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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > UK Technical Forum > What Coolant/Antifreeze??



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      02-02-2009, 03:48 AM   #1
mistry
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Question What Coolant/Antifreeze??

Driving home yesterday I had a message pop up saying my coolent level was low. (never had this on any other car before).

Anyway I was wondering is the BMW specific coolant any different to the stuff in Halfords/Petrol stations?
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      02-02-2009, 04:07 AM   #2
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As long as its suitable for aluminium engines, you should be OK. Check the spec in the manual.

For the sake of a few quid, might be on the safe side to just buy a bottle from the dealers if you are still in warranty.
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      02-02-2009, 04:19 AM   #3
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I guess your right, for a few quid. It's just that the dealers is 25 mins drive. (but that could be a nice excuse to get out and play if it carries on snowings) lots of car parks on the way.
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      02-02-2009, 04:34 AM   #4
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Get it from a stealer, its like 10-15 squid but its better than buying the wrong coolant / antifreeze. There are many stories of incorrect coolants damaging the engine, these may just be stories, but best to stay safe.

The actual coolant is blue in colour.

Too much snow this morning.. had to leave the 335i at home and used the old mans 1.1i fiesta. Glad I did cos I passed many beemers stuck in hedges on the way to work !
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      02-02-2009, 04:35 AM   #5
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Happened to me this morning as soon as I started the car - "Coolant Too Low" message. I pulled into TESCO garage 1/2 mile from my house and bought a £1.99 bottle of "Summer Antifreeze". I am guessing the summer bit means it's weak as pi££ and hence only £1.99.

Anyway added about 1/6 of the bottle. Car due a service in 900 miles so will be replaced with some decent stuff in a few weeks.
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      05-09-2009, 06:22 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilR View Post
Happened to me this morning as soon as I started the car - "Coolant Too Low" message. I pulled into TESCO garage 1/2 mile from my house and bought a £1.99 bottle of "Summer Antifreeze". I am guessing the summer bit means it's weak as pi££ and hence only £1.99.

Anyway added about 1/6 of the bottle. Car due a service in 900 miles so will be replaced with some decent stuff in a few weeks.
Do you have to drain the coolant befor you can add more?

Also is it ok just to add water?
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      05-11-2009, 03:24 AM   #7
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No need to drain the coolant just to top it up if only a little fluid is required.

If it's only just below the min level then I imagine adding a little water will be OK. It will reduce the freezing temp slightly although.

On a recent service my coolant was tested to -37C (as per the service report) which appears to be the manufacturers target for coolant performance.
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      05-14-2009, 02:34 PM   #8
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It would be permissible to add water only if only a small amount of topping up is required - it would be better than adding the wrong type of antifreeze to the engine.

I personally wouldn't touch Tesco Antifreeze/Coolant!
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