coolant

[dpnguyen]

I've had my car for almost 1 year, 11k miles. The coolant light comes on and when I check, it's very low. I proceed to the autoparts store and buy the Prestone for all makes and models. Two Q's: does BMW recommend a certain type of coolant and, is it normal for coolant to run low on a relatively new BMW? I was surpised how much coolant I had to add.

 

[aNoodle]

They say there is a brake in period where the seals set. It's not unusual at all to have to top it off in the first year. But I don't know about a bunch. BMW has a special recipe coolant. The synthetic long-life Prestone is good too.

But isn't your car under warranty? Just take it to them. They'll top it off and do a pressure test and all for free!

 

[AZRobert]

What does your owners manual say???

 

[dpnguyen]

The owner's manual doesn't say anything about some special BMW coolant. It just tells you where/how to check.

You're right, I am under warranty but because I was so low, I didn't want to wait until the dealer could squeeze me in.

I'm going to check it again in a couple days. If there is no change in the level, I'm not going to worry about it.

 

[jrt67ss350]

You don't need BMW coolant. Prestone is fine. If you keep having to top it off, take 'er in and have them check it out. It's not normal to have to constantly add coolant.

 

[mikemac]

How funny! My car is about the same mileage and exactly the same thing happened to me. The coolant light came on to my surprise, and when I checked the float was well inside the housing (eg. low). I've never had a car that needed to have coolant added so it has me a bit worried.