low coolant
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
My car started showing the low coolant error on my screen when I was driving to a shopping center. I am home now and waiting for the engine to cool off. Do I need BMW coolant or can I use regular coolant? Can I just use water for now? Is distilled water better? I'll have to see if I have some.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17,508
Likes: 3
From: So. Cal (SFV)
My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
IIRC BMW uses 1/2 distilled with 1/2 coolant...but just stop by your local bmw dealership, almost all will do a complimentary "top-off" for you 
but i do know this topic has been discussed a few times before...

but i do know this topic has been discussed a few times before...
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17,508
Likes: 3
From: So. Cal (SFV)
My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
yes, even if you are out of warranty they will top it off...not sure how far u drive or how fast you drive daily... just make sure you take of it soon...
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
My Ride: 04 525i, 04 Dinan M3
Thanks, I'll swing by after work. I opened it up last night and it put some water in there. The light has gone off. But i'll still swing by. I drive about 80 miles total for my commute a day. Never had to fill it up since owning the car.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17,508
Likes: 3
From: So. Cal (SFV)
My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
Originally Posted by tex_phil' post='864043' date='Apr 30 2009, 07:29 AM
Thanks, I'll swing by after work. I opened it up last night and it put some water in there. The light has gone off. But i'll still swing by. I drive about 80 miles total for my commute a day. Never had to fill it up since owning the car.
Contributors
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
My Ride: 2006 550i - Metallic Mystic Blue, Sport Package, STEPTRONIC Auto Transmission, Leather Interior, Power Front Seats w/Lumbar Support, Xeonon Head Lights (Angel Eyes), Park Distance Control (PDC), 6-CD Changer, Adaptive Head Light, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Professional Radio, Premium Sound Package 13-Speakers Logic 7, Weather Band Radio, Voice Control (for Bluetooth Telephone Operatoin), 18" Run Flats, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Front/Rear Heated Seats, Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), Moonroof, Fold Down Rear Seats, Hardwired Valentine One
Let us know how it turns out please... curious to know if they help you out for free.
My local dealer will top my coolant off at no charge. They usually keep a premixed bottle close by.
I would recommend, however, if this is occuringly frequently, to have them check out your coolant system. My light was coming on every two months or so, and I asked my SA if this was normal. He said "on some cars" yes it is. That didn't sound right so I had them check it out.
They determined that my coolant expansion tank had a small crack in it, so I had it replaced.
I would recommend, however, if this is occuringly frequently, to have them check out your coolant system. My light was coming on every two months or so, and I asked my SA if this was normal. He said "on some cars" yes it is. That didn't sound right so I had them check it out.
They determined that my coolant expansion tank had a small crack in it, so I had it replaced.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bestofthebest
Complete Car Sales
4
Mar 28, 2016 02:47 PM



