How to Replace Lower Radiator Hose 01-05 BMW 325Xi

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Bmw 325xi

Replace the lower radiator hose, including removing the radiator fan and shroud, on a 2001-2005 BMW 325Xi.

Steps

1. Remove the radiator fan and shroud

   Disconnect the negative battery cable by loosening its 10mm nut, remove the air collector's push pins and take it off, disconnect the two electrical connectors on the passenger side of the fan shroud, remove its T25 screw there and its push pin retainer on the driver side, loosen the reverse-threaded fan clutch with a fan clutch wrench, then remove the fan and shroud together.

2. Remove the old lower hose

   Remove the coolant reservoir cap, open the radiator drain at the bottom driver side to drain the coolant, disconnect the hose's electrical connector, release its retaining clip at the radiator, squeeze the sensor's tabs to remove it from the hose, then release the clip at the thermostat housing.

3. Install the new lower hose

   Install the sensor into the new hose, install the hose onto the radiator and lock its retainer, install the electrical connector, then install the hose into the thermostat housing and lock its retainer.

4. Install the radiator fan and shroud

   Lower the fan and shroud together, tighten the fan clutch onto the water pump pulley clockwise and torque it to about 22-29 ft-lb if possible, refit the shroud's driver-side push pin and passenger-side T25 screw, then reconnect the two electrical connectors.

5. Refill the coolant

   Use the coolant specified by the owner's manual, fill the reservoir, remove the bleeder screw next to the opening and fill until coolant flows from it, reinstall the bleeder screw, then run the engine with the heat on to bleed the system, topping off the level as needed.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.