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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum Mechanical Maintenance - Break-in, Oil, Fluids, Servicing Coolant Leak

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      03-07-2023, 01:53 PM   #1
MustafaNajmiKhan
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Coolant Leak

Recently my car was leaking coolant, and i caught it pretty fast and it seems to be a crack in the expansion tank, it will be fixed tomorrow, but i was wondering what can be a possible reason for my expansion tank to crack, it’s a very minor crack. It’s a G30 5 series with a little over 80,000km on the mileage and i live in ontario canada where the temperatures fluctuate quite a lot.
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      03-07-2023, 04:22 PM   #2
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BMW expansion tanks are a known weakness, though this is the first I have heard of a failure in a G30. At least you can buy them from FCP for not too much money and get a lifetime warranty.

BTW, I have seen in other posts that when replacing the tank, it is a good idea to replace the cap, too.
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      03-07-2023, 07:18 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by ppointer View Post
BMW expansion tanks are a known weakness, though this is the first I have heard of a failure in a G30. At least you can buy them from FCP for not too much money and get a lifetime warranty.

BTW, I have seen in other posts that when replacing the tank, it is a good idea to replace the cap, too.
i got it from BMW it’s for 285+ tax which isn’t too bad actually, idk about the warranty though
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      03-09-2023, 07:05 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MustafaNajmiKhan View Post
Recently my car was leaking coolant, and i caught it pretty fast and it seems to be a crack in the expansion tank, it will be fixed tomorrow, but i was wondering what can be a possible reason for my expansion tank to crack, it’s a very minor crack. It’s a G30 5 series with a little over 80,000km on the mileage and i live in ontario canada where the temperatures fluctuate quite a lot.
They all do that.
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      03-14-2023, 10:38 AM   #5
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My expansion tank was cracked when car was delivered new.
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      03-14-2023, 01:31 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by mffarrell View Post
My expansion tank was cracked when car was delivered new.
omg how? what car?
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      03-14-2023, 06:04 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mffarrell View Post
My expansion tank was cracked when car was delivered new.
Proactive failure. What will they think of next?
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      03-17-2023, 04:26 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by MustafaNajmiKhan View Post
omg how? what car?
M550
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      03-17-2023, 10:26 PM   #9
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I just took my 540 to the dealership yesterday for the same problem. I was getting the low coolant warning every 3 days and having to top off about 2 cups or more. I usually DIY these things, but I just didn't have time to do it. They replaced my expansion tank, level sensor, and upgraded the plastic looking hoses that attach to the main expansion tank. My car has 45,000 miles.

I'm happy it wasn't the water pump, although knowing the history of BMW's in general I'm pretty sure that's next.
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      03-20-2023, 01:08 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 540iSUP View Post
I just took my 540 to the dealership yesterday for the same problem. I was getting the low coolant warning every 3 days and having to top off about 2 cups or more. I usually DIY these things, but I just didn't have time to do it. They replaced my expansion tank, level sensor, and upgraded the plastic looking hoses that attach to the main expansion tank. My car has 45,000 miles.

I'm happy it wasn't the water pump, although knowing the history of BMW's in general I'm pretty sure that's next.
Ive been topping off every few weeks in the expansion tank only.
Guess Ill need to bring the car in, ugh.
2018 only 30K miles
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      03-22-2023, 01:40 AM   #11
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Another forum member advised me to look at turbo lines:
ok i popped off engine cover to examine the turbo lines, and there lies the culprit!
rubber hose of turbo line is leaking.
might have been a recall/TSB to have those rubber hoses changed to steel braided lines.
Im going to dealer thursday to see what they say.
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      03-22-2023, 05:32 AM   #12
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There actually is a service for that! I saw on another thread that BMW upgraded that part as well.
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      03-22-2023, 02:49 PM   #13
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I have a 2020 M550i, which has the LCI engine. It looks like all of the coolant lines are either braided or solid steel. So it definitely looks more robust, but only time will tell if it really is.
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      03-22-2023, 02:50 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
I have a 2020 M550i, which has the LCI engine. It looks like all of the coolant lines are either braided or solid steel. So it definitely looks more robust, but only time will tell if it really is.
all i see is a beautiful monster 😍
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      03-23-2023, 12:28 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse View Post
I have a 2020 M550i, which has the LCI engine. It looks like all of the coolant lines are either braided or solid steel. So it definitely looks more robust, but only time will tell if it really is.
Those braided lines are the upgrade that the dealership will apply to pre-lci cars.

That engine looks mighty yummy!
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      03-23-2023, 03:44 PM   #16
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Thanks, I will be showing them the picture of the steel lines.

Dealers can be awful so I'll stand by ground.

Ill let you know what happens.

Also here for the common passenger restraint system malfunction, brought here during warranty and dealer said nothing wrong.
I told them if it acts up out of warranty they better cover it. Advisor said he made note of that.

Wish me luck.
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      03-28-2023, 02:49 AM   #17
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Bad news from dealer...but what I expected from stealers.

1. Turbo lines -4000$
2. Front seat occupancy sensor - 3300$

Advisor states no warranty, no recall, no TSB.

I asked if he contacted BMWNA, he says no, customers do that.
Ugh. Cocky and smug dealer.
No time to call BMWNA yet.
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      03-29-2023, 08:32 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cclcal View Post
Bad news from dealer...but what I expected from stealers.

1. Turbo lines -4000$
2. Front seat occupancy sensor - 3300$

Advisor states no warranty, no recall, no TSB.

I asked if he contacted BMWNA, he says no, customers do that.
Ugh. Cocky and smug dealer.
No time to call BMWNA yet.
I believe there is a TSB for the turbo lines. Check with NTSB website.
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      03-29-2023, 06:38 PM   #19
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I believe there is a TSB for the turbo lines. Check with NTSB website.
will do
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      05-04-2023, 07:29 PM   #20
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My expansion tank is cracked and being repaired right now. Bigger issue is that all of the coolant leaked into the V between the cylinder banks and there was damage to the wiring. 46k miles on my 2020 M550i, so just prior to warranty running out. My suggestion is if you are having this issue to not ignore and fix asap to prevent more damage. I am sure anything related to wiring in this car will be expensive.
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      05-05-2023, 07:49 AM   #21
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I discovered the other day that it's easy to check the bottom of your expansion tank for leaks on the 2020+ N63 engine. Just remove the two bolts indicated and you can wiggle the tank up a few inches, allowing you to inspect the sides and bottom. No need to undo any coolant lines or even remove the cap. I recommend doing this regularly, especially if you smell any coolant.
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      05-05-2023, 11:39 PM   #22
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thanks.
after 5-6 weeks of back and forth w the dealer, BMW of NA, extended warranty company, the turbo lines will be replaced without cost to me. No resolution on the seat sensor yet.
Plus they also foumd the giubo is cracked and needs replacement. Im trying to get that covered by extended warranty.
Im assuming they checked the expansion tank. I will verify w dealer.
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