Does anyone know if there is a radiator drain for the R56 S radiator? Is the only way to drain coolant from the cooling system to disconnect the bottom radiator hose and make a big mess?

Also, can someone comment on the cooling system capacity of the R56 S engine?

 

bump

 

bump

 

No drain that I know of. The BMW service manual says to pull the bottom hose.

 

Yup it's the drain hose and/or heater core if u wanna get it ALL out... Just don't do like I did and forget to plug the heater core back up.. It may cause a problem LOL

 

____________________________________MINI Cooper__ MINI Cooper S
Cooling system including heater_____ltr______5.2__________ 5.2

 

Driver's side, under the car, move the two clips to the middle on the radiator hose. Pull and cuss a lot until there is an orgasm of coolant no where near your bucket.

The coolant system holds 1.4 gallons. Use 50/50 half mix.

To refill start the car, begin to pour it in the coolant expansion tank. You'll have to bleed the system at the same time.

Take a flashlight and look on the driver's side of the valve cover. Between the valve cover and intake, about 3 inches down is the coolant bleeder screw. Loosen it/take it off. Watch the air bubble rise and the coolant begin to exit the expansion tank and into the block.

Did it today.

 

Can you post a photo of the bleeder screw?

 

Nevermind, found it!

 

Good! Sorry for the late reply. I just got the email from NAM.

I called a shop and asked them what was going on and that's what they told me.

Took me about 10 minutes before I was like... Okay! Found it!

 

Yeah, I pulled it out, dropped it, and had to dismantle the whole top of the motor to find it. Really no need to remove the screw completely. Coolant will bubble out around it if you loosen it. I don't recommend taking it all the way out. Thanks!

 

This would be a great "How To" post with pictures for the next person to do this procedure.