Tried to change the coolant in my r56. Undid lower hose on left as most DIY instructions I could find recommend. About 3 qt. came out and that was it. Any suggestions what I should try next? If I gently pressurize the overflow I get a bubbling noise bu suggesting trapped coolant, but no significant flow.

I was hoping to get away without extreme measures like buying a Wetvac.

I'm leaning towards flushing it a couple of times with distilled water, putting the hose back and running the engine each time. But then I got to guess on how much antifreeze to use.

 

The wet vac method seems to be the best to get as much coolant out of the system when doing a flush. Lots of great info and steps with using that method in this NAM thread here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ush-diy-3.html.

Make sure to use MINI blue coolant with 50/50 mixture of distilled water when refilling. We have wet vacs HERE if needed. Otherwise, maybe you can call a friend to see if they may have one. I have more than a few friends with one so you might get lucky.

Also, check out our coolant drain and fill article here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ing_System.htm. Review the first comment below the article in the comments/suggestions area as an individual did give some info about how he was able to get more coolant out without a wet vac. Maybe it'll help a bit. Good luck!