[JayE93]

my 335i states its running low on Coolant Antifreeze. Would i be able to find this at my local Auto shop or Pep Boys?? If so ant special type or grade??

[montreal red]

you can use regular antifreeze from your local auto shop...just mix it 50/50 with water..

[335i SH]

My service adviser said bring it in and let them top it off or just add a bottle of drinking water (not tap water). He said not to use any other brand of antifreeze besides theirs due to the possibility of it not being compatible and could clog up or otherwise damage the radiator or thermostat.
Why take a chance. Just use a bottle of water and take it in if it goes low again so they can check it for a leak.

[BK]

When mine said it was low, I checked the overflow reservoir, freaked out when it looked empty, then drove to a dealer near me (not where I bought it) because I was concerned there was a leak. I could see no signs of a leak, but I couldn't understand how a car could lose so much coolant.

They said it was normal, topped it off and sent me on my way. Took all of 5 minutes and cost me nothing.

Take a look here for similar stories. Apparently, this happens a lot when it gets cold (low coolant warning): http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98793

[CirrusSR22]

If the dealer won't top it off, I'd buy a gallon at the dealer and mix it 50/50 with distilled. Personally I wouldn't cheap out and buy generic stuff. I've heard too many horror stories in regards to BMW cooling systems and coolant. It's smart to have coolant on hand at home anyways. And brake fluid, motor oil, etc....

A cheaper option would be Zerex G-05, but I'd stick with the BMW stuff.

[Tonester]

BMW stuff is blue/green... the stuff in at the auto part store is neon green/yellow.

Top it off w/ distilled water, or take it to the dealer.. they top it off at no charge.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

A cheaper option would be Zerex G-05, but I'd stick with the BMW stuff.

Certain chemicals used in regular coolants are harmful to aluminum parts in the system. Standard OEM coolant is BMW G48, but something like Zerex G-05 is a completely acceptable substitute, and even has a better cavitation tolorence.

BMW coolant (and Zerex G-05) happen to be free of nitrates and phosphates, which reduces the formation of harmful deposits in the system.

Here is a great thread discussing the alternatives to BMW's coolant:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46962

[correll24]

If you cannot get to the BMW dealer, Try O'Rielly's AutoParts. They carry Pentosin products which are made in Germany and good in just about all German cars.
PF-NF-1.5L Pentafrost

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by 335i SH

My service adviser said bring it in and let them top it off or just add a bottle of drinking water (not tap water). He said not to use any other brand of antifreeze besides theirs due to the possibility of it not being compatible and could clog up or otherwise damage the radiator or thermostat.
Why take a chance. Just use a bottle of water and take it in if it goes low again so they can check it for a leak.

No it needs to be distilled water. Bottled water that you drink has minerals in it.

[ENINTY]

BMW now sells pre-mixed BMW antifreeze in 1 quart bottles for those owners who do not want to by a gallon of un diluted coolant and mix it.

[The Wildcard]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

BMW now sells pre-mixed BMW antifreeze in 1 quart bottles for those owners who do not want to by a gallon of un diluted coolant and mix it.

Would you happen to know where? Dealer or online?

[fl335i]

1qty pre-mixed 50/50 antifreeze? Awsome. About time the car companies thought of this. Everytime a newer car is low you have to buy a freakin gallon at like $20. Then you use maybe 8oz and sell the car.. and you end with a Honda, BWM, Ford, Nissan collection of antifreeze in your garage.

It seems that these newer cars ALL lose antifreeze at a slow rate. Years ago this would be a bad sign. now it's normal. Every car I have and know of does it. Even a friend's brand new altima. Was low within 15k miles. That's why I just started checking the freezing point with a float tool and checking the electrolysis with a volt meter and then topping off (if it's not much) with distilled water.

[F32Fleet]

BMW coolant is G48 made by BASF. General rule of thumb is to never mix brands but you can use non-OEM coolant when doing a flush. I do not believe OEM is a unique as it once was on the other hand OEM isn't expensive by any stretch.

[Chriztofor]

I use this http://www.peakauto.com/antifreeze-peak-long_life.shtml. It is phosphate and silicate free. I also change every 2-3 years, but that's just me.

[Glim]

Exactly, don't pour in orange or generic green coolant.

Top with distilled water until you can add blue BMW AF 50/50 with distilled water.

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by The Wildcard

Would you happen to know where? Dealer or online?

I saw it at BMW of Sterling in Sterling, Virginia in the parts department (which has more clothes on sale than Macy's). It was in a white 1 L (or quart) bottle with a silver BMW label on it, so it was genuine BMW product. I did look at it much further than that as I keep pre-mixed antifreeze in my garage already.