Identify That Part! Cooling System...

[Golgade]

Does anyone know what the black part(at least on my car it is black and I think it is plastic but its raining and I dont want to check!) that bolts into the water pump and connects to the radiator hose that goes to the top of the radiator. I have developed a nice coolant leak and I notice a nice crack on that black thing and some leaking is coming from the bottom. So I need a new one of those, is that going to be a dealer part or does would schucks or Napa going to have something like that? And what coolant am I going to need for replacement?
Thanks
Dan Lafley
95 530i

[Dave M]

Its never raining at realoem (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE23&mospid=47406&btnr=11_1247&hg=11&fg=35) ;)

I can't see anything but a water pump and coolant hoses, no intermediate black plastic connection bit. Have a look at the diagram and keep in mind that I don't have a 530.

Dave

[DaveVoorhis]

Sounds like the thermostat cover. In the UK, these are available from some aftermarket suppliers such as eurocarparts.com.

[Dave M]

............unless you're talking about the thermostat housing, which appears to connect to the lower rad hose.

diagram (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HE23&mospid=47406&btnr=11_1415&hg=11&fg=35)

Heres one at BMA for $15 (http://www.bmaparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleWHD&cookieID=2HG19TGBA2HG19U0QH&yearid=1995%40%401995&makeid=BMW%40%40BMW%40%40X&engineid=1012284%40%40530I++%2F+V8%2D2997cc+3%2E0L +GAS+FI++%28M60%29%40%40530I&catid=Cooling+Components%40%40Cooling+Components&mode=PA&subcatid=Thermostat+Housing@@Thermostat+Housing)

Dave

[yaofeng]

This is the best picture I have. There is nothing connected to the coolant hose to the radiator other than the inlet and the outlet.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/yaofengchen/BMW_95_540/IM002272.jpg

[Tiger]

Sounds exactly like the thermostat housing. The plastic one will leak as it age. Get the metal one.

[Golgade]

Thats it, the black coupling thing, but I suppose calling it a thermostat housing would make it easier to find.
Thanks!!!
Dan

[Golgade]

Oh I forgot, I am going to change the coolant too, What kind of coolant am I "supposed" to use, and where is the drain plug.
Thanks!
Dan

[Golgade]

I probably need to buy a new Thermostat and the housing I would imagine, but anything else? I hope I dont need a new water pump.
Dan Lafley
95 530i

[Dave M]

Do a search fro "coolant" and have fun deciding what to do.

If you don't have hours of your life to spare and you live relatively close to a dealership, go buy some 'blue' stuff from them and forget about it.

Take a look at your hose clamps in case they need replacement. Someone else can tell you where the drain plug(s) are on the M60. I have no clue where the block drain is located.

Dave

[632 Regal]

I could only get to the passanger side drain, flushed it 3 times and it was clear.

[Tiger]

Just make sure the thermostat comes with new gasket. Easiest coolant to get is the Zerex G05... get the premixed one and you don't have to worry about water. Also get new clamps.

[bubba966]

For coolant either use the Zerex mentioned above, or the BMW blue coolant along with distilled water.

Pelicanparts.com has a pretty good price on the 'stat & housing. Might want to get the upper & lower radiator hoses from them as well. And stuff from Pelican gets up here to WA pretty quick. And I'd stay away from the aluminum 'stat housing, stick with the OE composite plastic style. The aluminum ones are poorly cast and frequently leak. And they'll also warp.