Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Radiator Hose for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models

Radiator Hose

        Radiator Hose for 3 Saloon (E46) Diesel (136 hp)
      
        Radiator Hose for 3 Saloon (E46) Diesel (116 hp)
      
        Radiator Hose for 3 Saloon (E46) Diesel (129 hp)

Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). Tools you need:

                        All-purpose cleaning spray
                      
                        Drive socket # 12
                      
                        HEX bit No.H5
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Flat screwdriver
                      
                        Funnel
                      
                        Fluid container
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Fender cover
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC recommends:

Check the cooling circuit for leaks. Replace any worn parts.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). Take the following steps:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Unscrew the fasteners of the air distribution housing assembly. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 4

Remove the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 5

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 6

Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.

Step 7

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 8

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Do not apply excessive force when removing the part. Otherwise you may damage it.
Step 9

Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 10

Unscrew the coolant drain plug. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 11

Drain the coolant from the engine.

Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). Tip:
Caution! The coolant can be very hot.Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.All work should be done with the engine stopped.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
Step 12

Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 13

Remove the coolant hose retainers. Use a crowbar.
Step 14

Detach the coolant hose. Use a crowbar.

Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Be careful! The coolant may leak.Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
Step 15

Screw in the coolant drain plug. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 16

Clean the mounting seats of the coolant hose. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 17

Connect the new coolant hose.
Step 18

Fasten the retainers of the coolant hose.
Step 19

Insert the funnel.
Step 20

Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.

AUTODOC recommends:
Only use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer.The coolant level should be at the MAX mark.Wait until the air goes out of the system.
Step 21

Unscrew the bleeder screws. Use a flat screwdriver.

Please note!
This is necessary to remove any remaining air from the system.
Step 22

Screw in the bleeder screws. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 23

Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Step 24

Screw on the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 25

Install the engine cover and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: сoolant hose – BMW 3 (E46). To avoid damaging the part during installation, do not use excessive force.
Step 26

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use HEX No.H5. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 27

Reinstall the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 28

Screw in the fasteners of the air distribution housing assembly. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.

Step 29

Lower the car.

Step 30

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Step 31

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 32

Close the hood.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 3 Saloon (E46) model.

Browse tyres

How to change spark plugs on BMW E46 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
942.08 KB
How to change right engine mounts on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.52 MB
How to change ignition coil on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.73 MB
How to change engine thermostat on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
4.31 MB
How to change serpentine belt on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.56 MB
How to change mass air flow sensor on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
3.15 MB

How to change coolant hose on BMW E46 Touring – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.39 MB

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!

Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.

Scan

To download the app:

- scan the QR code
- download from App Store
- download from Google Play

Top 6 products for enhancing your car | AUTODOC tips

3K views

Published on: 18/11/2021
TOP 5 mistakes when replacing shock absorbers | AUTODOC tips

8K views

Published on: 15/06/2023
DIY jack restoration | AUTODOC tips

12K views

Published on: 22/09/2022
How to remove scratches from a car | AUTODOC tips

7K views

Published on: 12/05/2022