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  #1  
Old 01-04-2012, 11:06 AM
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Expansion tank cracked! Odds on replacing thermostat?

I have an 01 e53 3.0 110,000 miles, with a cracked expansion tank. I have the replacement tank and coolant but am wondering if I should have a thermostat, (the one that fits in the bottom of the tank) before I tear into it, so I don't have any down time waiting for parts? In other words, what percentage of time when replacing the exp. tank is the thermostat also defective, (or broken during removal)?
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Old 01-04-2012, 12:07 PM
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It is cheap, and while you are there I would just get it done. If it fails on you down the line, do you want to be refilling fluid again? Cheap maintenance while you are already there.
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Old 01-04-2012, 12:19 PM
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Take a look at the hoses, water pump pulley, etc. If the tank failed they might also be worn out and on the edge of taking a dive on you. Cooling issues on BMWs are such a common occurrence we've put together a hand full of refresh kits, found HERE, to help make getting everything back in shape a lot easier. If you'd prefer to just grab an expansion tank and t-stat I have those available individually as well. HERE is a link to the expansion tanks and HERE is a link to the thermostats.

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Old 01-04-2012, 07:43 PM
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I would preventatively replace it all: radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat....everything up to and including the aux water pump.

If the expansion tank is cracked and the rest of the cooling system is original, it's only a matter of time for the rest of it. M54 3.0i X5s are notorious for quickly overheating due to coolant loss and the typical remedy is a new engine. Cooling system is cheap by comparison
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Old 01-04-2012, 08:17 PM
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Actually...it depends on which obc you have.

The sensor in the bottom of the expansion tank is a level sensor for the "high" obc. I had the same question when my tank just cracked as well. When I was taking the cracked tank out I noticed that my sensor was not hooked up at all. I have the basic obc on my car. After searching here it turns out that it is not used in the "low" obc cars. So, naturally, I didn't replace it!

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Old 01-05-2012, 09:17 AM
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yeah, as ctseigf said, this is not the T-stat. the T-stat is in the middle of the engine block with two big hoses connected to it. and yup, as the others said, since you're in there, and if this has not been done before, than go ahead and replace the pump and stat. they will go out soon at 110K...
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Old 01-05-2012, 10:36 AM
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Thanks for the input. The thermostat I was referring to is part #17111437362 and is for regulating temp. for auto trans. fluid. BMW Expansion Tank Diagnosis Part 2 of 2 - YouTube Here is a link that explains my concern. Ordered part anyway just in case. Thanks again for all your help.
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Old 01-31-2012, 03:24 PM
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In an ideal world, we'd replace everything one time and be done with it. but I am my own service manager so I only replace what needs replacement. I do have my eye on my cars

so yesterday I replaced my X's expansion tank. with it I replaced it with the level sensor. went with genuine BMW. My old tank is dated 06 so the tank lasts about 5years.

pics of the new tank




pics of the new level sensor (old one on the left, new one on the right)
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Old 02-04-2012, 11:38 PM
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What does that sensor do?
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Old 02-06-2012, 11:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ecproductions143 View Post
What does that sensor do?
It measures the amount of fluid in the tank.

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