Thermostat to Cylinder Head Hose 'Mickey Mouse' Flange Replacement | Metal Upgrade

  • Remove Front Air Snorkel

    Remove the 2 T-15 screws holding the front air snorkel in place.

  • Remove Rear Air Snorkel

    Pivot the rear air snorkel out of place, releasing the air box retention tabs (white arrow).

  • Unplug Oil Filter Housing Connector

    Unplug the single oil filter housing connector by depressing the metal retention clip.

  • Loosen Two Bolts

    Loosen the two retention bolts mounting the factory flange to the cylinder head.

  • Unlatch Hose from Cylinder Head

    Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry the factory hose from the cylinder head ensuring not to damage the head.

  • *NOTE

    Place a drip pan underneath the vehicle before removing the hose, as a large amount of coolant will drain from the engine block.

  • *NOTE

    As can be seen above, the factory o-ring has worn out and become flattened. This flat o-ring can not seal the engine properly and will leak coolant.

  • Cut Factory Hose

    Use a pair of scissors to carefully cut off the factory flange from the hose, ensuring a clean and precise cut. The factory band clamp securing the hose is not removable but can be carefully cut off using a Dremel tool if necessary. However, simply cutting off the old flange is an acceptable solution. The factory hose is sufficiently long and can be extended as needed to accommodate the modification.

  • Fit New Band Clamp

    Fit the new band clamp over the factory hose.

  • Tighten Band Clamp

    Tighten band clamp around new upgraded metal flange. This new metal flange will future-proof the engine by minimizing chances of future leaks.

  • Install New O-Ring

    Install new o-ring onto the new upgraded coolant flange.

  • Lubricate New O-Ring

    Lubricate the new o-ring by applying a small bead of grease and/or coolant to the outside of the ring. This will help it seal into place without damaging the rubber due to friction.

  • Align Flange with Engine Block

    Align the thermostat to cylinder head flange with the engine block ensuring the bolt holes line up and firmly press it into place until it's flush on the top and bottom.

  • Re-Install Hose Flange Bolts

    Re-install the two flange bolts ensuring they're properly tightened to spec.

    NOTE: It's highly recommended to replace these bolts as they're aluminum.

  • Fill Coolant Reservoir and Bleed System

    With the new hose re-installed, fill the coolant reservoir to it's max level. Do not overfill. Once filled to max, conduct the cooling system bleeding procedure.

    BMW Cooling System Bleeding Procedure 
  • Test Start Vehicle

    With the cooling system filled and bled, test start the vehicle's engine. Allow to idle for roughly 5 minutes while inspecting for coolant leaks.

  • DIY Complete!

    Good job replacing the thermostat to cylinder head hose flange! Be sure to keep an eye out for coolant leaks that could appear later down the line.