Coolant

BraveDonut

A couple of months ago I got a dashboard waring light to say my coolant level was low. I asked an ex-mechanic neighbor about it and he said just to top it up with water.
3 weeks ago, I got the same warning and topped it up with water again. I got the same warning again today.
Does this
a) seem like there is a problem?
b) seem related to the current cold weather?
c) mean that I just need to get some coolant?

What coolant do I need to buy? (2004 BMW 520 E60)

Thanks

peasant

BraveDonut wrote: »

Does this
a) seem like there is a problem?
b) seem related to the current cold weather?
c) mean that I just need to get some coolant?

a) you've got a leak somehwere (or your cylinder head seal is buggered)
b) no, but in this cold weather you'll need to add coolant (water with antifreeze) and not just water, else your engine will freeze and crack
c) for the time being, yes. But you want this investigated eventually

robbie_998

i drove the other night for over 30mins and i was watching the temp gauge and it wouldn't move from the bottom ! :eek:

it was sitting on the bar holding the thing up the entire time, coolant and all is fine but just goes to show how cold it actually is out there.

but even still the heater inside the car was sooo lovely

E39MSport

How many miles on it? I believe that the rad and hoses need replacing at about 100k (thousand :-) miles.

Mena

Had the same on my E39. Turned out to be a "hole" in the Radiator. BMW wanted just over €700.00 to replace it, shop around and you can sort it for far less than half that (assuming that is the problem).

I reckon you have two probs, firstly as you know you are losing coolant, as pointed out by someone there is a leak or else its being lost into the engine and being burnt off. This needs to be investigated by someone who has a clue / or gives a sh1t (that wouod rule your neighbour out ). Between now and getting it sorted I would suggest you check your coolant level once a day, don't rely on the warning light. If the coolant is blue top up with blue coolant, if its red top up with red coolant. Do not top up with water alone as this dilutes the coolant in there and increases risk if corrosion and damage due to freezing.

Secondly you have a problem with the temperature indicator, regardless of the ambient temperature the engine will be up to operating temperature after running for much less than 30 minutes and so the needle should move accordingly. If you don't believe this lift the bonnet and observe that the engine is hot. Your problem is either the thermostat is needing replacing or the temperature indicator on the dash is not receiving the signal to rise, I would hazard a guess its the thermostat. Either way it needs sorting as you know have no way of knowing if the car is overheating which is now more likely as you have coolant being used or leaked.

To reiterate check the coolant level daily, top up as required, get the car checked as soon as you can.

Apologies, I just re read the thread and its another chap has the 2nd problem, I'm a bit tired, oops.

Robbie, you're not a tiler by any chance are you ? I shared a house with a Robbie from Clondalkin years back

robbie_998

RoverJames wrote: »

Robbie, you're not a tiler by any chance are you ? I shared a house with a Robbie from Clondalkin years back

im not that old ya know...

i've being living at home my whole life

I knew the world wasn't that small, great spot Clondalkin btw, great little village. Get that thermostat looked at

robbie_998

RoverJames wrote: »

I knew the world wasn't that small, great spot Clondalkin btw, great little village. Get that thermostat looked at

it is in certin places

and the thermostat is perfect... driving in the last half hour and it came slightly up off the bar up to the top of the cold bar... just cold out

driving in the day and it makes up to just under 90 where it should be