Coolant top up?

ZigmundUK · 09-11-2018, 03:57 AM

Anyone had to do this yet? I'm over 15k miles now but never had to top up a previous bmw diesel.

ZigmundUK · 09-11-2018, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Anyone had to do this yet? I'm over 15k miles now but never had to top up a previous bmw diesel.

Sorry forgot to say it gave a warning it was low this morning.

Zap-xpilot · 09-11-2018, 07:56 AM

Hi,

My G31 is nearing 15k kms and despite exgensive, Vmax-nudging punishing summer all across scorching Germany, France and Spain no problems with the coolant level.

I do remember that on my previous BMW the service technicians actively advised against just "topping up" coolant, as they said that the system should be a closed loop and any loss of liquid would be indicative of a leak. Their advise was to never top up coolant before doing a pressure test of the cooling system first.

Hope this helps and good luck! BTW, how does the warning light look like?

ZigmundUK · 09-11-2018, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zap-xpilot

Hi,

My G31 is nearing 15k kms and despite exgensive, Vmax-nudging punishing summer all across scorching Germany, France and Spain no problems with the coolant level.

I do remember that on my previous BMW the service technicians actively advised against just "topping up" coolant, as they said that the system should be a closed loop and any loss of liquid would be indicative of a leak. Their advise was to never top up coolant before doing a pressure test of the cooling system first.

Hope this helps and good luck! BTW, how does the warning light look like?

Thanks it does help. The warning is a sentence saying coolant level low or something. I had some actually coz I forgot the 10 year old e61 I exchanged out needed a big top up a few months ago.

nlkccom · 09-12-2018, 12:49 AM

I had to top it off recently, and I've had my car for about 4 months with about 5k miles. I got the message on the idrive saying it was low.

r3amir · 09-12-2018, 08:11 PM

I had to top it off once also, never had to do in my previous BMWs

EpicSurge · 09-13-2018, 02:10 AM

i also had to top it off, 7k miles

timmahh · 09-16-2018, 12:46 PM

Seems common for the B series engines; I posted about it as well. Both reservoirs were dry, happened at 5k. Hasn’t come back (3k miles now); they released TSB for it. Air gaps from the factory.

530iDriver · 09-16-2018, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmahh

Seems common for the B series engines; I posted about it as well. Both reservoirs were dry, happened at 5k. Hasn’t come back (3k miles now); they released TSB for it. Air gaps from the factory.

I gather this affects B46/48 as well?

bpbaud · 09-16-2018, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmahh

Air gaps from the factory.

What does that mean?

timmahh · 09-16-2018, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

I gather this affects B46/48 as well?

Check my thread here; guy with a 530i had low coolant as well.

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1459766

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpbaud

What does that mean?

The factory filled the system to the point of topping off the reservoirs, but these engines have complicated cooling systems, so there are pockets of air that don’t make it to the tanks until the engine has really been used. Eventually coolant displaces the air pockets, but that drains the tanks.

.. that or these things just leak. ��

Max86 · 09-17-2018, 05:50 AM

My B58 has this error since yesterday. Temp gauge seems fine so far. Taking it in for servicing in 2 weeks time.

35000km trouble free, strange that it would pop up now if it is an issue with air pockets...

mobilejo · 09-17-2018, 07:25 AM

Had to top up at about 5k, never again.

There was another thread on this and there were 3 or so pages of replies all experiencing the same. One or 2 ppl had a proper leak, the rest was just air locks going by the fact that they had all gone months/thousands of miles without any more losses.

ZigmundUK · 09-17-2018, 01:37 PM

Cool. Thanks for all the replies. Yeah I topped up (wasn't much) so will watch and see. Although it's back in for first service next month so will get them to check again.

marzzz · 09-18-2018, 08:52 AM

Was directed to this forum by a friend. I had the same issue, 2018 540i needed a coolant topoff at 4000 miles/6500 Km. Been hearing about the airlock theory from multiple places, including my Service Advisor.

roadske · 09-18-2018, 12:22 PM

I had the message pop up once 3 days ago on a 530d. This was a from a cold start, where I rev’d the engine a bit. Have driven it 10x since, and no message since - haven’t topped off. Air lock theory seems to fit? It’s going in for service in 2k km (30k km service) - so will let them know.

