BMW E46 Cooling System Leak Test

BMW E46 cooling system components include:

• Radiator and coolant overflow tank.

Pressure testing your BMW cooling system is the best way to find leaks. However, not everyone has a pressure tester. I would suggest acquiring one if you plan to maintain your own vehicles; it can save quite a bit of time when locating a cooling system leak. You can also check for leaks without a pressure tester, but results are less accurate and the procedure is time consuming. I will cover pressure testing in this tech article, as well as some tips on checking for leaks without using one.

A cooling system pressure tester is used to pressurize a cooling system and hold it at a specified pressure while looking for leaks. Coolant leaks can be internal (i.e.: head gasket) or external (i.e.: radiator). It is important to take these things into consideration when looking for a coolant leak. If you are losing coolant, but not seeing any on the ground, this would likely be an internal coolant leak. Puddles of coolant found under your vehicle would be from an external leak. Remember to properly clean any coolant that gets on the ground and properly dispose of it. Place a drain pan under suspected areas of leaks to minimize coolant spills.

E46 models develop coolant leaks toward the front of the engine, in places like the radiator outlet sensor, water pump and thermostat. Start your testing with a cool engine. If you do not find the leak, warm the engine with the pressure tester installed. At times, leaks will surface as parts expand from engine heat. Look for leaks at and around all the components listed above.

Do not remove the expansion tank cap to install the pressure tester while the engine is hot. Coolant or hot steam may escape and will scald you. To do any work on the cooling system, wait until the engine has cooled off.

Keep in mind that when your car was serviced before, parts may have been replaced with different size fasteners used in the replacement. The sizes of the nuts and bolts we give may be different from what you have, so be prepared with different size sockets and wrenches. 

Protect your eyes, hands and body from fluids, dust and debris while working on your vehicle. If you're working with the electrical system, disconnect the battery before beginning. Always catch fluids in appropriate containers and properly dispose of any fluid waste. Recycle parts, packaging and fluids when possible. Do not work on your vehicle if you feel the task is beyond your ability. 

Vehicle models change and evolve, as they grow older, so the vehicle shown in our illustrations may vary slightly from yours. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Do you have questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information.