Does a bmw 318i se 2.0l 2002 have a distributor cap?

Bmw 318i se auto losing water?

• I have a bmw 318i se auto 2002 plate 79 on clock....I drove the car and noticed the heat went cold, the following day i went to drive the car and the coolant light was on, checked the water and it was all gone, topped the water back up over night, next morning all gone with no water on the drive. I then topped the water back up and took it to my local garage who could not find any faults and it did not lose water when they drove it, they also kept it over night and it did not lose any. I had been driving the car fine for 1 week then when i pulled the car into my drive the other day there was steam gushing out of the bonnet and the water just gushed out every where, although the temp had not gone up on the display in the car it was sitting normal and this time the coolant light had not come on. The car has not been using oil, it is fine under the cap although there was a little white on the dip stick. Apparently this model bmw is prone to water problems rather than engine problems. My car is now with a bmw specialist who said it may well need a new engine as if it was the head gasket these engines are a nightmare to get back together without other problems later occuring due to being a technical engine, and i may be looking at paying for a new engine? any ideas what this issue could be as i have been told that if it was a big engine issue i would not of been able to drive it with no problems for that 1 week? Thank you

• Answer:

  I own a BMW 318is coupe automatic. These cars have a history of the plastic impeller on the water pump breaking and causing the engine to overheat. Get the car back from them and check that out.You will find all the info you need on YOUTUBE. Or any BMW website. Just Google the info. You will need to remove the rad and, if you have one, the viscous fan. Catch the coolant in a tub when you release the hoses for re-use. I replaced the thermostat on mine last week plus the housing, the heater wasn't working and the temp gauge didn't register. All is okay now.Stat & housing £49 from BMW, not everything on a BM is loadsamoney and a lot you can do a lot of jobs yourself. I have done. The engines are tough but can be worked on. Get the car back pronto. If you cannot do the job yourself ask around. There are plenty or independant garages that are genuine.