Coolan is low on my 03 330ci

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#1
the indicator came on and off now but I think it's low. Can I just add Prestone Coolan that you can buy at any store? and Anyone have any DIY instruction where to add it? some pictures will be great thanks
 
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Tom

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#2
If you currently have BMW coolant in there, I'd say just go down to your local BMW dealer and get some more.


To check or add coolant:
1) Locate your reservoir tank located at the lower left corner of your engine bay.
2) Take a cotton rag and unscrew the cap, you do not have to push down on it.
3) If the engine is cool, the floating stick should be floating at the very top. There is a small chart of the tank itself if you are unsure.
4) If everything looks fine then it might be because you have a bad sensor.
5) If it's really low then you might want to check for possible leaks.

**Important: Don't forget to dilute the coolant with 50% coolant and 50% distilled water**


 

aNoodle

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#3
Great pics and instructions Tom. I would only add: be sure not to open that cap if the engine is warm and make sure you're on level ground.

If it's only down a little, you can just add some distilled water (it won't throw the 50/50 mixture off that much).
 

Tom

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#4
aNoodle said:
Great pics and instructions Tom. I would only add: be sure not to open that cap if the engine is warm and make sure you're on level ground.

If it's only down a little, you can just add some distilled water (it won't throw the 50/50 mixture off that much).

Perfect [thumb]
 
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#5
Do I have to do 50/50 mix? I can't just add coolant till the level. My car 330CI 2002 and the cap is on the right front side..am I correct??

thanks

so Prestone coolan should be fine?
 

bmwrocks

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#6
You need to take your car in to find out where the coolant disappeared to. The stuff just doesn't go away in the volume you are talking about for a 2003 model till now.

Like Tom said, if you top it off and then it disappears again, you know you have a leak somewhere.

I would just take it in and have them check it out under warranty.
 
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#7
Ok, I will do that then. I will also see if I can get my first service done at almost at 13,000 miles. Do you think they will get it service for me?
 
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#8
Tom said:
If you currently have BMW coolant in there, I'd say just go down to your local BMW dealer and get some more.

Tom,

do you really need BMW coolant? Can you mix other coolant with BMW coolant?
 

Tom

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dumayou said:
Ok, I will do that then. I will also see if I can get my first service done at almost at 13,000 miles. Do you think they will get it service for me?
I'm sure they can do both for you.
 

Tom

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#10
zman said:
Tom said:
If you currently have BMW coolant in there, I'd say just go down to your local BMW dealer and get some more.

Tom,

do you really need BMW coolant? Can you mix other coolant with BMW coolant?
If you are just topping off then I say you can just poor in distilled water like stated above.

I think BMW's coolant has special additives that you won't find in brands like Prestone "I may be wrong". So I don't know how the coolants may react to one another. However if you are doing a coolant flush, I can't see any reason why you can't use Prestone.
 


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