[ENIN3D]

Good day everyone. Im fairly new to the BMW/E90 scene, not I am no stranger to cars. I've searched and searched for about 3 weeks since I bought this car and still could not find what I was looking for, hence making this thread. first off I just bought a 2011 bmw 335i m sport. the expansion tank had a crack in it, not the typical hairline crack, just a crack from who knows. I replaced the expansion tank and filled with coolant, bmw/distilled water, but its been 4 days and my engine coolant light is still on. there are no visible leaks on the car whatsoever. I check the tank when car is cooled and it is full, but the top radiator hose had a steady stream of coolant spraying into the tank, is that normal? my questions are:

1. Is it normal for the top radiator hose to refill the expansion tank every time I unlock my doors to get in the car? I know this because I unlock my door and hear the process start, when I pop the hood to check to check my coolant level, its a steady stream.

2. does the 2011 models have a coolant level float, or is it just the "MAX"
circular thing inside the tank? old tank didn't have one, new tank didn't either.

3. I've tried the bleeding process by the key in the ignition, gas pedal for 10 seconds with highest temp on low for 12 minutes, and it still doesn't work. not even sure this works on the 2011 models.


I haven't seen many threads on the 2011+ E90s, but are they the same as the 07-10?



you all's help is greatly appreciated. My first BMW and im enjoying it more than my S2K.

[relative4]

Regarding bleeding: when you say it still doesn't work, do you mean the bleeding process executed and you still have the symptoms, or do you mean the bleeding process didn't execute?

[FlyingBuckeye3]

Hopefully I can help here since I just replaced my expansion tank a month or two ago (I also have a 2011 335).

1.) To be honest, I'm not sure here. I believe the fuel pump primes when you open the door, not sure on the coolant.

2.) It should have the min/max level inside the tank, but no float like previous models. The tank also has a sensor at the bottom of the tank. There's a good possibility you new tank came with a sensor already installed (mine did anyway). I will say though that the sensor in the new tank didn't work, so my iDrive always flashed the "Low coolant" warning. I took the old sensor out of the old tank, installed it in the new tank and it works like new.

3.) The bleed process should be happening for you, as it is applicable to the 2011 model year. There are plenty of tutorials on how to execute it on Youtube, or even here at e90post. I would find one and confirm you're doing all steps correctly. It took me a few tries, but when it happens you'll know. Unless you live beside an airport or concert venue, you'll hear it.

Hope this helps!

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by ENIN3D

...2011 bmw 335i m sport. the expansion tank had a crack in it, not the typical hairline crack, just a crack from who knows. I replaced the expansion tank and filled with coolant, bmw/distilled water, but its been 4 days and my engine coolant light is still on.
2. does the 2011 models have a coolant level float, or is it just the "MAX"
circular thing inside the tank? old tank didn't have one, new tank didn't either.
3. I've tried the bleeding process by the key in the ignition, gas pedal for 10 seconds with highest temp on low for 12 minutes, and it still doesn't work. not even sure this works on the 2011 models.

Welcome to the Forum!

Here is the TIS circuit diagram for the Coolant Level Switch (S63b), the "Installation Location" at the bottom of the reservoir, and the "Connector View for its connector, X112. If you are getting a Coolant LEVEL warning light on the instrument cluster, then apparently the original reservoir HAD such a switch:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lights/pqQfddR
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...is-cou/RRuQGq8
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...s-cou/HRPSLb7E

Here is the Bleed Procedure described in TIS. Just skip ALL the pages related to the Vacuum Filling Unit, and go to the last page:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...check/CNCeB76L

If you go to the forum page in the link below, you will find a pdf you can download, "E9X References", that contains links to many different useful Service Manuals, INPA/ISTA download & K+DCAN cable (BimmerGeeks), and other helpful tools for E9x owners. Since I have a 2007 328xi, I can't offer any information on whether or not the 2011 models have different wiring or components from those shown in TIS, but NORMALLY, that is NOT the case.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...68&postcount=4

George

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by relative4

Regarding bleeding: when you say it still doesn't work, do you mean the bleeding process executed and you still have the symptoms, or do you mean the bleeding process didn't execute?

I know eh dont you love that. IT DOESNT WORK

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by Pladi

I know eh dont you love that. IT DOESNT WORK

What do you mean it doesnt work? Its worked on my car every time and its OBVIOUS its working because you can hear it running the water and changing direction etc loudly with the engine off.

The priming thing, someone is wrong there. Why would it "prime" coolant? Priming the pump, yes, to make sure there is pressure when the car starts. But pressure in the cooling system is due to heat, not because of the pump. The pump is just there to move the medium from one part of the system to the other.

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by ryan stewart

What do you mean it doesnt work? Its worked on my car every time and its OBVIOUS its working because you can hear it running the water and changing direction etc loudly with the engine off.

