Low Coolant warning - What BMW brand coolant alternative can I use?
10-20-2009, 06:46 AM
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The weather just started getting cold here in Jacksonville, FL. I just received a Low Coolant warning this morning on my 2004 530i with 76K. The coolant has not ever been touched. Hopefully it is just needs a top-off and no hoses or the radiator are leaking. Rather than making the trek out to the BMW dealer, can I just buy some Prestone to top it off? What is the Prestone equivalent to the BMW Coolant? Thanks.....
10-20-2009, 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by acribb' post='1036528' date='Oct 20 2009, 10:46 AM
The weather just started getting cold here in Jacksonville, FL. I just received a Low Coolant warning this morning on my 2004 530i with 76K. The coolant has not ever been touched. Hopefully it is just needs a top-off and no hoses or the radiator are leaking. Rather than making the trek out to the BMW dealer, can I just buy some Prestone to top it off? What is the Prestone equivalent to the BMW Coolant? Thanks.....
Raj
10-20-2009, 08:51 AM
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
I have topped off with prestone 50/50 premixed. What's the advantage to using BMW? I doubt that they actually make the stuff.
10-20-2009, 08:57 AM
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Both BMW and Audi use a similar coolant. It is specifically made to work in certain temperature ranges. Would the other coolant work, ofcourse it will. Does it meet BMW temp specs, not so sure.
Its like putting BMW 5W30 oil compared to any other 5W30 oil, does it work, yes. Is it made to work in BMW engine range, no!
Raj
Its like putting BMW 5W30 oil compared to any other 5W30 oil, does it work, yes. Is it made to work in BMW engine range, no!
Raj
10-20-2009, 09:19 AM
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I don't think it makes much of a difference when talking in terms of a top off either.
I emailed Prestone directly and inquired which Prestone anti-freeze was the same as the BMW coolant. He said to use the Prestone All Make and Models 50/50.
I emailed Prestone directly and inquired which Prestone anti-freeze was the same as the BMW coolant. He said to use the Prestone All Make and Models 50/50.
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