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Managed to get the new res back in without much drama. No difference in design from what I could tell to the original. Not the easiest job to do considering how its tucked in. The Pelican tutorial is good but I found half the wiring and connections they say to disconnect were not necessary. Lowering the engine was required in my case. No way the tank was coming out unless I did. The large mount on top of the tank has 3 groved teeth. Hardest part of the job is "aligning" the teeth such that the tank will release downward. If you didn't know this common sense would dictate pulling the tank towards the engine until it's clear of the mount which doesn't work. Only necessary to pull roughly 1/2" out then down. When you get the alignment correct it releases easily. Going back in is the same in reverse.
Was wishing desperately as I struggled with the mount that someone had posted a pic and described the method. Hope this helps...
Coolant reservoir leak
Was noticing a whiff of coolant smell for a while and couldn't figure it out. Then was snooping around and found this. Heading to the dealer to take care of it. I would do it but I have a warranty.
Seems to me all German cars have the inherent coolant bottle failure due to bad design. I don't know why they design that the bottle have to be pressurized. The Japanese cars have their coolant pressurized within the radiator, and the bottle serves just as an overflow.
My BMW once acted up similarly and I was stranded way out in the middle of I-5.
I have been trying to avoid this issue, by systematically opening the rear lid, when I am back in my garage. It lets the heat trapped in the engine compartment goes away faster and prevent the slow cooking of the plastic parts.
My car is a 2006 with close to 80,000 miles and the coolant tank looks rather good for its age. I hope I am not jinxing it....
You cant see the small cracks, till its too late. With that many miles and years, I would replace it at next service. My 2009 C4S has 43 K miles and the next service I'm getting it replaced regardless. Its a known failure point, why wait till it goes. Same for shifter cables. have the numerics ready to go.