Radiator replacement, 1999 528i E39

[WalidAldeeb]

Hello Guys...
I am replacing a damaged radiator on my 1999 528i. This is my first project on a BMW, so I appreciate all of your help in advance. I have been following the Pelican technical manual, so far I have:
- Removed the radiator fan
- Disconnected all readiator hoses
- Removed radiator shroud
- Removed radiator overflow pump

I am now stuck at the 4 lines connected to the side of the radiator (driver's side). I believe two of them are for the automatic transmission. I am not sude what the other two are. There seems to be no way of removing the radaitor without disconnecting these lines.

I have three concerns:
1- What are the other 2 lines (other than the ATF)?
2- What is the best way to remove them without losing a lot of ATF?
3- Do I just add ATF to the ATF tank, or is there a bleeding process required after installation? I am sure I have to get OEM ATF from the dealer.

Thanks a lot guys. Without this forum, I could not have been able to do any repairs!

[Jeron]

There are actually 3 radiators up there.

1) engine cooling radiator (the one your are removing)
2) condenser radiator (for the A/C system, should be the front most one with a fan in front of it)
3) tranny radiator (the smallest)

I can guarantee it but you should be able to get the #1 radiator out without removing #2 or #3.

[WalidAldeeb]

Thanks for the response Jeron. I tried my best to get radiator #1 (engine cooling)out without removing the lines feeding into readiator # 2 (ATF). I could not.

There are 4 lines going into the ATF radiator. Each two are bundled together. The top pair are ATF. What is the bottom pair?

Any help is appreciated!

[Surfer186]

I just replaced my radiator, along with all the hoses, belts and thermostat. The removal of the radiator was a big pain in the ass!! I also gave some thought to removing the lines that hold the driver side of the radiator down, but I thought it over. Those two lines snap into a plastic "shroud" and so I popped them out using a flat blade screwdriver. Once that is done, you can "pop" the P/S coil from the shroud as well as the Transmission coil. Be VERY CAREFUL not to bend the Aluminum lines. From that point, you can move the P/S coil over to where the Breather Box is located...general area. With a bit of moving and shifting, you should be able to remove the Bastard(radiator) from where it sits lodged. Re-installing the new radiator is a pain as well! You have to drop in that same corner along with the lines you popped out earlier. Move the passenger side of the radiator towards the engine so that you can snap the coils of both the P/S and Transmission into thier respective brackets before you can fully seat the radiator. BMW does not make it easy!! Patience, all I can say. Good luck!! BTW, Bleeding the system...Day at the Beach!! Let me know how it goes..or went?

[Jeron]

So the other set of lines go to the p/s?

[Surfer186]

I own a 2001 530i and I am guessing that all is the same. Are you able to load up a Pic So I can take a look? If it's the same engine, the lines are for the Power Steering and Transmission. Follow the lines...Remove the air box to get a better view. Let me know what you see!!