Your BMW’s cooling system includes hoses,
control valves, the heater core, radiator and
expansion tank. Due to the composition of materials
used, and their constant contact with coolant,
these parts deteriorate from age more than use.
Proper maintenance requires scheduled replacement
of coolant, regular replacement of all hoses
and replacement of any parts that are plugged
or leaking.
Every hose should be checked at least twice
a year for flexibility, cracks, abrasions and
any evidence of leakage. Suspect hoses should
be replaced whenever the coolant is drained
for replacement or during engine repairs. Each
hose should be replaced at least every few years.
Normally you would replace radiators, expansion
tanks, heater cores and control valves only
when leakage or plugging occurs. Because the
proper functioning of these parts is critical
to the functioning of many other systems in
your BMW, their condition should be assessed
by a certified BMW technician.
