Expansion tank bleed screw

[leeb51]

I had the misfortune of having the bleed screw break off while driving, exposing the slot in the screw and allowing a significant coolant loss. Since the plastic screw broke off inside the expansion tank housing, I was concerned how to remove it without damage. While I was contemplating the problem I went to my local dealer (Sam Swope BMW - Louisville) to get the replacement part. Wow only $3.33. When I was at the parts counter the tech asked if mine broke off and I confirmed it did. He asked if I knew how to remove the remaining piece and when I said I was thinking it over he said that their techs simply heat an appropriate sized screwdriver and press it into the plastic piece that remains and then pull it out, allowing the plastic to harden thereby producing a notch for the screwdriver once both parts cool. Great advice. It took about 5 minutes, total, to get the old part out and be in the position to refill and bleed the system. Imagine that, a simple solution and cheap at that.