How to Replace the Radiator in a 1998 BMW 528i

1. Place a drain pan under the petcock on the bottom of the BMW's radiator, open the petcock with pliers and drain the coolant into the drain pan.
2. Remove the clip that secures the radiator shroud to the top of the overflow housing using a screwdriver. Lift the radiator shroud off the engine and place it off to the side.
3. Remove the heater hose and the overflow hose from the overflow housing and pull the housing out of the engine bay.
4. Remove the two bolts that secure the radiator to the radiator support using a socket and ratchet. Pull the radiator and fan housing out of the engine bay at the same time.
5. Disconnect the wire harness from the back of the fan housing.
6. Remove the bolts that secure the fan housing onto the back of the radiator and transfer the fan housing to the new radiator. Secure it using the bolts, socket and ratchet.
7. Place the new radiator and fan housing into the engine bay far enough to plug the wire harness into the fan housing. Slide the radiator and fan housing into the engine bay once you connect the harness.
8. Secure the radiator to the radiator support with the two bolts, socket and ratchet.
9. Place the overflow housing into the engine bay and secure the heater hose and overflow hose to the housing.
10. Place the shroud back onto the top of the radiator and secure it with the plastic retaining clip.
11. Place a funnel into the overflow housing and drain the coolant back into the engine. Remove the funnel and close the overflow cap.