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can you help? engine/cylinder coolant drain plug

 
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gig



Joined: 05 May 2007
Posts: 5
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 4:36 pm    Post subject: can you help? engine/cylinder coolant drain plug Reply with quote

Hey guys,

I really need your help. I own a 1999/2000 E46 318i.
Today I've been trying to sort out my coolant and radiator. I've got a haynes manual and started following the instructions. I've drained the coolant from the radiator by removing the radiator drain plugs. Then I ran into trouble.
I have spent most of the day trying to find the engine/cylinder drain plug and just cant find it. Am I an idiot as I cannot find it despite hours of looking. I even looked for photos online and still cant find it.
Can anyone help and tell me where it is (photographs would be good). The photos i have seen are either not very clear or are of a 325 and are different.

What and where am i looking?
Is it a metal or plastic plug i am looking for?
Is it a screw or a nut requiring a wrench?

I also hear that on some models there are 2 engine drain plugs. one on either side. how do i know if i have 2 and where is the other?

Please please post if you can help me guys. Im desperate. I'd like to be able to do this myself and I cant drive to a garage anyway as I have drained the radiator!!

thanks in advance

gig
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edjack



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Posts: 3887
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 5:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The block drain plug is under/behind the exhaust manifold. It's a large hex-headed plug, about midway along the block. Only V engines have two plugs.

While you have the plug out, consider painting the head white.
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Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.
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gig



Joined: 05 May 2007
Posts: 5
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 3:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers edjack!

I managed to find it with your help and get the job done. Feels very satisfying.


Thanks again

gig
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higgi



Joined: 04 Nov 2006
Posts: 13

PostPosted: Mon May 21, 2007 11:44 am    Post subject: 1 or 2 drain plugs Reply with quote

I have a Haynes manual too, and it shows 2 radiator drain plugs (not including the one on the block) but I only can find one on my 2000 323
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edjack



Joined: 04 Feb 2002
Posts: 3887
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Mon May 21, 2007 12:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Different rads have different configs. Some don't even HAVE a drain plug!
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Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.
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