Coolant Level Low!
- Thread starter Kin
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While it's still warm I wouldn't replace low coolant with antifreeze. Just antifreeze doesn't provide any real cooling from the radiator, just protects the water from freezing during the cold months. Next time use straight water, and not from the hose, purified water, so the heavy metals and other chemicals are removed. This will help keep from getting rust or scale deposits from building up inside your radiator. If you have a leak add 50/50 mix, if it's from evaporation, replace with just water.
Dumb questions: Do you notice any coolant puddles where you normally park it? Do you smell anything like maple syrup around the car (that's what the coolant smells like)?
You should rarely, if ever, need to add coolant to your BMW unless there is a leak somewhere in the system.
lpquick, how do you lose coolant to evaporation? Isn't the system closed?
You should rarely, if ever, need to add coolant to your BMW unless there is a leak somewhere in the system.
lpquick, how do you lose coolant to evaporation? Isn't the system closed?
I also think there is a leak in the cooling system. My first oil service will be due in another 1900 miles, so I will ask the dealer to look in the problem.
I never need to add coolent to my old Integra. But I did need to add coolant to my dad's 88 735i. My friend said he needs to add coolent to his 98 M3 too. However, I really think that my car is too new, only one year with 12000 miles, to require adding coolant periodically.
I never need to add coolent to my old Integra. But I did need to add coolant to my dad's 88 735i. My friend said he needs to add coolent to his 98 M3 too. However, I really think that my car is too new, only one year with 12000 miles, to require adding coolant periodically.
we had a car that went like 70000 with no coolent changes or adding, then it just kind of went crazy and needed to services done with nearly 3k total in repairs...hopefully for u guys it isn't the same problem...a question i have is that are you supposed to have to put coolent every (number) of miles??? i mean isn't it a closed system and it shouldn't need any more coolent unless a leak over time???
I have no inside scoop on this, but considering that the system is made so that the level can be checked by the car owner, and that it has a filler cap so it can be easily topped off, and that this topic is discussed in the maintenance section of the owner's manual, it appears that this would be a normal maintenance issue.
Coincidentally, my coolant warning light flashed on for the first time yesterday (~25K miles). I removed the filler cap, looked in, and saw absolutely nothing---it was dry as a bone! I called the dealer, and he said no problem, just come in and he'll top it off for me. It appeared to take quite a bit of coolant, but this did raise any concern with the service guy. (BTW, props to Ridgefield BMW for their great service and the way they handled my call!)
Coincidentally, my coolant warning light flashed on for the first time yesterday (~25K miles). I removed the filler cap, looked in, and saw absolutely nothing---it was dry as a bone! I called the dealer, and he said no problem, just come in and he'll top it off for me. It appeared to take quite a bit of coolant, but this did raise any concern with the service guy. (BTW, props to Ridgefield BMW for their great service and the way they handled my call!)