1998 BMW 740iL Radiator Installation

The 1998 BMW 740iL radiator does the job of keeping the engine from overheating. It does this by forcing the coolant through the engine and by radiating heat from its own surface. It also reduces the temperature of the coolant by making use of the air coming onto its surface through the front grille. Radiators can be repaired, but at some point it's more efficient to simply replace the radiator with a new one. When that becomes the case, the installation can be done at home, with a little patience and the right tools.

Instructions

1

Turn your BMW 740iL off and allow the engine and radiator to cool down. Place the bucket under the drain plug. Open the plug and allow the coolant to flow into the bucket.

2

Remove the upper radiator hose by disconnecting the metal rings and pulling the hose from the connectors. Take care that the bucket is under the area, because coolant may spill out. Remove the lower radiator hose in the same manner, also allowing for additional coolant that may spill out. Disconnect and remove the upper radiator support bar. Disconnect and detach the radiator fan assembly, as well as the transmission oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler lines. Look for mounting screws at the top and bottom of the radiator and remove them.

3

Lift the BMW's radiator out of the vehicle, taking caution with coolant that may still be in the radiator and that may spill out. Place it on the ground. Check the hoses for any weak spots, tearing, ripping or other signs of wear that may indicate that the hoses need replacing. Check the condition of the hose clamps as well. If the hoses and clamps are in poor condition, you should replace them along with the radiator to avoid problems.

4

Check the condition of the radiator fan. Clean it with high-pressure air or water to remove any debris.

5

Position the new radiator in the BMW 740iL. Reverse the removal process by connecting the radiator fan, the upper and lower hoses and the transmission oil cooler. Reattach all the bolts and tighten.

6

Check all connections and hoses and pour the proper coolant into the radiator until it is full. Turn on the BMW and warm the vehicle so that the radiator can begin to circulate the fluid. Continue to add coolant until the radiator is full and remains at a consistent level.