In terms of known failures, the radiator cap is not usually the prime suspect, as I mentioned above. The area in the engine bay underneath will be the location of your problem. There will likely be an area that has much more splatter or looks completely soaked. To trace down the source of a busted coolant line, check the splatter pattern of the coolant, trying to ascertain where the coolant is originating from. It should have dark brown/black oil on the end, with no milkiness or opaque appearance. That said, to rule out any engine head gasket failure check the oil dipstick. On BMW's and especially on this year radiator hoses are a known weak spot. The temp gauge is also damped, which mean it will read normal throughout a variety of operating temperatures, and only in severe overheating will it start to move.Įngine coolant splashed in the engine bay is a sure sign of a bad hose, connection, or gasket. Also, you're not going to get an accurate temp reading when there is no coolant running through the engine. You should not drive this vehicle more than is absolutely necessary because running an engine dry can cause a whole host of very expensive issues. Empty coolant will absolutely cause your engine to overheat given the opportunity. Again if you're just topping off a couple ounces either or is suffice, if you're doing a complete fluid flush you'll have to mix yourself.I'll first say that it is not a question of your engine not overheating at all, but rather your engine not overheating yet. That is something that has to happen prior to adding to your vehicle. When you buy the antifreeze it's just that and no distilled water has been added. We had distilled water sitting around and seeing that this is what manufacturers (of both vehicles and antifreeze) recommend that's what was used.Īlso agree that BMW antifreeze is not pre-mixed, I mispoke above. If I was doing a complete coolant flush and change I'd certainly spend the $1 per gallon of distilled. Just have look at their plumbing after some time and plaque will build up in the pipes and joints when regular well water is ran through it daily.īut I agree, if you're just topping off any clean water would suffice. However some folks that use well water for example can attest to the damage that mineral deposits can make (namely calcium and lime). If they just say water you'd have folks putting in everything from muddy river water to salty sea water to you name it. If you think about it, it's safe for manufacturers and coolant vendors to say used distilled because distilled water is a constant. Most 50/50 mixes you find on store shelves is diluted with distilled. I think in general it's just a a piece of mind thing. So if you spill, wipe it up quickly.īTW, BMW antifreeze/coolant is NOT diluted. If in doubt of the specific gravity of the fluid, purchase an antifreeze hydrometer.Īlso, please take note that the antifreeze/coolant is TOXIC TO ANIMALS and they like the sweet taste of it. I would recommend that one keeps as close to possible to the recommended dilution ratios for your driving environment. The amount of water in the system is about half of the volume, a small amount.Ĥ.Ĝoncentration of hard water minerals in potable water is measured in ppm’s. You are not continually adding more minerals with the addition of large quanties of water.ģ. The cooling system is basically “closed”. If mineral deposits were a problem the manufactures would recommend “Distilled”.Ģ. IMHO I think potable water is just fine and not a problem.ġ. But, I have never read on a container of coolant “dilute with distilled water” and this includes the BMW container and manual. After thinking about it, I just wonder if it’s a theory that an educated car enthusiast seeking perfection thought would be a good idea without real world proof and the masses thought it sounded good. In over 40 years of dealing with cars including changing coolant and rebuilding engines I have not once come across a problem with mineral deposits in the cooling system. I have used it in the past, but only because of convenience. I do find the recommendation of using “distilled water” for topping off and/or dilution interesting. If you need more than that you are either changing your fluid or you have a problem. i dont know how low but im picking up a gallon after workīMW does sell a one liter size antifreeze/coolant (P/N 82 14 2 209 769), which after dilution will make up to two liters. I just got off the phone with service dept, distilled water or bmw coolant can be used.
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