How to Remove the Radiator From a BMW

1. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the BMW's radiator and place a drain pan underneath the plug. Take the cap off the top of the radiator and then open the drain plug with an open end wrench to allow the radiator to drain completely.
2. Remove the upper radiator hose from the top of the radiator by undoing the hose clamp with a screwdriver and sliding the radiator hose away from the outlet tube of the radiator.
3. Loosen the overflow hose clamp, located next to the radiator cap, with a screwdriver and remove that hose.
4. Locate the two transmission cooler lines that are connected to the radiator near the bottom and use an open end wrench to unfasten the lines from the radiator. Move the transmission lines out of the way to give you enough room to work.
5. Find the electric coolant level sensor that is on the left side of the radiator as you are facing the motor. Start at the top and unfasten the sensors by using a flat-head screwdriver to insert into the slot and pull away while guiding the plug away from the radiator. Use a socket wrench to unfasten the sensor mount from the radiator.
6. Unfasten the air filter assembly mount on the left side of the radiator with a socket wrench and then undo the hose clamp around the lower radiator hose and slide the hose off of the radiator. Remove the bracket that sits on the top of the radiator by sliding a screwdriver into the two slots on the top and prying up until the clamps pop open.
7. Slide the radiator straight up until the unit is free from the vehicle and set it off to the side.