[Em135eye]

Is it worse than death to top up coolant with a bit of tap water?

The bimmer got slightly low yesterday so I stuck about 1/2 a litre of water in - will get the cooling fluid changed at the next service (in 4k miles). Of course it's the finest, softest Cornish tap water...

Done the same in my other cars - they say take it into a dealer but 2+ hours (and probably £100) away from work for a tiny top up seems a wee bit OTT.

Also - some have suggested that the fact I needed to top it up isn't very good. Anything I need to look out for?

Other than that, it's been 8 months of marvellous motoring so far.

[bakili]

i would not worry much
if you buy coolant from main dealer, you have to mix with water anyway.
warmer weather conditions -more water than coolant.

[Em135eye]

Cheers. I wasn't much water (probably less than a third of a litre) but it had set the warning light off - all seems fine and just checked for leaks - can't see any.

[xenon]

I predict your car will sieze in the next 7 miles.

[Em135eye]

Just driven 16 miles. No seizure yet...

Rang BMW and they said it wasn't a problem. Also realised I was rather low on oil - and that OW 30 Castrol Edge ain't cheap!

[dxb335d]

As long as it had plenty in it already and it was cool enough everything will be ok.

[themetz]

don't be tempted to cut corners and put sea water in... hell of a mess.