E90Post
 


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



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-02-2009, 03:48 AM   #1
mistry
Captain
mistry's Avatar
49
Rep
827
Posts

Drives: F11 530D
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South West

iTrader: (1)

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?
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2009, 04:07 AM   #2
doughboy
Major General
doughboy's Avatar
1578
Rep
8,971
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: UK

iTrader: (2)

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.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2009, 04:19 AM   #3
mistry
Captain
mistry's Avatar
49
Rep
827
Posts

Drives: F11 530D
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South West

iTrader: (1)

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.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2009, 04:34 AM   #4
Joyrida
Private
0
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Uk

iTrader: (0)

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 !
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2009, 04:35 AM   #5
PhilR
Second Lieutenant
PhilR's Avatar
United Kingdom
9
Rep
283
Posts

Drives: E93 330d M Sport Auto
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Teesside / Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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.
Appreciate 0
      05-09-2009, 06:22 PM   #6
MO_1
Second Lieutenant
MO_1's Avatar
United Kingdom
14
Rep
213
Posts

Drives: BMW 330D M SPORT
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: WALSALL WEST MIDLANDS

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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?
Appreciate 0
      05-11-2009, 03:24 AM   #7
PhilR
Second Lieutenant
PhilR's Avatar
United Kingdom
9
Rep
283
Posts

Drives: E93 330d M Sport Auto
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Teesside / Surrey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
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.
Appreciate 0
      05-14-2009, 02:34 PM   #8
Dr Dave
Zummerzet Zyder Drinker!
United Kingdom
116
Rep
5,541
Posts

Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Somerset

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
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!
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:30 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST