Random coolant leak out of nowhere

kerrit · 02-07-2013, 09:08 PM

Writing this post mostly to vent.

My 26k mile M3 that I keep mint decided to start spewing coolant. I couldn't find the leak so I took it to a local independent BMW shop for diagnosis. Apparently a hose behind the block that goes to the heater core is leaking. Quote is 10 hours to replace because they have to take off the plenum.

They actually suggested I contact the dealer and see if they might be able to do a goodwill repair because of my low mileage and this is a part that doesn't really fail ever on any newer BMW. My warranty expired the middle of this past May.

If I don't get help, maybe I'll tackle the job myself - the throttle actuator DIY included plenum removal and doesn't look that hard.

Anyone ever had to replace any coolant hoses on the back of the engine?

Anyone have any similar success with goodwill repairs?

Thanks!

BPMSport · 02-08-2013, 04:31 AM

48k almost and 2008 here.. never replaced a single hose.

Just the belts about 100 miles ago, ICV, and fuel pressure sensor + spark plugs once. These are next on your list!

Moxie · 02-08-2013, 07:52 AM

I had success with goodwill repairs. Suggest you at least go to the dealer to see what they can do. In Germany they input the request to Munich & if it comes back negative, they will follow up with a call. The call for me was successful.

j2m · 02-08-2013, 10:19 AM

See if the dealer will cover it under good will, if not then just do it yourself.
Removing the plenum is not overly difficult. And the hose is not that difficult to access.

I'll attach the step by step directions I used when I installed my ESS kit, it may help

FWIW I had never even changed the oil on a car before I installed my SC. It's all pretty basic as long as you have step by step directions.

kerrit · 02-08-2013, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j2m

See if the dealer will cover it under good will, if not then just do it yourself.
Removing the plenum is not overly difficult. And the hose is not that difficult to access.

I'll attach the step by step directions I used when I installed my ESS kit, it may help

FWIW I had never even changed the oil on a car before I installed my SC. It's all pretty basic as long as you have step by step directions.

Thanks for the instructions! Very helpful.

02-07-2013, 09:08 PM	#1
kerrit Major 347 Rep 1,097 Posts Drives: Melbourne Red e90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 E90 M3 [0.00] 2014 M5 CP [0.00]	Random coolant leak out of nowhere Writing this post mostly to vent. My 26k mile M3 that I keep mint decided to start spewing coolant. I couldn't find the leak so I took it to a local independent BMW shop for diagnosis. Apparently a hose behind the block that goes to the heater core is leaking. Quote is 10 hours to replace because they have to take off the plenum. They actually suggested I contact the dealer and see if they might be able to do a goodwill repair because of my low mileage and this is a part that doesn't really fail ever on any newer BMW. My warranty expired the middle of this past May. If I don't get help, maybe I'll tackle the job myself - the throttle actuator DIY included plenum removal and doesn't look that hard. Anyone ever had to replace any coolant hoses on the back of the engine? Anyone have any similar success with goodwill repairs? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-08-2013, 04:31 AM	#2
BPMSport BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3387 Rep 7,541 Posts Drives: Harrop M3 / F10 M5 / F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (9) Garage List 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 1990 BMW 735i Turbo [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [7.50] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 [0.00]	48k almost and 2008 here.. never replaced a single hose. Just the belts about 100 miles ago, ICV, and fuel pressure sensor + spark plugs once. These are next on your list! __________________ -----\| Like us on Facebook \| Instagram \|\| Tuning Information \| Remote Coding \|----- ----Visit us at www.BPMSport.com - Emotion. Driven. \| Toll Free: (888) 557-5133----
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2013, 07:52 AM	#3
Moxie Lieutenant Colonel 67 Rep 1,895 Posts Drives: AW 328d Touring/SG 335d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (12)	I had success with goodwill repairs. Suggest you at least go to the dealer to see what they can do. In Germany they input the request to Munich & if it comes back negative, they will follow up with a call. The call for me was successful.
	Appreciate 0 Quote