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

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      12-01-2019, 03:19 PM   #23
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Mine was down to the reservoirs leaking. Replaced a few weeks ago under warranty. I also had no puddle under car but there was a light coloured residue that could be seen on the metalwork below the reservoirs if you looked carefully with a torch
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      12-03-2019, 08:10 AM   #24
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Originally Posted by AP View Post
Mine was down to the reservoirs leaking. Replaced a few weeks ago under warranty. I also had no puddle under car but there was a light coloured residue that could be seen on the metalwork below the reservoirs if you looked carefully with a torch
let me check next time as well
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      12-03-2019, 10:45 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by timmahh View Post
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Originally Posted by julioccuk View Post
Can you guys recommend any particular coolant brand/spec I can use on mine 2017 530i?

Got the warning of low coolant which went away but I wanted to fill it up.

Thanks
Factory fluid; I see no point in mixing another brand or formula since the majority of it is what the factory installed. Depending on your climate, distilled water may be all you need.
Agreed use BMW coolant only or distilled water to top off. Ideally a mix of 50/50. I had the same issue low coolant in the main reservoir at 7500 miles but the aux was fine.
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      12-03-2019, 02:13 PM   #26
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Agreed use BMW coolant only or distilled water to top off. Ideally a mix of 50/50. I had the same issue low coolant in the main reservoir at 7500 miles but the aux was fine.
not if your dealer wouldn't flush it and you can't get a tow truck, I did have to mix some other suppose BMW qualified ones as well (per my dealer's tech they took a look and said it was fine...)
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      11-06-2021, 12:21 PM   #27
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I know old thread, I'm surprised I got it this morning too. Less than 6000 miles and 8 months old. Had the oil changed a few weeks ago, would think they checked the coolant.
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      11-07-2021, 09:00 AM   #28
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" G30 from 2018, with only 100,000km, the car was almost on fire."

Bmw g30/g31 5 series owners club UK

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1728...80340868681988
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      11-27-2021, 09:06 PM   #29
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I actually just had mine in today for this - I have now had to have the coolant topped off in between both of my first two regularly scheduled service appointments - i guess these engines consume engine coolant at a fairly aggressive clip...
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      11-27-2021, 09:59 PM   #30
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I actually just had mine in today for this - I have now had to have the coolant topped off in between both of my first two regularly scheduled service appointments - i guess these engines consume engine coolant at a fairly aggressive clip...
Coolant isn't consumed; it leaks out. That is unless the head gasket has failed.
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      12-06-2021, 01:05 PM   #31
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Main coolant reserve tank leak on mine at 45000 miles on my 2017 540i. symptoms were low coolant light and puddle on garage floor. Dealer fixed it under CPO insurance.
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      12-29-2021, 12:43 AM   #32
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So do these cars just use more coolant? To my
Knowledge I should not be refilling, I should finding the leak, I see no symptoms, random low coolant came on, got car used with 38k now have 45k.
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      12-29-2021, 01:33 PM   #33
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So do these cars just use more coolant?...
Coolant is never used, it leaks. If you're losing coolant it's leaking somewhere. Leaks can be very tricky to find. Sometimes, there is a pinhole leak that closes when the part heats-up. Look for (believe it or not) a whiteish residue. You can also put dye in the coolant and get a black light to find the leak. The very worse outcome would be a blown head gasket; but there are other, more obvious evidences of that.
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      12-29-2021, 02:02 PM   #34
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Originally Posted by Gobbydigital View Post
So do these cars just use more coolant?...
Coolant is never used, it leaks. If you're losing coolant it's leaking somewhere. Leaks can be very tricky to find. Sometimes, there is a pinhole leak that closes when the part heats-up. Look for (believe it or not) a whiteish residue. You can also put dye in the coolant and get a black light to find the leak. The very worse outcome would be a blown head gasket; but there are other, more obvious evidences of that.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gobbydigital View Post
So do these cars just use more coolant?...
Coolant is never used, it leaks. If you're losing coolant it's leaking somewhere. Leaks can be very tricky to find. Sometimes, there is a pinhole leak that closes when the part heats-up. Look for (believe it or not) a whiteish residue. You can also put dye in the coolant and get a black light to find the leak. The very worse outcome would be a blown head gasket; but there are other, more obvious evidences of that.
Where should I be looking for the residue?
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      12-29-2021, 02:06 PM   #35
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Where should I be looking for the residue?
Anywhere the coolant flows; hoses, hose clamps, reservoir (including cap), etc. I would probably start with making sure all the hose clamps are tight.
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      12-31-2021, 12:59 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gobbydigital View Post
Where should I be looking for the residue?
Mine was leaking at the main reservoir tank, identified by the greenish residue haha. That horizontal line on the tank is where two moldings were pieced together or something and that is where mine was leaking.

Dealer replaced under CPO warranty and then also replaced my water pump for some reason (maybe they thought it was leaking there too?).

I’d attach a pic but this website is junk if I’m on my phone.
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      01-04-2022, 08:28 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gobbydigital View Post
Where should I be looking for the residue?
Mine was leaking at the main reservoir tank, identified by the greenish residue haha. That horizontal line on the tank is where two moldings were pieced together or something and that is where mine was leaking.

Dealer replaced under CPO warranty and then also replaced my water pump for some reason (maybe they thought it was leaking there too?).

I'd attach a pic but this website is junk if I'm on my phone.
So dealer said bmw turbo coolant was low because bmw's run at higher temp than other cars so it evaporates, added coolant, said no leaks, will keep monitoring
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      01-04-2022, 09:12 AM   #38
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Coolant shouldn't evaporate as it's a closed system

Coolant loss is quite well documented in these forums (include myself on that with both reservoirs having a small leak which were replaced under warranty)

I'm not a mechanic but this doesn't sound right to me, I'm sure others can chime in here
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      01-04-2022, 07:46 PM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AP View Post
Coolant shouldn't evaporate as it's a closed system

Coolant loss is quite well documented in these forums (include myself on that with both reservoirs having a small leak which were replaced under warranty)

I'm not a mechanic but this doesn't sound right to me, I'm sure others can chime in here
Spot on.

Since the system is pressurized, there's NFW for "evaporation" unless it's vented to atmosphere. If I were the OP, I'd monitor weekly to see if they can spot anything or measure the loss. Track it, document it, send to corporate and ask them if this is normal. Lots of work but best to address while still under warranty.

My X3 has a coolant smell after a drive but the dealer said they pressurized the system and no leaks were found. I asked how it could smell like coolant if no leak. Shrugged shoulders. I haven't noticed measurable coolant loss so maybe there was a spill at some point of the build? We'll see...

I'll wash the engine compartment out and add a UV dye to the coolant to see if I can find the non-leak...
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      01-04-2022, 08:22 PM   #40
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Quote:
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So dealer said bmw turbo coolant was low because bmw's run at higher temp than other cars so it evaporates, added coolant, said no leaks, will keep monitoring
Your dealer is an idiot. As was said, the cooling system is a closed, pressurized system and is not open to the atmosphere. A pressure test will not always (rarely, actually) reveal a micro-crack. Those cracks don't open up until the system is at operating temp, under pressure; something a pressure test can't mimic.
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      01-04-2022, 08:41 PM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gobbydigital View Post
So dealer said bmw turbo coolant was low because bmw's run at higher temp than other cars so it evaporates, added coolant, said no leaks, will keep monitoring
Your dealer is an idiot. As was said, the cooling system is a closed, pressurized system and is not open to the atmosphere. A pressure test will not always (rarely, actually) reveal a micro-crack. Those cracks don't open up until the system is at operating temp, under pressure; something a pressure test can't mimic.

Lol Any reputable dealers in NY?
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      02-13-2022, 05:20 PM   #42
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I had twice that issue of low coolant level in October 2021 and this month. I topped it up but I believe it will be a leak somewhere.

Do you think they would replace any parts under good will?
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      02-14-2022, 12:38 AM   #43
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If you have a record of visiting the dealership with the issue whilst it was in warranty and nothing was done I'd think you'd have a very good case, otherwise I don't think they are any obligation.
No harm in asking though
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      02-25-2022, 07:42 PM   #44
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My 2020 M550i pop up low coolant today at 13,000kms. Checked and it was the main one (not turbo), topped up with about 500-750ml. No puddle underneath from where it was parked overnight.

Will call dealer Monday as others have said coolant shouldn’t just disappear unless there is a leak. Still have warranty and will push them to check it so it’s not a big expense post warranty.

Car runs fine so don’t think it’s a head gasket.
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