How to Remove the Radiator on a 2001 BMW 3 Series


1. Let the engine cool for several hours prior to working on the car. Pop the hood and open the radiator cap. Lift up the front of the car with the jack and set it on jack stands.
2. Place the drain pan underneath the expansion tank on the side of the radiator. Open the drain valve at the base using your hands and allow it to empty coolant into the pan. Remove the splash guard from underneath the car using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator and let the coolant drain into the pan.
3. Remove the hose clamp on the upper and lower radiator hoses at the radiator using the flat-head screwdriver. Pull the hoses off the radiator by hand and point them down towards the drain pan. Remove the plastic rivets holding on the upper fan shroud using the flat-head screwdriver.
4. Remove the automatic-transmission cooler lines from the side of the radiator using a line wrench if you have an automatic transmission. Place the flat-head screwdriver underneath the radiator-holding clips and pull them back to pop the radiator free. Lift the radiator up and out of the engine compartment.