1uscfan · 09-19-2018, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Anyone had to do this yet? I'm over 15k miles now but never had to top up a previous bmw diesel.

I have 7K miles, just had to top it off with a small amount of coolant twice. Took it to the dealership to make sure no issues. No coolant leaks, everything is fine.

Hope this helps.

Laki021 · 10-07-2018, 10:31 AM

Happened to me twice now...

First time ~10 000km, second time @23 000km.

Scheduled a service to check it out, I don't find it normal at all.

jwenga · 11-02-2018, 10:22 PM

same here, 2018 540i, about 8k miles, low coolant, went to dealer, had it tested to make sure no leaks, none found, topped off, good ever since...

ZigmundUK · 11-13-2018, 01:21 AM

Coolant level low https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1526216

ScatterCash · 07-06-2020, 02:50 PM

For what its worth, and a bit late judging by the dates on the thread but probably worth mentioning, is my recent experience of coolant level dropping.

Car is a 530D G31, 2017, with 29000 miles at July 2020. I have had two warnings for low coolant level over the past 4 months, added about 0.5 litre on each occasion.

On a couple of occasions, I believed that I could smell hot coolant, but could not see any obvious leaks.

The end result is that I have had it back to the dealer, prior to the warranty expiring with the following findings.

A small coolant leak was found on the hose from the radiator to the thermostat.
The hose was replaced.

As part of the initial work changing the radiator hose, the coolant system was pressure tested and a leak was still present on the thermostat housing. So another visit to the dealer is needed to change the thermostat housing. Its unclear from the feedback from the dealer whether this is the location of the original leak or an additional one.

Hope this helps someone.

haleemb11 · 07-14-2020, 11:23 AM

Thanks
This has just happened to me also. 2018 G30 520d.
First warning went off at 29k miles 2 weeks ago, dealer topped it off and said its normal.
Happened again a few days ago so booked in with dealer today, they have diagnosed the egr coolant/ valve leak. All the hoses seemed fine on visual inspection, not surprising really. Worrying that its happening on the b47 engine too.
Dealer has stated at least a week for parts from Germany so courtesy car lottery tomorrow!

