5Series.net - Forums - Coolant leak fixed!!

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!