I've got an 04 545i with the n62 V8 engine. I have to replace the thermostat, and would like to do a complete drain & fill using new coolant and distilled water.

My car is jacked up, and I've removed the two plastic bottom shields and the aluminum one, exposing the transmission. For the life of me, I cannot find the engine block drain plug. I have the Bentley manuals, and still cannot find it. It is reportedly on the left (driver's side) of the engine, and in the Bentley manual, They show it near a steering linkage, but when you get under there, the steering linkage is not really near the block.

Has anyone else had trouble with this?

Dean

 

The linkage in the picture is the steering column. #1 is the drain plug. You might have to remove part of the left (drivers) fender liner for visibility.

 

Actually, I did take the plastic panel off of the bottom of the inside wheel well, but I didn't have the wheel off. Tomorrow I will pull the wheel. If the drain plug is in this vascinity, this is going to be a very very messy job!

Thanks,
Dean

 

Hi Dean, how did you get on with this ? Did you manage to locate the plug and drain the coolant ?