Coolant Expansion tank

[AlanZ]

Hi, not long had my Z3 3.0 (used to have a Z4) and so far so good except today I decided to leave it running to get up to temp when I noticed coolant on the floor. Traced it to a trickle on expansion tank seal and nowhere else is obvious, it only does this when up to temp and presume this is when the pressure is at its peak.

Checked Oil and all clean and the coolant is Ok-ish with slight bit of discolouration and due a change.

I have attached some photos of the expansion tank leak and wondering if this is a known problem on the 3.0 expansion tank due to age (67K and 03 Plate)? Is it easy to swop out/change? Or is it the start of something else?

Thanks Alan

 

[NZ00Z3]

Yes BMW expansion tanks have a habit of splitting and leaking. If its leaking, replace it now before it splits and cooks your engine.

 

[Rudyrov]

I think they all do that afetr a while, not just BMW's.
I had a CanAm Spyder motorcycle/trike, and it did the same thing, it was about 12 years old. $80 fixed that issue.

 

[AlanZ]

Thanks....does anyone know if MEYLE are any good as a brand/replacement unit, or should I pay the £117 from BMW? (part number 17107514964).

# MEYLE 314 223 0003 EXPANSION TANK COOLANT | eBay

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[t-tony]

Meyle is OEM so I would be happy to use their item. You could pay BMW Dealer price and still find Meyle embossed on it.

Tony.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Thanks....does anyone know if MEYLE are any good as a brand/replacement unit, or should I pay the £117 from BMW? (part number 17107514964).

# MEYLE 314 223 0003 EXPANSION TANK COOLANT | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for # MEYLE 314 223 0003 EXPANSION TANK COOLANT at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Hello Alan,
you get a 2 year unlimited warranty on a MEYLE expansion tank, you only get 12 months from BMW!

 

[AlanZ]

Thanks all, just ordered a MEYLE. Now for the fun of changing the coolant without getting air trapped, its been a while since I changed coolant in a car.

 

[colb]

I have been toying with buying a vaccum coolant filler as seen on Youtube, cheapest versions on ebay for just over £30 and as low as £20, most from China but some say UK stock if you can believe that, The kit in the red cases are on the Youtube videos and look to work ok think I may add a kit to my garage. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Purge-Re...rand=Unbranded&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042
Youtube link

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVyikhHE_38

 

[Rudyrov]

When I do coolant, I prefer to drive the car up on ramps (i have Rino Ramps), they lift the car what about 10 inches os so and it tends to make air go to the top or furthest front of the car. I also squeeze the hoses repeatedly and let the water settle for a bit before sealing it up with the filler cap. Then start it let it run for a bit and let it cool so I can open it up and recheck the levels, squeeze the hoses again and then seal it up. Take your time, that's why you are doing it yourself, do it right.