Coolant tank cracked..
#11
Members
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Same thing happened here in my 05 545i at 80k. My wife never drives my car and it happened while she was driving. She of course keeps driving after the the coolant tank busts until the car turns on full heat (this was in June in Florida) wife keeps driving and eventually it shut itself down. About 6 weeks later as part of a regular service BMW replaced every hose in the car -- I believe as a result of how hot it got when the coolant tank blew.
#12
Senior Members
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just got my car back today after some mysterious coolant leaks and it was the thermostat leaking and the expansion tank too!, plus I replaced the whole network of hoses to make doubly sure it shouldn't do it again.
Not great for such an expensive brand.
Not great for such an expensive brand.
#13
Contributors
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
What is the cost to pre-emptively replace the expansion tank? I mean, if this is BOUND TO HAPPEN, I might as well just do it now and save myself the grief of being stranded.
#14
Contributors
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The State of Southern NJ!
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Cooling system plastic part failures have been a BMW pain point for more than a decade. Some SA's have gone so far as to say that preventative maintenance should include replacement of all plastic cooling system components should be scheduled every 50K miles.
No doubt BMW is aware of the weak points - all they have to do is study the replacement parts reports.
About 10 years ago [after replacing the THIRD coolant recovery tank on my e32 740i] I quizzed a BMWNA rep about the predictable failure rate ... the response was that increased use of plastics and light metals is to reduce vehicle weight
.
I suggested they consider sourcing the parts from Nissan
No doubt BMW is aware of the weak points - all they have to do is study the replacement parts reports.
About 10 years ago [after replacing the THIRD coolant recovery tank on my e32 740i] I quizzed a BMWNA rep about the predictable failure rate ... the response was that increased use of plastics and light metals is to reduce vehicle weight
![Confused](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
I suggested they consider sourcing the parts from Nissan
![Wacko](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/wacko.gif)
#15
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 2,718
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Expansion tanks should be the weakest point in the E60. I will replace mine preemptively at 60K. The radiator should be OK now that it's aluminum.
#16
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have been researching prices for expansion tanks today. I drove to BMW of Dallas and was quoted 110.00 but found them on-line for 80.00. They look fairly simple to replace and would love to see a DIY. I have a 2004 with 52K, I have replaced my thermostat and waterpump as preventative maintenance in the last month or so. I am nervous about the expansion tank blowing.
#17
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bay Area California
Posts: 928
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i Sport Package, Jet Black
M166 OEM Wheels
M5 Style Body kit
RPI Scoop
BMC Air Filter
Valentine One Radar Detector
35% tint all around
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
"Expansion tanks should be the weakest point in the E60. I will replace mine preemptively at 60K. The radiator should be OK now that it's aluminum"
hope so. most of the time after one thing goes down (expansion tank) other cooling parts follow. hope the radiator is ok, since i stopped right after this breakdown occurred
hope so. most of the time after one thing goes down (expansion tank) other cooling parts follow. hope the radiator is ok, since i stopped right after this breakdown occurred
#18
Members
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: '04 545i, Silver Gray-Black Dakota, Cold pkg, Prem. Sound, Sport pkg, Nav, Voice Activation
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My expansion tank was replaced last week, 04 545i with 120K miles. I took it in to BMW when I noticed a coolant leak and they first replaced a coolant vent pipe and a coolant temperature sensor at the tune of $900, which included a coolant flush and replace. I noticed a coolant leak afterwards and brought the car back and stated I was NOT happy.
They then discovered the expansion tank leak and replaced it, no fee.
![Rtfm](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/rtfm.gif)
![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
#19
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Bay Area California
Posts: 928
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i Sport Package, Jet Black
M166 OEM Wheels
M5 Style Body kit
RPI Scoop
BMC Air Filter
Valentine One Radar Detector
35% tint all around
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My expansion tank was replaced last week, 04 545i with 120K miles. I took it in to BMW when I noticed a coolant leak and they first replaced a coolant vent pipe and a coolant temperature sensor at the tune of $900, which included a coolant flush and replace. I noticed a coolant leak afterwards and brought the car back and stated I was NOT happy.
They then discovered the expansion tank leak and replaced it, no fee. ![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
![Rtfm](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/rtfm.gif)
![Twoup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/twoup.gif)
#20
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Mini Cooper
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
sorry to hear this
this is common.
In HK we have members change this too.
I think the plastic that they made them out off is not 100% up to the heat.
this is common.
In HK we have members change this too.
I think the plastic that they made them out off is not 100% up to the heat.