat housing and water pump sound like it'll likely stump me?
2. Does it sound like I'm missing anything necessary in the coolant system? I want to effectively replace the whole shebang.
3. clutch fan
4. fluid
5. hoses, upper and lower
6. radiator
7. water pump
8. thermostat housing
9. thermostat
10. Any tips for flushing the old crud out of the block/heater core?
11. Opinions on the BimmerWorld kit?
PS - I do know about the Pelican Parts walkthrough, btw.
May 13, 2010 5:02 p.m. SupraWes Dork

There's also a bypass hose I would replace and the reservoir and coolant level sensor. Its all tied together in one mess and you want to change it all at once because its a pain.
May 13, 2010 5:43 p.m. aussiesmg SuperDork

Just did it all on the E46, definitely include the sensors, my coolant level sensor broke during the dismantle and the fan sensor O ring was bad
May 13, 2010 8:13 p.m. dj06482 Reader

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/e36-cooling-system-overhaul-notes/13016...

One thing I'd add is the belts (A/C and water pump). And I regret not replacing the overflow reservoir when I did everything else...
May 13, 2010 8:25 p.m. cliff95 New Reader

FWIW: just replacing the water pump on the e46 isn't a good idea - the overflow reservoir split the next workday when I did it that way.

I agree it's best to replace everything at once (including the heater core hoses - they don't look to be a fun replacement at the side of the road). Best thing is they are inexpensive when ordered online.
May 13, 2010 10:06 p.m. motomoron Reader
If you're getting aggro with the car it may be worth considering a Stewart water pump.

When I was pushing my '36 M3 over the cliff toward being a track car I replaced the whole mess w/:
- Stewart WP
- Zionsville AL race radiator w/ AL o'flow tank
- AL shroud + 16 SPAL 2 speed fan + 2 relay kits
- AL t'stat housing
- All hoses
- T'stat
- Fresh BMW coolant-distilled water-Redline Water Wetter
The temp gauge sits a tick below centered in the paddock after 30 minute track sessions at Summit Point and VIR in August.