low coolant
04-29-2009, 07:42 PM
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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.
04-29-2009, 07:44 PM
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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...
04-29-2009, 08:18 PM
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Is it safe to drive in the meantime, I won't be able to swing by until tomorrow night. They do it for free even if I'm out of warranty?
04-30-2009, 06:10 AM
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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...
04-30-2009, 06:29 AM
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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.
04-30-2009, 06:30 AM
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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.
04-30-2009, 12:21 PM
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Let us know how it turns out please... curious to know if they help you out for free.
04-30-2009, 01:49 PM
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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.
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