540i M62 Thermostat R&R DIY writeup [Archive] - Bimmerforums

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joshs540i

11-28-2007, 11:56 PM

This is my first attempt at writing a DIY but i couldnt find any DIY involving the thermostat on the m62.

This was done on a 1998 540i/6 i think they changed the cooling system a little in 99, but im not sure.

This is a very easy job and you dont have to remove the fan clutch.

Parts needed:
11531437526 - Thermostat (includes housing and O-ring) - $90 at my local dealer
1 Gal of your favorite antifreeze

Tools Needed:
Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screw driver
3/8" ratchet
2" 3/8" ratchet extention
3/8" socket u-joint
10mm socket
CRC MAF cleaner (optional)

1. jack up the front end.

2. remove the splash guard by undoing the 9 1/4 turn phillips screws

3. remove the radiator drain plug and drain about 1 gallon of coolant then replace plug

4.loosen 2 hose clamps and undo the 2 clips holding the Maf housing and intake tube.Disconnect Maf harness by twisting it.http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9364/thermostat005mx4.th.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat005mx4.jpg)

5. disconnect ICV elbow at intake tube.http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6641/thermostat007xz4.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat007xz4.jpg)

6. pull out Maf and intake tube (while you have the MAF removed you should consider picking up some CRC MAF cleaner and spraying it down)http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8431/thermostat012lv8.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat012lv8.jpg)

7. remove 10mm bolt holding in inake resonator then remove it.http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5616/thermostat010vh6.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat010vh6.jpg)

8. loosen hose clamp holding lower radiator hose to thermostat then move it out of the way (put papertowels under the thermostat to catch cool ant)

9. remove harness on thermostat then remove 4 10mm bolts holding thermostat to water pump. http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9093/thermostat003xi3.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat003xi3.jpg)

10. pull out thermostat, some more coolant will pour out so be ready (I had to knock it loose with a screw driver)http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8875/thermostat004ij9.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat004ij9.jpg)

11. Put in new thermostat and reverse and repeat.

12. refill radiator and bleed. http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6106/thermostat001hy1.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=thermostat001hy1.jpg)

Smokin 540

11-29-2007, 01:41 AM

Real nice writeup. Just had a question....How did you bleed the system?

Busta

11-29-2007, 03:33 AM

Thanks for sharing.

hauksi

11-29-2007, 09:50 AM

thank you! I will be doing mine soon and this certainly will help.

jamesdc4

11-29-2007, 11:51 AM

joshs540i

11-30-2007, 12:08 AM

Thanks

Ive herd a bunch of different ways to blead the system. the two i can remember is putting heat at full and fan at min opening the bleeder screw and the cap and slowly fill till its at max and doesnt go back down

another is to slowly open the bleeder screw while the engine is hot and close it when a steady stream of coolant comes out without bubbles. just be careful beacause the coolant will be hot

it couldnt hurt to do both.

make sure to check the level the next few days and top off if needed.

swooshdave

12-11-2007, 04:29 PM

From bmwtips.com (http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/JC/Overheating.htm)

Basically the same thing Josh said.