My coolant level is below the minimum level so need to top this up. Is there a difference between coolant brands eg: Will Halfords long life be a fine substitute to BMW one or is it better to stick to the BMW one for consistency ?
Coolant, difference between brands?
- Thread starter mrk
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Can't see there being much difference to be honest. As long as it's not pure water in there it'll be fine, unless I've missed something radical with new engines, so you could just top it up with water.
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THere probably isn't much difference but if it's a very infrequent topup the BMW stuff isn't that expensive and you may as well be consistent.
I would be more worried as to why the coolant is below minimum. Your car should not use coolant so the level should not go down. The fact it has indicates there is a problem with the car.
I would be more worried as to why the coolant is below minimum. Your car should not use coolant so the level should not go down. The fact it has indicates there is a problem with the car.
I did wonder why it was low but then I don't remember checking the level before either so it may well have been low to begin with. Would the fact that I checked it at lunch cause the level to vary within the system?
I drove to work on the motorway so the engine had not cooled down completely yet but cool enough to open the coolant cap.
I looked also high and low for leaks or any streaming and saw no sign of anything of the sort, completely dry even after the rainy drive to work.
So does coolant not naturally go low over time ?
I've tried to google with mixed results, some say use bmw only others say no difference but there are 3 types of coloured coolant I read, green, blue and orange hence the confusion!
Ok will do, I think you might be right though since the coolant indicator light has never come on either even though the dipstick shows to be below minimum. if I lift the dipstick with my fingers and let go it drops to rest. I will see again in the morning.
I can't remember what the coolant tank setup is on the 4 pot - have you got a proper clear plastic reservoir or is it that stupid black plastic thing with the float in like on the Sixes?
If its the latter make sure you know what correct level is - only if the float is inside the neck is it low. It should be level with, or slightly above, the top of the filller neck.
If its the latter make sure you know what correct level is - only if the float is inside the neck is it low. It should be level with, or slightly above, the top of the filller neck.
Or not.
Water? :O It's meant to be an even mixture isn't it!
It's the latter (didn't think BMW did a different one on any engine really). The silly float/dipstick thing has 2 ball-like bits, one for min level and one for max. The top ball (max) is below the tip of the min marker, well from what I can interpret from the very handy diagram next to the cap!
[TW]Fox;12475111 said:
It's the latter (didn't think BMW did a different one on any engine really). The silly float/dipstick thing has 2 ball-like bits, one for min level and one for max. The top ball (max) is below the tip of the min marker, well from what I can interpret from the very handy diagram next to the cap!
They do a different one - the 530d has a proper clear plastic tank which is far, far better. I have the same tank as you it would seem and its a nuisance.
If the entire float is below the neck then yes I would suggest its low - how far is it below?
If the entire float is below the neck then yes I would suggest its low - how far is it below?
Because he doesnt know if he has a leak. Don't use tap water in a coolant system especially not in that of a half decent car. It's not as if distilled water is expensive, is it?
So its good inch or so beneath the neck? That sounds very low indeed - check it tommorrow morning, top it up properly, and keep an eye on it.
[TW]Fox;12475480 said:Why are you recommending using normal tap water
I'm not, it shouldn't use much coolent unless there a is a problem, in which case to avoid agro with different mixtures etc just top up the tank with water. This is assuming only a few hundred ml is needed.
Just top up the tank with the right stuff, it costs pennies.
