Lately I have had steam coming from the right kidney grill. I can't quite locate were it is coming from. I checked my coolant level and was maybe about 1 cup low (expected for almost 1 year and 15k miles). It only happens for a few seconds after I shut off the engine. At first I thought maybe it might be condensation steaming up off the radiator (because of the foggy weather as of late). Anyone else experiance this.

How long has BMW had the stick that pops up to check the coolant level? Seems like a clear surge tank or just a clear line with a min max level would be a lot easier.

 

My coolant level light has been coming on intermittently for about a month now. The dealer thinks it's due to the cold weather, as they've been getting a lot of complaints about this in the recent weeks with the cold weather hitting the east coast. Anyway, I'm taking my car in on Saturday to have it looked at. I'll let you know what they say.

 

Steam out of the kidney is never a good sign.
Sounds like a problem...

 

Ditto. I too am getting the Low Coolant message, but no steam. Last time this happened it was winter and the dealer topped of with less than 2 ounces of coolant. The coolant does expand some when warm so I get the message only on first start of the day, once the engine is warm, no message. Will go in Saturday to have the dealer top off with a couple of ounces of coolant. From my dealer comments, the message is common as the sensor in the radiator overflow bottle is very sensitive and when just an ounce or two low, will sound the alarm. No leaks in my system, but the steam from the kidney grill should be checked out!

 

You might want to check if your AC is working. The condenser is infront of the radiator. I had a rock hit the condenser just right to cause a puncture and freon to leak out, looking like steam. BMW would not cover it under warranty and wanted $900 to repair. I said heck no and had an aluminum weld specialist weld up the hole for $200 and clean/recharge the AC unit.

 

i recall once stopping at a light and realizing that my front end was smoking. so i pulled over and found that smoke was coming from the kidneys. never figured out what the cause of the smoke was, but since then i havent experienced this issue.

 

I too had the same thing last week...except it happened coming out of a car wash.

When I pulled over to hand dry the car, I noticed a lot of steam coming out of the grill. I was worried at first, because the car was only 3 weeks old thinking maybe the engine was overheating or something. I opened up the hood only to find the steam was coming from just the grill/radiator and not the engine. It went away after a few minutes, so I figured a lot of water got jet sprayed in through the grill and was just evaporating from a hot radiator. But still it was odd how much steam was coming out of there...

-Dennis

 

Yes, it looks great when the steam comes out of the grilles - after a car wash.

Pics needed!


Otherwise, get the car to the dealers at once.

 

I haven't had a low coolant mesage. I noticed it this morning again. I left it runing, and grabed a flashlight. I couldn't tell exactly were it was coming from. The radiator is covered by the A/C condensor, or trans cooler (couldn't follow the lines without pulling off the top support). The steam only lasted maybe 20 seconds with the engine at an idle. This afternoon I drove it pretty hard and not a damn thing was coming out. I am starting to think it is condensation from the fog and humidity levels. The temp this moring was 34 (with fog), and 44 when I checked this afternoon. Doesn't make sense why it is only coming from one side though.

 

same here right after i wash my car at the self car wash near my house. while driving home to my garage to dry it and wax it, i have seen smoke come out only for maybe a minute to a minute and a half. it all looked fine when i popped the hood once i got into my garage. no biggie really in that case im guessing.