Brass Bleeder Screw for BMW E39s

I purchased the FGT Motorsport brass bleeder screws as a preventative measure and replaced the OEM plastic screws on the thermostat and expansion tank. The FGT screw comes with a rubber seal and the larger slots make it difficult to strip out with a screwdriver.

I read horror stories of drivers being stranded due to their plastic screws warping, leaking, becoming brittle over and time and eventually failing. Being stranded over a plastic screw seems easily avoidable so I spend $24 for two screws for some peace of mind.

Some BMW drivers swear by OEM plastic screws and carry a couple as backup in case they fail. The Dorman Bleeder Screws are a good aftermarket replacement if you are concerned about stripping the plastic threads with the brass screw.

OEM Part# 1711171278, 11537793373

Brass screw is compatible with E46, E36, E30, E38, E39, Mini Coopers, and E83 BMW models. 

Plastic or brass, do not over tighten bleeder screws.

Looking good.

BMW N20 & N26 Expansion Tank

BMW N20 & N26 Expansion Tank

The expansion tank for the BMW N20 and N26 turbocharged straight 4 engines looks like a golf ball or radome.

I think it looks pretty neat with the white round plastic over the E90's black square expansion tank. The reservoir in the picture below is from a F30 328i.

 

The part number for the OEM expansion tank is (17-13-7-642-158). Mike Miller recommends changing the expansion tank at 90,000 miles.