Car overheats

MISHELLN

MEMBER
2004 BMW 330CI
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
166,000 MILES

Hi there,
I just had my reserve tank and top hose replaced last week and things were great for a day or two. Now, (five days later) the car overheats, however the temperature gauge does not reveal the temperature is getting hot. My radiator is only a year and half years old. I can see coolant, only after the car has been running and it appears to be literally "blowing", (maybe from hitting fan) all over at the far end of the top hose, (blowing towards the hose). A wild guess from what appears, my guess would be needs new water pump, no? I just started working on the basics on my cars the last two years, so I am not experienced enough to know if this is a good guess or not. I thank you for all your assistance and efforts. It is greatly appreciated, as I cannot afford to make any mistakes, financially.

Cordially,
Mishell
Porter Ranch California

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com The first thing I recommend is to pressure test the system and see where the leak is coming from. Here are general directions for doing this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

If you determine the water pump is the issue, and there is a good chance, here are the directions for removing and replacing the pump. Just FYI, these cars are very particular and touchy. Make sure to follow the directions I provided. Additionally, I have attached several pictures which correlate with the directions.

2004 BMW 330Ci Coupe (E46) L6-3.0L (M54)
Vehicle � Engine, Cooling and Exhaust � Cooling System � Water Pump � Service and Repair
SERVICE AND REPAIR
Removing and installing complete water pump (M52 / S52 /M52TU/ M54 / M56)

Remove alternator drive belt, refer to Engine, Cooling and Exhaust - Engine - Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories - Drive Belt - Service and Repair - Procedures See: EngineDrive BeltService and Repair

Note: M52/S52 The water drain plug is located on the exhaust side between cylinders 4 and 5 in the engine block (illustration).
M52TU / M54 / M56 The water drain plug is located on the exhaust side on cylinder 2 in the engine block.
Drain and dispose of coolant.

Installation:
Replace seal.
Tightening Torque, refer to Specifications - Mechanical. See: Specifications
Vent cooling system and check for leaks, refer to Engine, Cooling and Exhaust - Cooling System - Service and Repair - Procedures. See: Service and Repair

Release belt pulley.
Release water pump.
Tighten two screws (M6) into thread of water pump and water pump out of timing case.
Installation:
Replace O-ring and coat with coolant as anti-friction agent.

I hope this helps you. If you have other questions or concerns, feel free to let me know.

Take care,
Joe

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