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Got the tools on order!
It's a bit of a problem because it seems like the temp sensor in the gearbox is measuring the case temperature of the gearbox... The pan is about 10deg cooler than the oil temp (after idling for 5 mins), and the case temp of the gearbox higher up almost matches the sensor.
Not much I can do despite hope that it doesn't trigger the over temp warning.
So....
Thanks for the help! Finally got around to doing this job...
New gearbox cooler, enough oil (1L container, but only needs about 100mls) to fill the new cooler to the same level as the old one once removed, thermostat plus the disconnect tool to disconnect the lines and a new cooling manifold to hose adaptor.
The new cooler flowed brilliantly using a hose, the old one was just a trickle! The thermostat was also mostly blocked, where you can see the thin silver pin was just a huge lump of build up... So that was also blocked.
Thanks to the suggestion of using the BMW removal tool for the gearbox pipes because they came off so easily with zero broken plastic... Very happy!
There was definitely a bit of buildup on the slow side of the radiator, given how slow it was pouring out, I suspect it's about 20-30s for 250mls...(at a guess) Which means I should also probably replace it too, but it'll do for now. Yet to extensively road test, but it's filled with tap water for now (Sydney has pretty soft water) and will put coolant concentrate in once I'm sure there are no leaks, etc...
The gearbox fluid is quite dark, but I know the torque converter is going, so a little fresh oil won't hurt it... And I didn't do the levels exactly, just filled up the cooler to almost the top and connected it quickly.... Should be approx right!
Glad to hear you got it sorted (mostly).
I've just received my final order from FCPEuro with a new radiator and full set of Arnott's suspension.
Looking forward to getting this stuff ticked off (also just converted to thermo fans so I'll see how that compares).
Nice. I'm not sure I need a radiator yet, will give it a proper run...it's a Behr all metal unit from 2008.... So may be clogged.
So... 38 degrees here today!
New radiator on order now... From FCPEuro. Probably should have just grabbed one when i did the last order, but the shipping wasn't much different so i didn't bother...
But after today - it's definitely still getting hot in the transmission, but took longer than before and did go down when moving, etc... So i assume just the low flow circuit is blocked enough, despite flowing "ok"... ok isn't good enough.
Good news is Behr radiator is only $200 USD incl shipping (they have $10 off at the moment) so an absolute bargain... Somehow significantly cheaper than anywhere else...
Next up is the expansion tank, turns out mine is original, so not sure i'm going to trust that much longer - what's the cheapest people have seen them for?
I'm looking at this one as a great solution as it's an "OE" manufacturer... and for that money, can't complain: BMW Coolant Expansion Tank for E53 X5 4.4i and 4.6is | Clickable Automotive
[Edit - scratch that...unless someone else can validate it - this is a Behr "Service" item which is allegedly lower quality... Maybe just go genuine from British auto parts??]
ANNND of course, today I had a new problem... "engine failsafe" while at a stop sign... and it died. Restarted straight away and behaved... scanned for codes and... Nothing. No codes at all... sigh :) [edit 2 - I think this may be caused by a failed camshaft position sensor... Got one ordered...let's see if it clears the code]
Sounds like you've got your hands full!
Clickable are an awesome company i used them exclusively for my 330ci. Shout out to FCPEuro for their lifetime international warranty too.
I would make 100000% sure it will fit before purchasing if getting that one, i cant comment there.
Trans anxiety is real with these rigs! haha
Yeah, FCPEuro only have Rein expansion tank and, to be honest, I don't trust it. Too many people have had failures of the non genuine!Quote:
Originally Posted by irubix
Mostly it's lots of little maintenance things that could be solved in a single go... But I've peacemealed it. Luckily like working on cars (just done the outer rear suspension bushings too)... It is running really well now, just need the cam sensor and radiator to arrive!
There is definitely something special about them, I really enjoy driving it!
I should add, I'm about to start taking it properly off-road... And I'll have the family in tow so I want it to work!
Yeah same here. The missus has no time for breakdowns (we had two in fast succession when we first bought it).
The fear is REAL with that one!
They're awesome off road, goes anywhere.
Now I can round this out!
New Hella expansion tank from clickable... No leaks!
New radiator put in today... Had the fan removal tool already (not sure what you do without it!!), It was one of the easiest jobs so far (touch wood) because everything came apart easy and everything went back together without a fight... It makes me worried.
But first cycle of heating it up, no leaks (touch wood)... Will check levels tomorrow and see how it is.
In other news the old one is borked. The low flow outlet is almost entirely blocked. While spraying a hose in it to see if it is clearable... The core started leaking from the sides of the low flow circuit, so that was a ticking bomb just waiting to leave me stranded.
FCPEuro has the radiator for 180 US + 30 US postage... Unbelievably cheap and honestly, a 1hr job if you have ever pulled the hoses off before (sometimes the first time they are a pain to remove).
Maybe this should just be a "what I did to my car today" thread, because I also ordered a fuel pump and a new ignition switch (just the back switch piece)... I'll replace both preemptively!
I've also just finished a full android 10.25" widescreen install and it's fantastic. Only running the cables to the rear and camera, etc install to go!
Awesome mate!
My radiator arrived from FCP with a bent neck last week. They are replacing free of charge just waiting for the shipping details.
I already had the radiator out so i flushed it and cleaned the 1 billion bugs and 400kg of the glasshouse mountains dirt and reinstalled. Took her out to the sand and temps were nice and low, maybe the radiator is okay haha.
What year is yours? The Android headunit replacement ive been looking at for a while but have an ipad holder in there, i have an 05 so have the MOST fibre system so i need to bits and pieces to support the fibre loop.
Care to share some piccies of the headunit with some details?