Coolant top up

Em135eye · 04-07-2010, 10:44 AM

Is it worse than death to top up coolant with a bit of tap water?

The bimmer got slightly low yesterday so I stuck about 1/2 a litre of water in - will get the cooling fluid changed at the next service (in 4k miles). Of course it's the finest, softest Cornish tap water...

Done the same in my other cars - they say take it into a dealer but 2+ hours (and probably £100) away from work for a tiny top up seems a wee bit OTT.

Also - some have suggested that the fact I needed to top it up isn't very good. Anything I need to look out for?

Other than that, it's been 8 months of marvellous motoring so far.

bakili · 04-07-2010, 10:51 AM

i would not worry much
if you buy coolant from main dealer, you have to mix with water anyway.
warmer weather conditions -more water than coolant.

Em135eye · 04-07-2010, 10:54 AM

Cheers. I wasn't much water (probably less than a third of a litre) but it had set the warning light off - all seems fine and just checked for leaks - can't see any.

xenon · 04-07-2010, 11:34 AM

I predict your car will sieze in the next 7 miles.

Em135eye · 04-07-2010, 02:30 PM

Just driven 16 miles. No seizure yet...

Rang BMW and they said it wasn't a problem. Also realised I was rather low on oil - and that OW 30 Castrol Edge ain't cheap!

dxb335d · 04-07-2010, 02:35 PM

As long as it had plenty in it already and it was cool enough everything will be ok.

themetz · 04-07-2010, 02:39 PM

don't be tempted to cut corners and put sea water in... hell of a mess.

04-07-2010, 10:44 AM	#1
Em135eye Banned 180 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Coolant top up Is it worse than death to top up coolant with a bit of tap water? The bimmer got slightly low yesterday so I stuck about 1/2 a litre of water in - will get the cooling fluid changed at the next service (in 4k miles). Of course it's the finest, softest Cornish tap water... Done the same in my other cars - they say take it into a dealer but 2+ hours (and probably £100) away from work for a tiny top up seems a wee bit OTT. Also - some have suggested that the fact I needed to top it up isn't very good. Anything I need to look out for? Other than that, it's been 8 months of marvellous motoring so far.
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04-07-2010, 10:51 AM	#2
bakili Lieutenant 39 Rep 427 Posts Drives: bmw e90 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Doncaster iTrader: (1) Garage List not old 318i [0.00]	i would not worry much if you buy coolant from main dealer, you have to mix with water anyway. warmer weather conditions -more water than coolant. __________________
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04-07-2010, 10:54 AM	#3
Em135eye Banned 180 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Cheers. I wasn't much water (probably less than a third of a litre) but it had set the warning light off - all seems fine and just checked for leaks - can't see any.
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04-07-2010, 11:34 AM	#4
xenon Major General 1515 Rep 8,234 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	I predict your car will sieze in the next 7 miles. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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04-07-2010, 02:30 PM	#5
Em135eye Banned 180 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Just driven 16 miles. No seizure yet... Rang BMW and they said it wasn't a problem. Also realised I was rather low on oil - and that OW 30 Castrol Edge ain't cheap!
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04-07-2010, 02:35 PM	#6
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1027 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	As long as it had plenty in it already and it was cool enough everything will be ok. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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04-07-2010, 02:39 PM	#7
themetz smokin' kipper 40 Rep 1,468 Posts Drives: G60 i5 M60 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	don't be tempted to cut corners and put sea water in... hell of a mess. __________________ Current BMW i5 M60. Previously enjoyed Tesla Model S P100DL; Tesla Model S 85D; Audi RS5; E92 335i M Sport; E92 M3; E92 335i M Sport; E46 330ci M Sport
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