Coby Wheel
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum > BMW F80 M3 / F82 M4 Technical Topics > Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in | Oil & Fluids | Servicing | TSB | Recalls

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-11-2019, 10:36 AM   #1
N55Msport
Private First Class
N55Msport's Avatar
United_States
177
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 11'E90 15'F30 16'F80
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Where they launch rockets

iTrader: (0)

M3 expansion tank - Is this normal?

I've noticed dried coolant around what appears to be seams of the expansion tank. I'm assuming the tank is solid one oiece type, but from photos it appears as if it's wheeeping at it's seams?
Anyone else have a similar looking situation?
2016 M3
41,000 miles
Thx
Attached Images
   
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2019, 12:36 PM   #2
NYBulldog
Specialist
1309
Rep
2,706
Posts

Drives: Nikes
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NuYawk

iTrader: (19)

Its a sealed two-piece. Had the same problem. Easy to replace.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1552533
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2019, 01:24 PM   #3
mephiska
Major
mephiska's Avatar
United_States
515
Rep
1,001
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: East Bay

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Now you've got me paranoid sitting here at work. 2016 with 46k miles.

Edit: Looks like I'm safe for now.

__________________

Last edited by mephiska; 07-11-2019 at 01:51 PM..
Appreciate 2
SCS55291.00
      07-11-2019, 01:39 PM   #4
kevin @ eas
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
kevin @ eas's Avatar
United_States
2895
Rep
21,660
Posts


Drives: 2015 BMW M4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Anaheim

iTrader: (22)

Have seen that issue once before at our shop. Car was out of warranty and it was a 2015.
__________________
Kevin S. | european auto source (eas)
email: kevin@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x31

GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
Appreciate 1
SCS55291.00
      07-11-2019, 03:06 PM   #5
scm6079
First Lieutenant
scm6079's Avatar
United_States
118
Rep
390
Posts

Drives: '16 M3, Lotus Exige S260
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I just had that fixed on mine (2016 w/ 48k miles) a couple weeks ago - the tech said it was extremely common and he's done several.
Appreciate 1
SCS55291.00
      07-11-2019, 05:12 PM   #6
wdskukm3
Captain
wdskukm3's Avatar
United_States
364
Rep
834
Posts

Drives: 2015 F80 M3 and Model P3D
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Orland Park,IL

iTrader: (0)

I just changed mine last week. After driving the car for a while you can see the tank hissing and coolant seeping out from the edges. It's all from the pressure in the system. You should swap it out before it gets worse.
__________________
M Forever!!!!
Appreciate 2
N55Msport176.50
troym4.50
      07-11-2019, 05:17 PM   #7
allinon72
Brigadier General
allinon72's Avatar
United_States
4892
Rep
3,783
Posts

Drives: 20' M2C, 23' X1
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (2)

BMW still can't figure out how to make a proper coolant reservoir after decades of failures.
Appreciate 9
NYBulldog1309.00
icegrill2078.00
David0ff1055.00
BigHunk269.50
troym4.50
2sporty243.50
The_Werm212.00
      07-12-2019, 12:56 PM   #8
SCS55
Lieutenant
291
Rep
408
Posts

Drives: E90,F30, F80
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Space Coast Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by allinon72 View Post
BMW still can't figure out how to make a proper coolant reservoir after decades of failures.
I agree. I thought I was finished dealing with expansion tanks from my e46 ownership.


