Coolant Levels - Is this Normal or is there a Leak?

[Ennui78]

Hi guys, I checked my coolant levels this morning. And the floater showed it at the level of the rim of the opening i.e Minimum. Will go and fetch a bottle later. What brands do you guys use? Is it acceptable to just grab a bottle of the pre-mixed stuff from the Shell Station?On a more important note, how long is this coolant supposed to last? I filled it with a litre when the OBC gave a 'Low Coolant' warning just over two months ago. And that was when my car had clocked 6000km. I am currently at 8000km and I think I might have to top it up again. This isn't very normal, is it?Thanks in advance for any tips/comments and suggestions.E

 

[benjovi]

Bro Ennui,

I don't think it is a good idea to buy any coolant other than BMW supplied long life coolant. Those ordinary coolant may have some chemical that could damage your radiator.

 

[Schwepps]

Ennui, firstly I don't think it's normal. Mine is at 30k and I've never had to top up. Suggest you take it in to get it checked. At the same time, topping up should be covered by BSRI, so they should top-up for you with BMW-approved coolant.

Secondly, at my 29k BSRI, they didn't change the coolant although they changed the brake fluid. I reckon coolant change will be at the next BSRI at ~50k.

 

[David Yong]

Yes, I have to agree with schwepps. It's abnormal. I have been driving mine for more than 3 years (for 70k plus km mileage already) without a sign/warning for coolant top up. Better send it in for a check.

 

[Ennui78]

Ok...thanks so much guys. Will call AB and bring the car in on Monday. Sighs.

 

[MSport]

I think there could be a small leak somewhere. I never had to top-up or had any warning signs. Current mileage is about 48k km.

 

[saat]

My car is exactly 1 year old and I have never needed to top up. I do check it regularly. Last I checked was last month.

Something's definitely wrong with yours.

 

[astroboy]

24 months old or 32k km mileage old, never check my coolant level before.. no warning, keep using lor..

 

[Schwepps]

So you probably don't know that your E90 has the coolest coolant dipstick in the market: a pop-up float.

 

[Ennui78]

Have made an appointment to bring the car in after lunch. Wish me luck.

 

[Ennui78]

Got the car serviced yesterday while they performed a pressure test on the coolant tank. Nothing wrong...apparently. Guess time will tell. I mentioned that if there was no leak, then it must have had insufficient coolant to begin with.

 

[RR325i]

Ennui78,

I got the same problem...running at 9k now and i got the coolant level low alarm...what type of coolant you use then?

 

[Ennui78]

BMW Long-life coolant......get them to top up for you. Under BSRI.

 

[Ennui78]

just realised, if you're running at 9000km, you should be bringing in your car already, for her first servicing.....the service light should be on as you start your car.