Q&A

It is common for the plastic coolant housings to crack and fail unfortunately. I don't have any BMW information in front of me right now but if the car has an electric fan locate the fan switch and bridge the contacts and see if the fan comes on. Not sure if that car has a viscous coupling type fan or not. There is a company that independent auto repair shops "buy" their information from that offer a very reasonable service to do it yourselvers. You can get a one week subscription or year subscription very cheap. The information is year make and model specific repair procedures, service bulletins, component locations, wiring diagrams ect.... great quality information same as the professionals have ,much better than generic workshop manuals from parts stores, much cheaper than the factory manual try http://www.eautorepair.net/Marketing/Default.asp?VID=125669 and get an online repair manual subscription. Some BMWs have plastic impellers on the water pump that fail as well seek out a BMW independent repair shop in your area they may locate and repair the problem with your car quickest as they will know your car well.