**Engine/cylinder block coolant drain plug**

[gig]

Hey guys,

I really need your help. I own a 1999/2000 E46 318i.
Today I've been trying to sort out my coolant and radiator. I've got a haynes manual and started following the instructions. I've drained the coolant from the radiator by removing the radiator drain plugs. Then I ran into trouble.
I have spent most of the day trying to find the engine/cylinder drain plug and just cant find it. Am I an idiot as I cannot find it despite hours of looking. I even looked for photos online and still cant find it.
Can anyone help and tell me where it is (photographs would be good). The photos i have seen are either not very clear or are of a 325 and are different.

What and where am i looking?
Is it a metal or plastic plug i am looking for?
Is it a screw or a nut requiring a wrench?

I also hear that on some models there are 2 engine drain plugs. one on either side. how do i know if i have 2 and where is the other?

Please please post if you can help me guys. Im desperate. I'd like to be able to do this myself and I cant drive to a garage anyway as I have drained the radiator!!

thanks in advance

gig

[DASC SA]

On the 2000 E46 318i I believe the drain bolt on on the engine block on the exhaust side just about on the rear most edge

Its just a little bit under where the exhaust manifold bolts on

Its a metal nut

[DASC SA]

It does have one on either side, but you only need to open the 1

[marko]

do yourself a favor and buy a 'Bentley Service Manual' (or even a '101 Perf. Projects For Your BMW' from Pelican Parts), & throw (far, far, far) away that piece of sh!t 'Chilton Haynes' thing.

I did, & and it was the best 50 bucks I spent...

Originally Posted by gig

Hey guys,

I really need your help. I own a 1999/2000 E46 318i.
Today I've been trying to sort out my coolant and radiator. I've got a haynes manual and started following the instructions. I've drained the coolant from the radiator by removing the radiator drain plugs. Then I ran into trouble.
I have spent most of the day trying to find the engine/cylinder drain plug and just cant find it. Am I an idiot as I cannot find it despite hours of looking. I even looked for photos online and still cant find it.
Can anyone help and tell me where it is (photographs would be good). The photos i have seen are either not very clear or are of a 325 and are different.

What and where am i looking?
Is it a metal or plastic plug i am looking for?
Is it a screw or a nut requiring a wrench?

I also hear that on some models there are 2 engine drain plugs. one on either side. how do i know if i have 2 and where is the other?

Please please post if you can help me guys. Im desperate. I'd like to be able to do this myself and I cant drive to a garage anyway as I have drained the radiator!!

thanks in advance

gig

[gig]

Cheers guys!

I managed to find it with your help and get the job done. Feels very satisfying.

My trouble was how bad haynes is and how misleading so of the fotos on the internet were. will definitely consider a different manual.

Thanks again

gig

[rhombus]

This seems like a good thread to ask my question in...

I'm planning on draining and flushing my coolant soon and I've seen reference to some washers that you are supposed to replace on both the radiator drain plug and the engine coolant drain plug. Does anyone have the part number for these, or should I not worry about it?

Is the engine drain plug item #3 in this diagram?
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...88&hg=11&fg=50

[marko]

I did just that a few months ago, and I did not replace the either plug.
everything is holding up fine so far... no leaks.

Originally Posted by rhombus

This seems like a good thread to ask my question in...

I'm planning on draining and flushing my coolant soon and I've seen reference to some washers that you are supposed to replace on both the radiator drain plug and the engine coolant drain plug. Does anyone have the part number for these, or should I not worry about it?

Is the engine drain plug item #3 in this diagram?
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...88&hg=11&fg=50

[L84THSKY]

I used to live in Peterborough, when I was stationed at RAF Alconbury. Is that base still open? There was this restuarant near the base shaped like a flying saucer, really weird. My son was born at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

Originally Posted by gig

Cheers guys!

I managed to find it with your help and get the job done. Feels very satisfying.

My trouble was how bad haynes is and how misleading so of the fotos on the internet were. will definitely consider a different manual.

Thanks again

gig

[gig]

Hi!

Yes that RAF base is still open but the flying saucer restaurant is closed!!! very weird place.
I used to work at hinching borrke hospital!!!