Radiator — removal and installation (BMW 7 Series E32)

After a long mileage of the car, the thin channels in the radiator become clogged with coolant deposits and lime deposits. Because of this, the cooling efficiency decreases and the engine overheats. In this case, only replacing the radiator will help.

If engine oil gets into the coolant circulation circuit, for example, if the cylinder head gasket is damaged, then after repairs you need to remove the radiator and expansion tank and wash them with a special cleaning agent. You will need about 2 liters of cleaning agent and you should follow the instructions for its use. After installing the radiator, you need to fill the cooling system with hot water several times and then drain it.

Removal

Remove the fan.

Drain the coolant from the engine.

Loosen the clamps and slide them off to remove the thick coolant hoses at the top and bottom of the radiator.



Disconnect the wire from the level sensor (13) on the lower left of the radiator. For models with air conditioning, remove the plug from the temperature switch (10) on the right of the radiator.



If present, remove the automatic transmission oil cooler lines from the radiator, collect the leaking fluid, and plug any open line connections to prevent dirt from getting inside.

Caution: The radiators for the power steering, air conditioning system and automatic transmission are located in front of the engine cooling system radiator in a mount (cassette). When removing the main radiator, these radiators must be removed first. The air conditioning system refrigerant line must only be disconnected in a workshop with special equipment.

Pull the seal upwards. Unscrew the bolts on the left and right and remove both radiator mounts. Remove the radiator upwards.

Caution: The radiator fins are thin and sharp, so wear protective gloves when removing them.

Installation

Check and replace coolant hoses if necessary. You should also check the condition of both lower radiator rubber mounts.



Insert the radiator from above so that the rubber supports fit onto the support surfaces.



Press the top of the radiator down and install its fasteners.

Put on the seal.

Tighten the nuts of the pipes from the automatic transmission to its oil cooler with a torque of 20 Nm.

Then check the fluid level.

Place the coolant hoses onto the radiator and secure them with clamps.

If removed, put the plugs on the temperature switch and on the level sensor. Install the fan. Fill the coolant and bleed the air from the cooling system.

Check the coolant level and top up if necessary.