Obviously we all know this is plastic and it ... corrodes. I knew this and ordered the bolt and it cost $11 or so I was a bit mortified by the price but knew it had to be done.

Next day I went to check my fluids and noticed my coolant was low (again) so letting the car idle and watching I noticed it was coming from the bleeder screw while examining I touched it and it..fell off

I took a flat head screwdriver and lodged it into the remaining plastic and unscrewed it. So obviously with 3-4 business days until the bolt comes in I needed SOMETHING, I took a look in a bin of random stuff and a friend realized a 3-way cable splitter end fits perfectly.

Off to the hardware store (in a different vehicle obviously) and $0.88 later a 3/8" bolt is in and no more leaking Not sure how well this will hold up but for those not wanting to spend 12$ on a bolt or who are putting off changing that out this should be a good warning.

 

I think about replacing mine every time I top off the coolant. One of these days that little crack it makes when I take it off is gonna be the end of it. I really should order the brass one.

 

This is what I used with Teflon Tape:

T-Hose Bleeder Screw: Home Depot Brass Replacement $3

 

I ordered 2 brass ones(one to look at on the parts shelf), kept the spare plastic one in the onboard part store in the cargo bin,for any buddy on the trail or side of the the road I could roll up and be hero for the day.

 

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar, hopefully there's more like you.

Also this is how it turned out

 

You can get a replacement from the BMW dealer for like $4

 

This is what I completed this past week for $20. Works great and doesn't leak.

 

Ooooo... is that metal? Like not plastic? That's kinda cool.. what did you use to do it? I'm game.. lol

 

I got the idea from a few others on this forum. It is 1" dia black steel tee with threaded black steel nipples. 1x 1" Black Pipe Tee
3x 1" dia Black Pipe
The valve I used is in the compressor section at Home Depot. You will need to tap and drill for the valve.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Powermate-1...6RP/202593196/

 

I might be able to make this with stuff I have at work.. The busses use things like this for their cooling systems.