Low coolant level warning

[DerekMD07]

Hi,

My car has about 1400km on it. Ever since the 600km mark, the low engine coolant light would come on when the engine is first started in the morning or after a long rest. I brought it to service. They topped up the coolant (not sure how much was given and they didn't say that the level was low) but the problem recurred the next day. I haven't had time to bring it in since. My question is can the coolant really be consumed? Or do you think the problem lies with the sensor? Anyone with a similar experience?

Thanks, Derek

[Z4M///ike]

Derek, same experience here.

Already took into dealer twice before a tech found the problem: there is a service bulletin on the earlier production 2008 M3 sedans that says that the entire coolant tank/sensor unit is faulty. As long as there is sufficient coolant (just check the level manually), there shouldn't be too big of a problem. However, you should still have it checked out/replaced as soon as possible, as it's covered under warranty.

My scheduled date for bringing the car in and having the coolant tank/sensor entirely replaced is November 13. I'll let you know how it goes.

[DerekMD07]

May I ask how many km/miles you have put on your car? I hope this is the last faulty electronic that needs to be replaced. I have many BMWs in the past and never had much problem.

Anyone with the same problem wants to share their experience?

D

[Z4M///ike]

3700 miles so far

[Murphthesurf]

I have the same problem, have had my 2008 M3 E90 Sedan since early July. Showed up within the first few hundred miles, took it to the dealer twice but light always cleared itself about 5 minuts of running so nothing for them to 'fix'. Coolant level was always okay, didn't even need topping off each time. Took it in again yesterday, left it overnight, and the light did trip for the dealer. They then also told me of the service bulletin, so have it scheduled to have the coolant tank/sensor light replaced next Thursday. We'll see how it works. Otherwise, about 5500 miles on the car (its been a fun summer/fall), and no other problems.

[Z4M///ike]

just got mine back from coolant tank replacement. so far so good

[boynbeagle7]

my car always smells like coolant after it is driven hard - is that a symptom?

[Murphthesurf]

Originally Posted by Murphthesurf

I have the same problem, have had my 2008 M3 E90 Sedan since early July. Showed up within the first few hundred miles, took it to the dealer twice but light always cleared itself about 5 minuts of running so nothing for them to 'fix'. Coolant level was always okay, didn't even need topping off each time. Took it in again yesterday, left it overnight, and the light did trip for the dealer. They then also told me of the service bulletin, so have it scheduled to have the coolant tank/sensor light replaced next Thursday. We'll see how it works. Otherwise, about 5500 miles on the car (its been a fun summer/fall), and no other problems.

Okay, changing the tank fixed the problem. Now up to 9K with no further issues.

[Murphthesurf]

Originally Posted by boynbeagle7

my car always smells like coolant after it is driven hard - is that a symptom?

In my case, never smelt the coolant.