So, I have had my 2004 545i for just over a year now and I had no issues other than a crash sensor and a failed water pump (pretty typical for BMWs). I love this car! Hammering the throttle coming out of a tight corner or passing other cars is soooo much fun. I just wish it handled like my old E39 528i, or at least had the sport suspension. I think H&R springs and some Bilsteins are in my near future.


OK, since this summer started, I could smell coolant every time I got out of the car and was loosing maybe a cup of coolant a month. But I had no visible leaks and never any puddles. That is until the past weekend. A couple of times over the weekend I had puddles of coolant under the car after it was shut off for 15-20 minutes. I added some dye to the coolant as I still could not find the leak. Then yesterday I notice a puddle under the car and when I looked at the engine, the valley area between the heads/under the intake manifold was full of bright green fluid! CRAP!!!!


My first thought was the coolant pipe under the valley pan. I really started to panic! However, upon closer inspection, I noticed coolant dripping from the coolant line that goes from the head to the expansion tank. I pulled off the intake hose/pipe and throttle plate and found a little plastic tee which had broke (why do they continue to use plastic in the cooling systems?) The tee was brittle and fell apart in my hands (See picture). I replaced the tee temporarily until I can order a new hose (maybe time for a coolant hose kit) and all is well!! Wahoo! I love my car again! Sorry for doubting you baby!

 

It feels great when you can resolve your own problem, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing your success story. We need more posts like yours.