BMW E90 320i - Coolant Question

TJ Mackie

Hey guys, quick question if you don't mind.

The "low coolant" warning light came up on my dashboard yesterday morning. I just bought the car last month, so not sure when (if ever) it was last topped up. It's an 06 car so I imagine it has been topped up at some stage.

The light came on as I was coming out of an underground car park, so the car was at a slight slope. But I'm guessing as I've seen the light, I should take action just to be safe.

Do I have to get a special type of coolant, or is there any type you guys recommend? I assume I can get it in your average petrol station?

Thanks. Sorry, never had a coolant issue in any car before!

biko

First make sure it's actually low by opening cap and checking the level.
Since you don't know what's in there or the current mix I suggest you make sure to get a correct mix. To do this you need to remove the old coolant and put fresh in.

This video shows how you replace the coolant, with what and how much.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDBGYRlMPOQ

keithsfleet

If there is a service history check it. It won't say what was used but it'll tell you where it was serviced and if it's BMW give them a ring. They most likely would of stuck with the manufactures recommendation.

TJ Mackie

Well that's the thing. I just went outside and checked the level (thanks to biko's video above) and it is very, very low. It's below the minimum actually.

The garage I bought it from "serviced" it before I bought it (this is also in the service history). Surely they would have checked this? I'm actually hoping they didn't top it up because that would mean there's a leak somewhere

Does topping up coolant fall under my 3 month bumper to bumper warranty? :P

biko

If you still have any warranty on it bring it back and say it's low and could it possibly be a leak? Maybe they never checked before they sold it.
They may fob you off, or top it up and ask you keep an eye on it.

obezyana

Top it up yourself before you **** up the engine it's hardly worth going to the dealer just for a top up or flush out of coolant.

I'm not too sure if it's the same now as was before but it's blue coolant for any BMW iv had (e46s). Mix it with bottled water it's a lot easier on the rad.

DublinDilbert

Check the pipe that runs over the top of the radiator, there's a 7mm plastic pipe that sometimes cracks and it drips onto the rad. Cause its dripping onto a hot rad its very hard to spot. You might see a clean path in the dirt on the fan cowl where the water has been dripping on to.

Its a 7mm plastic pipe and it goes brittle over time, mine literally broken when i went to un-clip it. I replaced mine with a piece of Aluminium from B&Q and ordered the correct part from BMW. Never went back and replaced my B&Q fix as its still fine 2.5 years on.