Z3 3.0 M54 engine coolant change

[Ade33]

I've decided to change the engine coolant on my Z3 3.0.M54

Been looking at a few generic videos of the same engine on a few other BMW models

Couple of questions

How accessible is the engine drain block plug.. I cannot seem to see it poking my head under the bonnet.. Does it need to be removed from underneath the car.. If so I guess it's a pit or axle stand job (where do you put the axle stands if so).. Is it a hex plug or bolt?

Is bleeding relatively straightforward.. I see a bleed screw on the expansion container.. Anywhere else??

I'm going to flush it and use an approved BMW coolant

Many thanks

 

[Zont]

It's underneath the manifold, uses a standard 13mm socket if memory serves. It's much easier to access from underneath but I had a garage do mine the last time, a couple of weeks ago, as I don't like doing fluid changes on my back anymore, £40 all in.

 

[Ade33]

It's underneath the manifold, uses a standard 13mm socket if memory serves. It's much easier to access from underneath but I had a garage do mine the last time, a couple of weeks ago, as I don't like doing fluid changes on my back anymore, £40 all in.

Thanks for that!... I've just spent 30 minutes trying to locate it from the top of the car and miserably failed!!

 

[BoxClever]

Make sure to run and bleed the car by squeezing both the top and bottom coolant hoses, not just from the bleed screw. The M54 can fool you into believing that it is bled... until you start squeezing the hoses and you'll see it burp lots of air out of the expansion tank!!