The Bentley BMW service manual says that the cooling system is a lifetime fill, just like the transmission. I searched and could not find many posts about doing a cooling system flush. I am thinking that since it is not a "critical" item in BMW's thinking, maybe all we should consider doing is a simple radiator drain and refill. That would replenish to a great extent the corrosion inhibitors and since the remaining old coolant is supposed to last forever, should be sufficient, especially if it is repeated every 4-5 years. Thoughts?

 

that is correct. the coolant system in the E60 are a lifetime fill. i still drain and flush mine however ever 60k as preventative maintance.

 

+1 Modern coolants do seem to last longer than in the "old days" BUT, especially if you intend to keep your car beyond the "lifetime" of a flea. I would recommend fresh BMW coolant (50-50 mix with DISTILLED water) every 4-5 years or 80-100K miles - it's not that expensive or difficult to do.

 

Is there a diy for the coolant flush? Found a diy on the 530 at bimmerfest awhile back but was hoping someone else posted a more detail one here.

Thanks guys

 

No, but it is really simple to just drain the radiator. It seems to me that would be sufficient rather than a full system flush which usually involves also removing a plug on the engine block. Just remove the fill cap up top, then remove the front splash shield under the engine (phillips screw heads on integral screws) and look for a drain cock on the bottom of the radiator, then open it to start draining. Depending on your engine, you may need to bleed air from the upper parts after you fill it back up. My e39 has instructions in the owners manual and on a sticker in the engine compartment. Don't overlook this as it can cause bad behavior or even engine damage if you do. I have not checked this out for my e60, but will do so before I start. If you do much work on your car, get the Bentley service manual. It will save its cost the first time you use it.

 

If I remember correctly BMW only sell one type of coolant, it's the same stuff they used to say change every 3 years, now it's "lifetime fill".

Anyway I replaced my main thermostat (car was running cool) that results in almost an entire loss of coolant. The old stuff looked pretty good really (6 years old) clear deep blue. I believe my 535d takes a total of 9 litres of coolant, with the thermostat replaced I got 7.5 litres into it.

 

apparently E60's are self bleeding so no worries with trapped air, well thats for a 545! i dont know about other E60 engine size.

 

What Type of Coolant should we buy (brand) and how much (mL) would a 2007 530i take?

My car has the "Coolant Low" sign on, and is driving me nuts. lol

 

Buy the stuff at a BMW Service center that gives discounts to forum or BMWCCA members. Before you go pouring in the new stuff better find out if you've got a leak somewhere or you'll just be wasting money. Radiator, overflow tank, water pump are known problem and leak areas.

 

Anyone know how much coolant drains off the radiator as I read somewhere drainig radiator would not drain the coolant from the engine area.