To all...Taking the car in to the dealer next week.
Thx
Appreciate 0
      07-16-2019, 11:34 AM   #9
N55Msport
Private First Class
N55Msport's Avatar
United_States
177
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 11'E90 15'F30 16'F80
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Where they launch rockets

iTrader: (0)

Update: I really need to switch dealerships while this M3 is under warranty. I'm having a hard time trying to convince these service advisors that this is an issue on my car. Before I look for another BMW shop, can anyone post a few more pictures of normal ET tanks that are not weeping at the seams? The next closest dealership is 1 1/2 hours away and I'd like to make them fix it.
Thx
Appreciate 0
      07-23-2019, 10:11 PM   #10
N55Msport
Private First Class
N55Msport's Avatar
United_States
177
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 11'E90 15'F30 16'F80
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Where they launch rockets

iTrader: (0)

I went to a second BMW dealeship and had the car pressure tested a second time and no leaks detected so no repair needed. I guess I'll keep an eye on the tank.
Appreciate 0
      07-27-2019, 11:25 AM   #11
turbo v6
Private First Class
United_States
39
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: 135i N55, 230i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Central FL

iTrader: (1)

Same issue here: 2016 M3 30k+ miles. Had it replaced.

Common problem!!! How many more common problems are there???
Appreciate 1
SCS55291.00
      07-28-2019, 11:30 AM   #12
N55Msport
Private First Class
N55Msport's Avatar
United_States
177
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 11'E90 15'F30 16'F80
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Where they launch rockets

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by turbo v6 View Post
Same issue here: 2016 M3 30k+ miles. Had it replaced.

Common problem!!! How many more common problems are there???
Actually from what I researched, not many. I spoke with several techs at different BMW dealerships and posed that very same question. They all said that even the early model M3's that have been cycled through with high mileage are not showing any issues.
Appreciate 0
      07-29-2019, 04:05 PM   #13
N55Msport
Private First Class
N55Msport's Avatar
United_States
177
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 11'E90 15'F30 16'F80
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Where they launch rockets

iTrader: (0)

Final update issue resolved. After driving around some more and seeing an increase in coolant spewing, I finally convinced my local service department that I have a bad tank and had it replaced today by the dealer. The tech who did the work has seen some tanks completly ruptue so if you see any residual dried coolant along the seams get the tank replaced.

I also asked about the pressurization check on the system. The procedure is to pressurize the entire cooling system to 2 bar which is the rating for the cap. Most of the time when the tech discovered a leaks in a system it would only hold 1 or 1.5 bar. In my case the system was passing the test, but somehow managed to relieve pressure through a micro crack or split in the seam as evidenced by the mess on the rear of the firewall area.

Case closed.
Bill
Attached Images
  

Last edited by N55Msport; 07-29-2019 at 04:07 PM.. Reason: typo
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2019, 10:28 AM   #14
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
So I know this thread is old, but I figured I would add another data point for the sake of others.... My expansion tank looked exactly like the OP's tank with dried coolant residue at the seems. It took a little pressure on the dealer to get a warranty replacement tank since my car also passed the pressure test. Fortunately, I did not have to wait for the seem to start "spewing" in order to get the repair done. Basically, my dealer went to bat for me as BMW NA originally wanted to deny it since my car passed the pressure test.

Just had the job done at 45k miles. 2017 M3 with a Nov 2016 build date, purchased in Dec 2016. So I think the moral of the story is for S55 owners to begin monitoring their expansion tank at least by the 40k mile mark. At least the tank is not that expensive or difficult to replace should a DIY be necessary if outside of warranty.
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 1
N55Msport176.50
      12-14-2019, 07:50 PM   #15
THEROK
Major
South Korea
1265
Rep
1,286
Posts

Drives: Genesis GV80
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam District

iTrader: (0)

Comical and sad for BMW service to not replace these straight away on visual inspection for those under factory warranty. Mine looked exactly like the ones shared here and noticed coolant loss over time.

I'm vigilant about keeping an eye on coolant levels in both the expansion tank and charge cooler. It's critical to keeping the S55 performing at its best. Heat is enemy #1.
__________________
Dry sump flat six
Appreciate 1
N55Msport176.50
      12-14-2019, 09:25 PM   #16
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY
Banned
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY's Avatar
No_Country
4992
Rep
4,139
Posts

Drives: F80
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THEROK View Post
Comical and sad for BMW service to not replace these straight away on visual inspection for those under factory warranty. Mine looked exactly like the ones shared here and noticed coolant loss over time.