The priming thing, someone is wrong there. Why would it "prime" coolant? Priming the pump, yes, to make sure there is pressure when the car starts. But pressure in the cooling system is due to heat, not because of the pump. The pump is just there to move the medium from one part of the system to the other.

I was being sarcastic. I hate it when people are vague with their issues. They just say it doesnt work. I know the primign works i have done it 10 times because coolant issues are common with these cars . Expansion tanks crack often

[OTO335i]

[QUOTE=ENIN3D;24608614]Good day everyone. Im fairly new to the BMW/E90 scene, not I am no stranger to cars. I've searched and searched for about 3 weeks since I bought this car and still could not find what I was looking for, hence making this thread. first off I just bought a 2011 bmw 335i m sport. the expansion tank had a crack in it, not the typical hairline crack, just a crack from who knows. I replaced the expansion tank and filled with coolant, bmw/distilled water, but its been 4 days and my engine coolant light is still on. there are no visible leaks on the car whatsoever. I check the tank when car is cooled and it is full, but the top radiator hose had a steady stream of coolant spraying into the tank, is that normal? my questions are:

1. Is it normal for the top radiator hose to refill the expansion tank every time I unlock my doors to get in the car? I know this because I unlock my door and hear the process start, when I pop the hood to check to check my coolant level, its a steady stream.



What you're hearing when you unlock the doors is the fuel pump priming the system. Or are you saying that you unlock the doors, pop the hood and there's a stream without the car being on?

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by relative4

Regarding bleeding: when you say it still doesn't work, do you mean the bleeding process executed and you still have the symptoms, or do you mean the bleeding process didn't execute?

correct, the process "sounds like a washing machine" did not execute. I could be doing it wrong, but I followed the procedure step by step.

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by FlyingBuckeye3

Hopefully I can help here since I just replaced my expansion tank a month or two ago (I also have a 2011 335).

1.) To be honest, I'm not sure here. I believe the fuel pump primes when you open the door, not sure on the coolant.

2.) It should have the min/max level inside the tank, but no float like previous models. The tank also has a sensor at the bottom of the tank. There's a good possibility you new tank came with a sensor already installed (mine did anyway). I will say though that the sensor in the new tank didn't work, so my iDrive always flashed the "Low coolant" warning. I took the old sensor out of the old tank, installed it in the new tank and it works like new.

3.) The bleed process should be happening for you, as it is applicable to the 2011 model year. There are plenty of tutorials on how to execute it on Youtube, or even here at e90post. I would find one and confirm you're doing all steps correctly. It took me a few tries, but when it happens you'll know. Unless you live beside an airport or concert venue, you'll hear it.

Hope this helps!

this helped greatly! thanks for confirming there is no float in our tanks. I will switch the sensor out with the old one, is my next step. The bleeding process definitely doesn't execute, but then again, im not sure what is supposed to happen in those 12 minutes. thanks for your help!

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by gbalthrop

Welcome to the Forum!

Here is the TIS circuit diagram for the Coolant Level Switch (S63b), the "Installation Location" at the bottom of the reservoir, and the "Connector View for its connector, X112. If you are getting a Coolant LEVEL warning light on the instrument cluster, then apparently the original reservoir HAD such a switch:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lights/pqQfddR
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...is-cou/RRuQGq8
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...s-cou/HRPSLb7E

Here is the Bleed Procedure described in TIS. Just skip ALL the pages related to the Vacuum Filling Unit, and go to the last page:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...check/CNCeB76L

If you go to the forum page in the link below, you will find a pdf you can download, "E9X References", that contains links to many different useful Service Manuals, INPA/ISTA download & K+DCAN cable (BimmerGeeks), and other helpful tools for E9x owners. Since I have a 2007 328xi, I can't offer any information on whether or not the 2011 models have different wiring or components from those shown in TIS, but NORMALLY, that is NOT the case.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...68&postcount=4

George

thanks George, this was extremely helpful! the 2011 models from my understanding do have the sensor at the bottom of our tanks. I tried the bleeding process you mentioned, but im not sure its starting or stopping, as Im not sure what is supposed to happen during that process. only think I see happens when I start, is the steady stream of coolant coming from the top radiator hose into the fill tank.

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by ryan stewart

What do you mean it doesnt work? Its worked on my car every time and its OBVIOUS its working because you can hear it running the water and changing direction etc loudly with the engine off.

The priming thing, someone is wrong there. Why would it "prime" coolant? Priming the pump, yes, to make sure there is pressure when the car starts. But pressure in the cooling system is due to heat, not because of the pump. The pump is just there to move the medium from one part of the system to the other.

can you describe what happens during the bleeding process to me? it could be happening, i just don't know what to look for. when i unlock the door, i pop the hood with the car off, and open the tank, there is a steady stream of coolant filling the tank from the upper radiator hose. is that it?

