As the famous saying goes prevention is better than cure, yes and here prevention is much easier and can be undertaken before a complete breakdown. As a matter of fact, cooling systems when operated and handled effectively can go a long way in serving you a great deal however on the other hand on the event that one does not know how to handle the BMW cooling system it will turn to be a nightmare for you.
The BMW cooling system is a key feature in the engine, its responsible for keeping the vehicle’s engine at the correct temperature, this is achieved by the system circulating a coolant through the vehicle’s engine and picking up the heat then passing it in a radiator to make it coo down with air. Furthermore, the coolant gets to pass through the thermostat valve to regulate the flow as well as perhaps over the temperature sensor which regulates external cooling fans of air.
Three main parts that make up the system:
BMW Water Pump
Pumping functionality of the BMW cooling system is effectively taken care by its water pump, which is mainly tasked to keep the coolant mixture moving throughout the engine. In many of the vehicles, theirs is a secondary electric water pump that is in cooperated to improve cooling and coolant flow however in this case the BMW water pump is gear or call it belt driven. The drive belt is core to the pump as its one responsible for turning it. If you are conversant with the new cars currently on the market, this is the one commonly known as the timing belt. On the other hand, in older vehicles, the belt, as well as the pump, are positioned externally and thus run off the main crankshaft pulley with a flat or V-shaped belt.
The cooling BMW system pumping mechanism is maintained through a limited replacement of the coolant, replacement of the drive belt as well as adjusting the tension of the belt this is specific for the external type. Timing-belt-driven pumps ought to be always be replaced at the same time as the timing belt as well as the tensioner.
BMW Hose
The BMW cooling system’s piping is made up of all hoses, some control valves, the radiator, the heater core, last but not the least the expansion tank. Due to the material used as well as the regular getting in contact with the coolant, each and every part of the cooling system gets worn out more from time compared to usage.
A look at the maintenance of the cooling system piping, key and most important is the regular replacement of the coolant, a change in each and every hose on a scheduled scheme and lastly a change to any leaking or plugged part.
It is really important to have all the hoses on your cooling system checked, let’s say twice a year on the lower side for cracks, abrasions, flexibility and if there is any even slight leakage. At the time you are draining your coolant to have a new one put or when having the engine undergo checkups and repair, any hoses that not up to the task should be changed. All hoses should also be changed once in few years’ time
The expansion tanks radiators, heater cores as well as the control valves are usually just replaced because of plugging or leakage. The current state of these vital parts ought to be evaluated by a BMW expert as ideal functioning is key to many other systems within your BMW automotive.
BMW Thermostat
the BMW cooling system’s temperature is made up of control namely: the thermostat, coolant temperature sensors, the radiator, cooling fan and fan clutch that is if it’s equipped with these above-mentioned controls do operate independently of the engine, however, have much control on the engine by sending control signals to the BMW electric systems or by extensively cooling it.
The thermostat is more like a valve a spring loaded one that opens up and closes depending on the coolant temperature flowing in it.
A record of high temperature followed by a subsequent drop in the normal temperature is the first common sign of a spiking thermostat. Nonetheless, some other conditions may result in these same symptoms, so you ought to tell how to disregard each possibility.
The expansion tank cap famously known as the radiator is a loaded spring valve that responds to the system pressure. Its tasked with the responsibility of maintaining the required level of the system coolant at the predetermined pressure. It has to be always replaced with the same particular replacement cap at the same pressure setting.
A belt-driven fan blade that is tasked with the responsibility of pulling air through the expansion tank cap is normally on the pulley of the water pump and is supposed to poses a fan clutch to regulate it The fan clutch is meant to allow the fan to rotate with the belt at a low engine speed and free wheel at higher speeds.
An electric fan can be either by itself or auxiliary. Both modes are controlled by a temperature sensor – in the upper radiator hose or the radiator or on the thermostat lastly or on water pump housing. This particular sensor is commonly an on/off type switch having a fixed constant temperature setting.
Other common temperature sensors are
1) gauge sender that has a variable output
2) warning light sender, the on/off type
3) lambda or the fuel injection sensor is variable to regulate fuel injection settings
4) thermo-time switch
Temperature regulation is vital to both performances as well as emission control. Regrettably, this cooling system is amoung the hardest to troubleshoot in the absence of proper equipment. It’s even more hard with computers that are meant to adjust idle speed, vacuum, timing and fuel delivery mechanically to make up for possibly faulty temperature sensor signals.
10 Important Tips to Remember Below are ten key important tips to help you maintain and make sure that your cooling system is up to task
- BMW Engine Compartment: Have the engine, engine compartment, radiator fins as well as the grill, as spotless as possible. An engine that is clean runs more smoothly and is ease to work on
- BMW Coolant: Always have the coolant replaced at or before the factory recommended time spans with the correct type, the mixture as well as the volume of the coolant and allow to the BMW coolant system to clear itself of the air just before installing the radiator’s cap.
- BMW Cooling Hose: Have all the cooling system hoses replaced- lower and upper radiator hoses, heater hoses, bypass hoses, manifold hoses inclusive of all other hoses present on the vehicle – each time you suspect there might be an issue? You should have all hoses replaced at least in two years time
- BMW Thermostat: Has the thermostat replaced with the default temperature setting? However, electronics in your BMW vehicle can use the settings for other controls. You should not exchange under any conditions.
- BMW Radiator Tank Cap: Have the expansion tank cap or call it radiator replaced with the default pressure configuration as well as the OE-type comparable. Some aftermarket replacements do not cover and hold pressure effectively on the foreign-manufactured vehicle.
- BMW Water Pump Belt: Replace or adjust the water pump BMW drive belt externally at advisable intervals or more regularly, if need be Check the belts each time you’re working on the coolant system components.
- Has your water pump replaced with an OES/OEM pump just at the first signal of worry or when you have the tensioner or the timing belt changed? Watch for any slight of excessive heating, am sure you wish not to have your BMW break down the middle of the hot sun when the water pump abruptly fails.
- Have the fan clutch replaced and fan blade as required. The BMW’s temperature gauge on the dashboard is often the best teller as to when one needs to have the fan clutch changed.
- BMW Temperature Sensor: Check out the temperature sensors and have them replaced as stated by diagnosis. Have the BMW experts handle you temperature sensors as they have the right skills to handle it effectively.
- BMW Maintenance: Keep your BMW auto properly maintained since they effect timing, exhaust idle speed as well as all systems that depend on the engine’s temperature. The BMW cooling system is made in such a way that ensures all other systems are operating properly.
The Cooling BMW System Parts Shopping List
This item should miss on your BMW vehicle shopping list
1. Coolant 2. BMW Water Pump 3. BMW Thermostat 4. Water Pump BMW Drive Belt V-shaped 5. BMW Hoses 6. BMW Radiator 7. Expansion Tank 8. Heater Core 9. Control Valves 10. Sensors for temperatures, as applicable 11. Radiator 12. Fan Clutch –
Don’t Forget:
- Repair articles are added regularly.
- Come back frequently to check for new maintenance topics.
- Please seek the help of a professional BMW mechanic for all repair problems beyond your capabilities.