Recommended replacement interval for the part category Thermostat : 50000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 7 (E38) 730 d, BMW 7 (E38) 730 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 – Thermostat for 7 (E38) and other BMW models

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Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). List of the tools you'll need:

                      All-purpose cleaning spray
                    
                      Sealant
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Combination spanner #16
                    
                      Combination spanner #24
                    
                      Combination spanner #32 
                    
                      Drive socket # 7
                    
                      Drive socket # 10
                    
                      HEX bit No.H5
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Clip removal tool
                    
                      Seal scraper
                    
                      Flat screwdriver
                    
                      Funnel
                    
                      Fluid container
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Microfibre towel
                    
                      Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Tip from AUTODOC:

Check the condition of the coolant every time you replace the thermostat. Change the coolant if necessary.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW 7 (E38) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the hood.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 4

Remove the fan shroud clips. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 5

Unscrew the cooling fan fastener. Use a combination spanner #32 (2 pieces).
Step 6

Remove the fan shroud. Remove the cooling fan.
Step 7

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

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
Step 9

Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 10

Open the coolant drain tap.
Step 11

Drain the coolant from the engine.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
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

Close the coolant drain tap.

Step 13

Unscrew the intercooler pipe clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 14

Remove the intercooler hose.
Step 15

Unscrew the fastener of the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 16

Pull aside the V belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 17

Remove the V belt.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Professionals recommend:
Check the condition of the tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Replace them if necessary.
Step 18

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.
Step 19

Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 20

Remove the V-ribbed belt.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). AUTODOC recommends:
Check the condition of the tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Replace them if necessary.
Step 21

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.
Step 22

Loosen the coolant hose clamp.
Step 23

Detach the coolant hose. Use a crowbar.
Step 24

Loosen the coolant hose clamp.
Step 25

Detach the coolant hose. Use a crowbar.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Tip from AUTODOC:
Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
Step 26

Clean the thermostat housing fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 27

Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 28

Remove the thermostat housing. Use a crowbar.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
Step 29

Cover the thermostat housing with a microfibre cloth to prevent dirt and foreign objects entering the system.
Step 30

Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 31

Treat the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a sealant.
Step 32

Remove the microfibre cloth from the thermostat housing.

Step 33

Install the new thermostat housing.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 34

Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 nm torque.
Step 35

Attach the coolant hose.
Step 36

Secure the coolant hose clamp.
Step 37

Tighten the coolant hose fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 6 nm torque.
Step 38

Attach the coolant hose.
Step 39

Secure the coolant hose clamp.
Step 40

Clean the mounting seats of the V-ribbed belt. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 41

Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #26.
Step 42

Install the V-ribbed belt.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Make sure that the V-ribbed belt fits all pulleys snugly.
Step 43

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.

Step 44

Pull aside the V belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 45

Install the V belt.
Step 46

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.

Step 47

Attach the intercooler hose.
Step 48

Screw in the intercooler hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 49

Install the cooling fan. Install the fan shroud.
Step 50

Tighten the cooling fan fastener. Use a combination spanner #32 (2 pieces). Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 33 Nm torque.
Step 51

Install the fan shroud clips.
Step 52

Open the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 53

Remove the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 54

Insert the funnel.
Step 55

Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). AUTODOC experts recommend:
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 56

Close the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 57

Run the engine for a few minutes. This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
Step 58

Shut off the engine.

Step 59

Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Step 60

Open the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
Step 61

Close the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 62

Install the coolant reservoir cap.

Step 63

Screw on the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 64

Install the engine cover and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 7 (E38). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 65

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

Step 66

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 67

Close the hood.

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