I'm vigilant about keeping an eye on coolant levels in both the expansion tank and charge cooler. It's critical to keeping the S55 performing at its best. Heat is enemy #1.
how does one determine the amount of coolant in the charge cooler. everytime I open the cap I cant get my head on top; and taking a picture hasn't helped. Whats the purpose of that yellow thing in there?
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2019, 10:56 PM   #17
N55Msport
Private First Class
N55Msport's Avatar
United_States
177
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 11'E90 15'F30 16'F80
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Where they launch rockets

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY View Post
how does one determine the amount of coolant in the charge cooler. everytime I open the cap I cant get my head on top; and taking a picture hasn't helped. Whats the purpose of that yellow thing in there?
From the research I did on this, on a cool engine coolant should be touching the bottom of the yellow disk.
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2019, 06:27 PM   #18
THEROK
Major
South Korea
1265
Rep
1,286
Posts

Drives: Genesis GV80
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Gangnam District

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY View Post
how does one determine the amount of coolant in the charge cooler. everytime I open the cap I cant get my head on top; and taking a picture hasn't helped. Whats the purpose of that yellow thing in there?
Coolant level should sit in the range from the bottom of the "yellow thing" to the top measured by ledges molded into the actual plastic.

It is tough to see so I usually end up taking a few photos until I get one that shows the level clearly to my satisfaction.
__________________
Dry sump flat six
Appreciate 1
      12-15-2019, 06:52 PM   #19
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Wow, you guys must be pretty short if you can't see the level of the charge cooler expansion tank..... But one other thing to remember is that when the car is at "cold iron" the coolant level should be at the very bottom of the yellow measuring device. This way there is the max amount of room for the coolant to expand during normal operation. If you add coolant to the high end of the band with the car cold, you will most likely have some coolant vent out of the tank. Same principle goes for the engine coolant expansion tank as well....
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 1
      12-15-2019, 10:32 PM   #20
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY
Banned
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY's Avatar
No_Country
4992
Rep
4,139
Posts

Drives: F80
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmciver View Post
Wow, you guys must be pretty short if you can't see the level of the charge cooler expansion tank..... But one other thing to remember is that when the car is at "cold iron" the coolant level should be at the very bottom of the yellow measuring device. This way there is the max amount of room for the coolant to expand during normal operation. If you add coolant to the high end of the band with the car cold, you will most likely have some coolant vent out of the tank. Same principle goes for the engine coolant expansion tank as well....
I'm 6'1"
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2019, 06:21 AM   #21
jmciver
///M SubDriver
jmciver's Avatar
United_States
1824
Rep
2,781
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmciver View Post
Wow, you guys must be pretty short if you can't see the level of the charge cooler expansion tank..... But one other thing to remember is that when the car is at "cold iron" the coolant level should be at the very bottom of the yellow measuring device. This way there is the max amount of room for the coolant to expand during normal operation. If you add coolant to the high end of the band with the car cold, you will most likely have some coolant vent out of the tank. Same principle goes for the engine coolant expansion tank as well....
I'm 6'1"
Lol, I am 6'0" - I must have a longer than average torso I guess . But seriously, leaning over the driver side fender has been enough for me to see inside the charge cooler expansion tank (no metal/hard objects like buttons, etc on my pants to prevent scratches of course )......
__________________
///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2019, 08:22 AM   #22
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY
Banned
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY's Avatar
No_Country
4992
Rep
4,139
Posts

Drives: F80
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmciver View Post
Lol, I am 6'0" - I must have a longer than average torso I guess . But seriously, leaning over the driver side fender has been enough for me to see inside the charge cooler expansion tank (no metal/hard objects like buttons, etc on my pants to prevent scratches of course )......
aside from your raging erection from seeing your car

Ill try to "bend over" and take a look; I'm more legs than torso.


This post was questionable so I will say it...no homo.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:31 PM.




f80post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST