2018 540i coolant issues gone bad / am I getting ripped off?

annanicole540i · 09-01-2023, 11:46 AM

It started with the famous "coolant low warning" and progressively got worse fast. I'm at the 60k mile mark right now, so I know things have to be replaced, but Im getting quoted for a leaked radiator and hose, to now a bad thermostat for a total of around $2300. Does this seem possible / am I getting ripped off? Everyone else seems to had quick fixes like just the coolant tank itself. I have yet to see someones coolant issues go this far.

Mach550 · 09-01-2023, 11:50 AM

try to find a solid bmw/euro independent shop and have them look at it.

annanicole540i · 09-01-2023, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach550

try to find a solid bmw/euro independent shop and have them look at it.

Forgot to mention this was diagnosed and quoted by a well known indy bmw shop in the area.

Chappers 71 · 09-01-2023, 12:52 PM

Get under it remove the under tray or remove top covers & have a look yourself, it’ll be pretty obvious if your rads leaking.

adhrp · 09-01-2023, 01:31 PM

Sometimes a coolant leak takes out other things. My expansion tank leak took out the coil and injector on the cylinder closest to the leak. This was at the dealer under warranty.

annanicole540i · 09-01-2023, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

Get under it remove the under tray or remove top covers & have a look yourself, it’ll be pretty obvious if your rads leaking.

The rad was for sure leaking , I saw to it myself with the pressure test. Its the thermostat now and the price im more concerned about since its the first major problem I ever had after 2 years of ownership

annanicole540i · 09-01-2023, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adhrp

Sometimes a coolant leak takes out other things. My expansion tank leak took out the coil and injector on the cylinder closest to the leak. This was at the dealer under warranty.

sheesh thats rough, but the m550 does seem more of a hassle to maintain. Im concerned as to the price for the job really since theres a good amount of parts for the g30 floating around

adhrp · 09-01-2023, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annanicole540i

sheesh thats rough, but the m550 does seem more of a hassle to maintain. Im concerned as to the price for the job really since theres a good amount of parts for the g30 floating around

IME, some well known indys slowly creep toward dealer prices and tactics. One such well known indy in NJ I used to go to started recommending unnecessary repairs and that's when I decided they were no longer honest and ditched them. Might be worth going to a lesser known indy for a second quote.

Joe-BMW33 · 09-05-2023, 08:15 AM

That does not sound bad for a new radiator installed. Also, the Thermostat is covered under a BMW extended warranty 15 years/150k miles, may want to go to the dealer for that or have them quote the radiator. Indy isn't going to cover the warranty and you don't want to schlep it to two places and have them both take things apart. The warranty on the the thermostat may save you some labor at the dealer for the radiator.

RonronEG · 09-05-2023, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annanicole540i

It started with the famous "coolant low warning" and progressively got worse fast. I'm at the 60k mile mark right now, so I know things have to be replaced, but Im getting quoted for a leaked radiator and hose, to now a bad thermostat for a total of around $2300. Does this seem possible / am I getting ripped off? Everyone else seems to had quick fixes like just the coolant tank itself. I have yet to see someones coolant issues go this far.

I had the coolant tank replaced right when I bought the car and it was clear that was where the leak was coming from. A couple months ago my radiator was cracked and had to be replaced (about the same cost you're seeing at my dealer) but looking at at it you could see the coolant running down the side of the radiator from darn near the top- so it was definitely the rad and not the tank, etc. So just go under the hood and inspect and you'll find out if you're getting hosed (pun intended).

If they replace your radiator, go ahead and get any hoses that they think even look questionable replaced. Save yourself the return trip.

LuvMyE92 · 09-07-2023, 07:29 AM

At that age and mileage, replacing everything in the cooling system is a good idea even if it's not currently failing. BMWs are notorious for their cooling systems.

You know, while you're in there...

ezaircon4jc · 09-09-2023, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

At that age and mileage, replacing everything in the cooling system is a good idea even if it's not currently failing. BMWs are notorious for their cooling systems.

You know, while you're in there...

As are all manufacturers since they went to plastic components to save weight.

Dasky_spas · 09-09-2023, 01:12 PM

https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/inve...j0XnWp2viUUG5V

Class action may apply here

09-01-2023, 11:46 AM	#1
annanicole540i New Member 2 Rep 6 Posts Drives: '18 540i Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	2018 540i coolant issues gone bad / am I getting ripped off? It started with the famous "coolant low warning" and progressively got worse fast. I'm at the 60k mile mark right now, so I know things have to be replaced, but Im getting quoted for a leaked radiator and hose, to now a bad thermostat for a total of around $2300. Does this seem possible / am I getting ripped off? Everyone else seems to had quick fixes like just the coolant tank itself. I have yet to see someones coolant issues go this far.
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09-01-2023, 11:50 AM	#2
Mach550 Captain 472 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 2019 M550i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Tampa Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [8.00]	try to find a solid bmw/euro independent shop and have them look at it. __________________ M550i Build
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09-01-2023, 12:52 PM	#4
Chappers 71 Major General 5485 Rep 5,422 Posts Drives: Beige G31 40ix m sport Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Kent, The Garden of England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 G31 xdrive 40i ... [4.00] 2006 E92 335i SE [9.50]	Get under it remove the under tray or remove top covers & have a look yourself, it’ll be pretty obvious if your rads leaking. __________________ G31 40ix M Sport E92 335i. E36 328is coupe E39 540i V8 6SP manual E34 3.6 M5. E34 525i sport. VW Jetta Mk2 GTI 16v. 1679cc 1967 resto-cal beetle
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09-01-2023, 01:31 PM	#5
adhrp Lieutenant Colonel 1303 Rep 1,626 Posts Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02) Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Sometimes a coolant leak takes out other things. My expansion tank leak took out the coil and injector on the cylinder closest to the leak. This was at the dealer under warranty. __________________ 2020 M550i (G30) \| Carbon Black/Black Nappa \| DHP \| DAP \| Executive \| Luxury Seating \| Park Asst \| Ceramic Controls \| Front/Rear Heated Seats \| 20" 668M wheels 2021 X3 (G02) \| Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac \| Premium \| DAP \| Front/Rear Heated Seats Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
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09-05-2023, 08:15 AM	#9
Joe-BMW33 Major General 7338 Rep 6,749 Posts Drives: '18 M550i\|'21 X5\|'03 540i Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 VW Tiguan [0.00] 2015 Infiniti QX60 [0.00] 2021 BMW X5 [0.00] 2003 BMW 540i [0.00] 2018 BMW M550 [10.00]	That does not sound bad for a new radiator installed. Also, the Thermostat is covered under a BMW extended warranty 15 years/150k miles, may want to go to the dealer for that or have them quote the radiator. Indy isn't going to cover the warranty and you don't want to schlep it to two places and have them both take things apart. The warranty on the the thermostat may save you some labor at the dealer for the radiator. Attached Images __________________ 2018 M550ix\|Carbon Black\|Dinan Modifications\|2003 540i\|Jet Black\|M-Sport\|2021 X5 Mineral White Prior BMW's: 1987 325e\|1993 740i\|1998 740il\|2001 530i\|2002 745li\|2007 750li\|2006 750li\|2001 530i\|2012 535xi\|
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09-07-2023, 07:29 AM	#11
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	At that age and mileage, replacing everything in the cooling system is a good idea even if it's not currently failing. BMWs are notorious for their cooling systems. You know, while you're in there... __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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09-09-2023, 01:12 PM	#13
Dasky_spas Lieutenant 141 Rep 525 Posts Drives: Bmw Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	https://www.sauderschelkopf.com/inve...j0XnWp2viUUG5V Class action may apply here
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