[Raf702]

Hey guys, so the floater stick inside the expansion tank is apparently broken and pretty hard to determine coolant level. I plan to replace it with a new expansion tank in the near future.

For now, can someone PLEASE with the same car take a photo as best they can of their coolant level(cold). Just so I can get an idea of where the coolant sits. I appreciate the help!

Thanks!

[RuskiE39]

Ditto, have the same problem.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by RuskiE39

Ditto, have the same problem.

For now I have the coolant leveled with what looks like a “+” divider. Coolant is just above that. I’d rather have a tad bit more coolant then not enough or low.

[RuskiE39]

I’m going to be bleeding my cooling system once I get a part in so it would be nice to know what the proper level is without over or under filling.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by RuskiE39

I’m going to be bleeding my cooling system once I get a part in so it would be nice to know what the proper level is without over or under filling.

I just bled my system last night so I’m going to check the levels again. But definitely would like someone to please give us a visual aid of the coolant level.

[Wolf 335]

You could go by the dealership and ask to see new coolant tank.

Pull the float up until the two indicatior balls are at level with neck opening.

Look inside and if possible get a small ruler or stick inside the tank to measure the distance between the white float and the tank neck opening.


Unless someone on here is nice enough to do this measurement on their vehicle, dealership is your best option. I would but my float is broken as well.

[jt335i]

When the coolant level is at maximum, the second bubble on the level stick floater should be even with top of the filler cap lip.
When the coolant level is at minimum, the top of the level stick is even with top of the filler cap lip. All that is as shown on the outline diagram printed on the tank (Green arrow).




If the top of the level stick is just above the top of the filler cap lip, then it is normal and within the maximum and minimum range.

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by jt335i

When the coolant level is at maximum, the second bubble on the level stick floater should be even with top of the filler cap lip.
When the coolant level is at minimum, the top of the level stick is even with top of the filler cap lip. All that is as shown on the outline diagram printed on the tank (Green arrow).

If the top of the level stick is just above the top of the filler cap lip, then it is normal and within the maximum and minimum range.

You didn't ever read the original post, did you?

What we need you to do (when engine is cold completely and coolant is at the correct fill level) is take a skinny ruler or some sort of a straight stick or a wire and measure the distance from the top of the tank fill neck to the white float inside the tank to which the red float is attached to .

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

You could go by the dealership and ask to see new coolant tank.

Pull the float up until the two indicatior balls are at level with neck opening.

Look inside and if possible get a small ruler or stick inside the tank to measure the distance between the white float and the tank neck opening.


Unless someone on here is nice enough to do this measurement on their vehicle, dealership is your best option. I would but my float is broken as well.

I could try not, assuming they filled the coolant properly in their vehicles. Lol

Originally Posted by jt335i

When the coolant level is at maximum, the second bubble on the level stick floater should be even with top of the filler cap lip.
When the coolant level is at minimum, the top of the level stick is even with top of the filler cap lip. All that is as shown on the outline diagram printed on the tank (Green arrow).

Attachment 1798173
Attachment 1798181

If the top of the level stick is just above the top of the filler cap lip, then it is normal and within the maximum and minimum range.

Attachment 1798184

I appreciate your input. But for myself and others who have broken or missing floater sticks we can't measure the coolant level. So we are hoping some could take a photo or like the other poster suggested and measure the stick. That way for us who have a missing floater stick can get an idea of where the coolant should be sitting.

[Raf702]

If I can go this route, I probably won't have to change out my expansion tank. Even though I have a brand new one sitting in my closet. Just don't feel like doing the replacement of it.

[ewicky]

Man, so many people on this forum are useless haha!
I just walked out to my car. The coolant is currently at the minimum. The fluid level is 3.75" from the top of the lid threads.

Apparently I should top off my coolant.

edit: i have an e90; not sure if it's different

[PichaDis11]

Seems E90 and E92 carries different Tanks. My friends E92 Tank looks like a fat pig compared to a long neck one of my E90. May want to list your model year as well.

[ewicky]

Originally Posted by PichaDis11

Seems E90 and E92 carries different Tanks. My friends E92 Tank looks like a fat pig compared to a long neck one of my E90. May want to list your model year as well.

You're probably right; I'm too lazy to look up other people's cars on realoem. My year is in my profile and to the left of all of my posts (on desktop, at least)

[Raf702]

From what I read seems like the e90/e92 are interchangeable with the tanks. Mine is the wider version.

[Raf702]

Originally Posted by ewicky

Man, so many people on this forum are useless haha!
I just walked out to my car. The coolant is currently at the minimum. The fluid level is 3.75" from the top of the lid threads.

Apparently I should top off my coolant.

edit: i have an e90; not sure if it's different

Could you please top off the coolant to the max and measuring again? If you don’t mind. Much appreciated! Thanks

[Raf702]

After doing some more research. Found on other bimmer forums from a couple of people. You can also check the level by using a tape measure, and measure the distance from the rim where the cap goes onto, to the white float inside the tank. If it measures roughly 3” then you have the right amount. Assuming your car is cold.

I checked mine this way, and mine measures about 2.75” from the rim to the white float. So I have about 1/4” of more coolant, which is better than not having enough.

Hope this helps others. 👍

[Wolf 335]

I had a chance to measure the distance with a brand new tank at the dealer.

To have you coolant at the correct level when car is cold, the distance from the rim of the tank neck to the white float should be approximately 8.5cm or 3.34 inches.

[Wolf 335]

Bumping this up for all you guys with broken coolant level indicators.

To have you coolant at the correct level when car is cold, the distance from the rim of the tank neck to the white float should be approximately 8.5cm or 3.34 inches.

[Wolf 335]

Bumping this thread for all you cheap bastards, like me, that don't want to buy a new tank.

[cliffschum]

My Indy just did a coolant flush, and now the indicator is missing. Can you just replace the level indicator stick ...and not the whole expansion tank ?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/17137553919/

Thanks for the tip on measuring from the float to the tank lip, that helps.


EDIT: He replaced the (original) tank. 2006, 240K miles. Not worth possible risk to water pump.