BMW Coolant Antifreeze ???

JayE93 · 12-10-2007, 04:12 PM

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 · 12-10-2007, 04:24 PM

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

335i SH · 12-10-2007, 04:31 PM

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 · 12-10-2007, 04:37 PM

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 · 12-10-2007, 06:13 PM

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 · 12-11-2007, 03:44 AM

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 · 12-11-2007, 03:27 PM

Quote:

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 · 02-16-2012, 08:48 AM

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 · 02-16-2012, 10:44 AM

Quote:

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 · 02-16-2012, 11:22 AM

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 · 02-20-2012, 01:52 AM

Quote:

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 · 02-20-2012, 08:25 AM

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 · 02-20-2012, 10:05 AM

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 · 02-20-2012, 12:06 PM

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 · 02-22-2012, 02:11 AM

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 · 02-22-2012, 07:28 AM

Quote:

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.

12-10-2007, 04:12 PM	#1
JayE93 Private First Class 15 Rep 194 Posts Drives: AW E93 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	BMW Coolant Antifreeze ??? 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?? __________________ 2007 Alpine White E93 - Grey Wood trim Black Leather Fully Loaded.. Production 3/12.. Finish 3/19..Took home 4/12/07
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12-10-2007, 04:24 PM	#2
montreal red chris 291 Rep 12,142 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	you can use regular antifreeze from your local auto shop...just mix it 50/50 with water.. __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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12-10-2007, 04:31 PM	#3
335i SH Private 1 Rep 89 Posts Drives: '07 335i SP Gray/Black Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ '07 335i Coupe Space Gray/Blk/Drk Burl, ZPP, ZSP, 205, 2XA, 415, 494, 507 & 609
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12-10-2007, 04:37 PM	#4
BK Smiling politely 176 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	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 __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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12-10-2007, 06:13 PM	#5
CirrusSR22 Major 347 Rep 1,326 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	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.
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12-11-2007, 03:44 AM	#6
Tonester Banned 27 Rep 178 Posts Drives: LSB M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So Cali iTrader: (0)	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.
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02-16-2012, 08:48 AM	#8
correll24 Correll24 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Sweetwater, TN iTrader: (0)	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
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02-16-2012, 11:22 AM	#10
ENINTY Banned 179 Rep 3,415 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	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.
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02-20-2012, 08:25 AM	#12
fl335i Captain 159 Rep 942 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	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. __________________ '07 335i Sedan, base pkg, 6spd Manual, Procede 3 V5 w/NLS, Macht Schnell Downpipes, 18" Staggered 313's w/Conti DWS's, OS Giken TCD LSD, VAC Street Diff Cover, Dinan Oil Cooler, Dinan Intercooler, Akebono Euro Pads, CDV Removed, Black BMW Grilles, Interior & Exterior white LED lighting, LUX Angel Eyes, Debadged, Blend V1 mount, Llumar ATR Tint.
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02-20-2012, 10:05 AM	#13
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3908 Rep 10,606 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	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.
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02-20-2012, 12:06 PM	#14
Chriztofor Colonel 103 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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02-22-2012, 02:11 AM	#15
Glim Captain 23 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 2006 330i & 2013 X5 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Victoria, BC iTrader: (0)	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.
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