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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / Warranty > what coolant to use?



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      06-04-2006, 05:26 PM   #1
driverseven
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what coolant to use?

I got the "check coolant" indicator lamp and the little float bulb is down about 2 inches.

does anyone know whether there is a coolant that I can get at an auto parts store?

I'd rather avoid a trip to the dealer for 4 oz of antifreeze (the manual says to ask the dealer -- I've searched through here and couldn't find anything)
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      06-04-2006, 08:03 PM   #2
ward
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just go by the dealer, they'll do it for free while you wait

the bigger issue is where did your coolant go?? leak, overheating????

there's no reason a car should be using coolant, especially a new car
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      06-06-2006, 10:45 PM   #3
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You should ONLY use BMW coolant (it's blue) which you can buy for ~$18 a gallon at the dealer. Mixing different coolants can lead to worse issues. In this scenario as Ward mentioned, it would be smarter to just have them top you off with a little for free rather than spend $18. Keep a check on it and if it needs more again then have it inspected.
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      06-07-2006, 09:39 AM   #4
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fortunately, the light did not return and the coolant is not really down -- the little dipstick floats just so it's flush with the top (rather than bobbing an inch above). i'll wait and see if this is just a misfire on the error code.

frankly, spending $18 is cheaper than going by the dealer and waiting around for them to do anything.
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      06-07-2006, 05:28 PM   #5
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For a small fillup like that, just use distilled water

If you were replacing all the coolant you would need to mix water and BMW coolant, but not for a small fillup.
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      06-07-2006, 06:41 PM   #6
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yea, i agree, distilled water will work fine for just topping off.

fyi in the future... saab coolant is the same as bmw coolant and usually cheaper.
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      06-07-2006, 07:34 PM   #7
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if it's anything like an oil top up, they'll do it while you wait, for free

I've been in and out topped up with oil in 10 minutes

I do live close to a dealer though
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      06-09-2006, 08:46 AM   #8
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Use this and you will have no problems
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