How to change engine thermostat on BMW E36 – replacement guide
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Recommended replacement interval for the part category Thermostat : 50000km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 318is,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325i,
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 328i
…
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The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
How to change engine thermostat on BMW E36 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]
All the parts you need to replace – Thermostat for 3 Saloon (E36) and other BMW models
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW E36. 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 E36 – 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
Remove the fasteners of the air duct housing. Use a clip removal tool.
Step 4
Remove the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 5
Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 6
Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 7
Open the coolant drain tap.
Step 8
Drain the coolant from the engine.
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
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 9
Close the coolant drain tap.
Step 10
Loosen the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11
Detach the coolant hose.
Step 12
Loosen the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13
Detach the coolant hose.
Step 14
Detach the coolant pipe bracket. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15
Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 16
Clean the thermostat housing fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 17
Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 18
Remove the thermostat housing.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW E36. To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
Step 19
Remove the thermostat.
Step 20
Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a flat screwdriver. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 21
Install a new thermostat.
Step 22
Treat the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a sealant.
Step 23
Install the new thermostat housing.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW E36. Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 24
Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 nm torque.
Step 25
Attach the coolant pipe bracket. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 11 nm torque.
Step 26
Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 nm torque.
Step 27
Clean the thermostat housing fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 28
Connect the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing.
Step 29
Fasten the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 30
Remove the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 31
Insert the funnel.
Step 32
Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW E36. Professionals 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 33
Open the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW E36. AUTODOC experts recommend:
This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
Step 34
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 35
Close the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 36
Shut off the engine.
Step 37
Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Step 38
Install the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 39
Screw on the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 40
Reinstall the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 41
Install the air duct housing fasteners.
Step 42
Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 43
Close the hood.
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