09-11-2018, 03:57 AM	#1
ZigmundUK Lieutenant Colonel 443 Rep 1,963 Posts Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NCL - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E61 520d SE [0.00] 2017 G30 530d M-Spo ... [0.00]	Coolant top up? Anyone had to do this yet? I'm over 15k miles now but never had to top up a previous bmw diesel. __________________ Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
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09-11-2018, 07:56 AM	#3
Zap-xpilot Private First Class 89 Rep 124 Posts Drives: BMW M3 ZCP 2017, 540ix 18 G31 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [0.00] 2018 BMW G31 540i X ... [0.00]	Hi, My G31 is nearing 15k kms and despite exgensive, Vmax-nudging punishing summer all across scorching Germany, France and Spain no problems with the coolant level. I do remember that on my previous BMW the service technicians actively advised against just "topping up" coolant, as they said that the system should be a closed loop and any loss of liquid would be indicative of a leak. Their advise was to never top up coolant before doing a pressure test of the cooling system first. Hope this helps and good luck! BTW, how does the warning light look like? Last edited by Zap-xpilot; 09-11-2018 at 07:57 AM.. Reason: spelling
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09-12-2018, 12:49 AM	#5
nlkccom Private 113 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2018 540i AW Join Date: May 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	I had to top it off recently, and I've had my car for about 4 months with about 5k miles. I got the message on the idrive saying it was low.
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09-12-2018, 08:11 PM	#6
r3amir Lieutenant 86 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2023 X2 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	I had to top it off once also, never had to do in my previous BMWs __________________ 2018 540i Mineral White/ Cognac 2015 435i GC Midnight Blue Metallic, Saddle Brown 2011 535i Alpine White, Oyster/Black leather 2006 325i Arctic Metallic
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09-13-2018, 02:10 AM	#7
EpicSurge Enlisted Member 12 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 2020 X3MC Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Flushing, Queens iTrader: (0)	i also had to top it off, 7k miles
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09-16-2018, 12:46 PM	#8
timmahh ghey 483 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: Viertürigen Fahrzeugs Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	Seems common for the B series engines; I posted about it as well. Both reservoirs were dry, happened at 5k. Hasn’t come back (3k miles now); they released TSB for it. Air gaps from the factory.
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09-17-2018, 05:50 AM	#12
Max86 New Member 9 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 540i MPPSK Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	My B58 has this error since yesterday. Temp gauge seems fine so far. Taking it in for servicing in 2 weeks time. 35000km trouble free, strange that it would pop up now if it is an issue with air pockets...
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09-17-2018, 07:25 AM	#13
mobilejo Colonel 1110 Rep 2,069 Posts Drives: G06 X6 40i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Had to top up at about 5k, never again. There was another thread on this and there were 3 or so pages of replies all experiencing the same. One or 2 ppl had a proper leak, the rest was just air locks going by the fact that they had all gone months/thousands of miles without any more losses.
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09-17-2018, 01:37 PM	#14
ZigmundUK Lieutenant Colonel 443 Rep 1,963 Posts Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NCL - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E61 520d SE [0.00] 2017 G30 530d M-Spo ... [0.00]	Cool. Thanks for all the replies. Yeah I topped up (wasn't much) so will watch and see. Although it's back in for first service next month so will get them to check again. __________________ Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
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09-18-2018, 08:52 AM	#15
marzzz New Member 24 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2024 i5 eD40 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0)	Was directed to this forum by a friend. I had the same issue, 2018 540i needed a coolant topoff at 4000 miles/6500 Km. Been hearing about the airlock theory from multiple places, including my Service Advisor.
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09-18-2018, 12:22 PM	#16
roadske New Member 10 Rep 23 Posts Drives: BMW 5 series 2017 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	I had the message pop up once 3 days ago on a 530d. This was a from a cold start, where I rev’d the engine a bit. Have driven it 10x since, and no message since - haven’t topped off. Air lock theory seems to fit? It’s going in for service in 2k km (30k km service) - so will let them know.
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10-07-2018, 10:31 AM	#18
Laki021 Lieutenant 367 Rep 454 Posts Drives: BMW 540i xDrive Join Date: May 2015 Location: Zurich iTrader: (0)	Happened to me twice now... First time ~10 000km, second time @23 000km. Scheduled a service to check it out, I don't find it normal at all.
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11-02-2018, 10:22 PM	#19
jwenga New Member 3 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2018 540i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	same here, 2018 540i, about 8k miles, low coolant, went to dealer, had it tested to make sure no leaks, none found, topped off, good ever since...
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11-13-2018, 01:21 AM	#20
ZigmundUK Lieutenant Colonel 443 Rep 1,963 Posts Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NCL - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E61 520d SE [0.00] 2017 G30 530d M-Spo ... [0.00]	Coolant level low https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1526216 __________________ Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
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07-06-2020, 02:50 PM	#21
ScatterCash Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: G31 530D SE, E61 525D SE Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Southampton UK iTrader: (0)	BMW G30 coolant dropping For what its worth, and a bit late judging by the dates on the thread but probably worth mentioning, is my recent experience of coolant level dropping. Car is a 530D G31, 2017, with 29000 miles at July 2020. I have had two warnings for low coolant level over the past 4 months, added about 0.5 litre on each occasion. On a couple of occasions, I believed that I could smell hot coolant, but could not see any obvious leaks. The end result is that I have had it back to the dealer, prior to the warranty expiring with the following findings. A small coolant leak was found on the hose from the radiator to the thermostat. The hose was replaced. As part of the initial work changing the radiator hose, the coolant system was pressure tested and a leak was still present on the thermostat housing. So another visit to the dealer is needed to change the thermostat housing. Its unclear from the feedback from the dealer whether this is the location of the original leak or an additional one. Hope this helps someone.
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07-14-2020, 11:23 AM	#22
haleemb11 haleemb11 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: F30 320D XDRIVE M SPORT Join Date: May 2014 Location: BIRMINGHAM iTrader: (0)	Thanks This has just happened to me also. 2018 G30 520d. First warning went off at 29k miles 2 weeks ago, dealer topped it off and said its normal. Happened again a few days ago so booked in with dealer today, they have diagnosed the egr coolant/ valve leak. All the hoses seemed fine on visual inspection, not surprising really. Worrying that its happening on the b47 engine too. Dealer has stated at least a week for parts from Germany so courtesy car lottery tomorrow!
	Appreciate 0 Quote