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by Pladi

I was being sarcastic. I hate it when people are vague with their issues. They just say it doesnt work. I know the primign works i have done it 10 times because coolant issues are common with these cars . Expansion tanks crack often

can you describe what happens during this process?

[ENIN3D]

[QUOTE=OTO335i;24610953]

Originally Posted by ENIN3D

Good day everyone. Im fairly new to the BMW/E90 scene, not I am no stranger to cars. I've searched and searched for about 3 weeks since I bought this car and still could not find what I was looking for, hence making this thread. first off I just bought a 2011 bmw 335i m sport. the expansion tank had a crack in it, not the typical hairline crack, just a crack from who knows. I replaced the expansion tank and filled with coolant, bmw/distilled water, but its been 4 days and my engine coolant light is still on. there are no visible leaks on the car whatsoever. I check the tank when car is cooled and it is full, but the top radiator hose had a steady stream of coolant spraying into the tank, is that normal? my questions are:

1. Is it normal for the top radiator hose to refill the expansion tank every time I unlock my doors to get in the car? I know this because I unlock my door and hear the process start, when I pop the hood to check to check my coolant level, its a steady stream.



What you're hearing when you unlock the doors is the fuel pump priming the system. Or are you saying that you unlock the doors, pop the hood and there's a stream without the car being on?

when i unlock my doors, pop the hood, theres a stream going into the tank without the car being on.

[ENIN3D]

thanks for all of your replies!

[FlyingBuckeye3]

Did you get your issue resolved?

Just to confirm on the bleed procedure:

1.) Insert the key, and press the start button (without your foot on the brake)
2.) Turn the climate control to the highest temp and the lowest fan speed
3.) Press and hold the gas pedal at full throttle for 10 seconds (maybe even 12 sec for good measure)
4.) The bleed procedure should begin

As a side note, the coolant system should be closed, so the cap should be on and tightened as with the bleed screw.

Again, hope all this helps. I know how much e90post helped me when I had to replace my expansion tank.

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by FlyingBuckeye3

Did you get your issue resolved?

Just to confirm on the bleed procedure:

1.) Insert the key, and press the start button (without your foot on the brake)
2.) Turn the climate control to the highest temp and the lowest fan speed
3.) Press and hold the gas pedal at full throttle for 10 seconds (maybe even 12 sec for good measure)
4.) The bleed procedure should begin

As a side note, the coolant system should be closed, so the cap should be on and tightened as with the bleed screw.

Again, hope all this helps. I know how much e90post helped me when I had to replace my expansion tank.

definitely still has the coolant light on, I've follow that procedure about a million times, but I don't know what's supposed to happen. they say it sounds like "a washing machine" but I don't her that. I keep refilling the coolant everytime the car cools but the tank of always full.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by ENIN3D

definitely still has the coolant light on, I've follow that procedure about a million times, but I don't know what's supposed to happen. they say it sounds like "a washing machine" but I don't her that. I keep refilling the coolant everytime the car cools but the tank of always full.

If you don't hear anything, then the procedure isn't working. You should hear whooshing sounds and water tricking through pipes - it is a very specific and distinct sound that is easily audible so there is no way you don't hear it if the procedure is triggered.

[Pladi]

Originally Posted by ENIN3D

definitely still has the coolant light on, I've follow that procedure about a million times, but I don't know what's supposed to happen. they say it sounds like "a washing machine" but I don't her that. I keep refilling the coolant everytime the car cools but the tank of always full.

is it the low coolant light ?

If you replaced it with the REIN tank they are garbage and their coolant sensor doesnt work. You need to replace the coolant level sensor.

I have had this issue.

[IllSic_Design]

You said earlier you saw the coolant going from the bleeder line/hole and flowing into the reservoir tank when you initiated the bleeding process. That means the bleeding process was activated and running as you won't see that unless the bleeding process is going. You will hear gurgling sounds and water swishing around, it's very audible.

BUT when doing the bleeding process you need to have the expansion tank cap and bleeder screw closed.

After the process stops(about 12 min) then you need to slowly open the bleeder screw to release any trapped air and make sure a little coolant leaks out(you don't need to fully remove the bleed screw from the hole). If no coolant leaks out then you probably still have air in the system/not enough coolant. Check level in reservoir and repeat process if low. To know when the expansion tank is full you fill it until the orange plastic gauge with the two "balls" on it is sticking out with the lower ball level with the top of the expansion tank. DO NOT fill it until the orange gauge is sticking all the way out as far as it can.

[NFiftyWon]

Probably a dumb question but you deleted the code, yes?

[ENIN3D]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

If you don't hear anything, then the procedure isn't working. You should hear whooshing sounds and water tricking through pipes - it is a very specific and distinct sound that is easily audible so there is no way you don't hear it if the procedure is triggered.

definitely don't hear that sound at all. maybe I'm not doing it correctly?