BMW Coolant vs others

smc325xi · 10-14-2013, 02:52 PM

So, what do you all think about BMW coolant vs some other brand. It is the only coolant to use, or is it just marketing?

srezzo · 10-14-2013, 03:10 PM

My personal opinion, I'd rather not risk finding out in order to save a few dollars. BMW engineers dictated the service intervals based on OE fluids. I'd rather use those same fluids and follow their service intervals since that's what they tested for. That being said, I'd guess there probably won't be any negative affects in using something else. Others may be able to chime in based on some actual analysis.

jeffro535 · 10-14-2013, 03:36 PM

I know there's something with the coolant formulation and the rubber that the O-rings in the coolant system are made out of. When I bought my E36 years ago, it had Prestone in it. When I did a flush and filled it with BMW coolant, it started leaking wherever the o rings were. So it wasn't even a question to use the stock coolant when flush time came. That and I didn't want to give the dealer an excuse to deny CPO coverage if the water pump issue raises it's ugly head.

smc325xi · 10-14-2013, 05:09 PM

I'm in the process of doing the waterpump/thermostat swap and was just wondering what the difference is.

floydarogers · 10-14-2013, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smc325xi

So, what do you all think about BMW coolant vs some other brand. It is the only coolant to use, or is it just marketing?

It's not the only one to use, but you have to understand that it's a low-phosphate, low-silicate formulation. You should not use generic "anti-freeze", be it a house brand or Prestone.

Google "g48 antifreeze" G48 is the BMW standard. Zerex G-05 and others work fine. But they're almost as expensive as the BMW OEM (which is probably Zerex since it's made by Castrol and guess who is BMW's OEM supplier).

The Cleaner · 10-14-2013, 06:07 PM

The question I would ask is what advantage does another coolant have other than saving 5 or 6 dollars.

135Pats · 10-14-2013, 06:10 PM

Use OE coolant.

3000GT MR · 10-14-2013, 06:14 PM

I've been using 10% prestone, 1.5 bottles of water wetter, the rest distilled water for a few years with no issues.

Bobble · 10-14-2013, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydarogers

It's not the only one to use, but you have to understand that it's a low-phosphate, low-silicate formulation. You should not use generic "anti-freeze", be it a house brand or Prestone.

Google "g48 antifreeze" G48 is the BMW standard. Zerex G-05 and others work fine. But they're almost as expensive as the BMW OEM (which is probably Zerex since it's made by Castrol and guess who is BMW's OEM supplier).

This to a T!

smc325xi · 10-14-2013, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Cleaner

The question I would ask is what advantage does another coolant have other than saving 5 or 6 dollars.

Convenience. BMW dealers are a hassle to get to and it would be nice to be able to pick something up on the way home rather than making a special trip. I buy my parts online, but the shipping $ would be crazy for coolant, no?

and then there's this...

PichaDis11 · 10-14-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smc325xi

Convenience. BMW dealers are a hassle to get to and it would be nice to be able to pick something up on the way home rather than making a special trip. I buy my parts online, but the shipping $ would be crazy for coolant, no?

and then there's this...

12.95 for shipping last I ordered from Tischer. Not so bad

smc325xi · 10-14-2013, 07:58 PM

So $24 for coolant and $12.95 for shipping = $36.95. Not really a bargain...

Of course, getting to a dealer during the day is not worth saving $12.95 either.....

PichaDis11 · 10-14-2013, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smc325xi

So $24 for coolant and $12.95 for shipping = $36.95. Not really a bargain...

Of course, getting to a dealer during the day is not worth saving $12.95 either.....

There you go. $37.54 including a radiator drain plug to be exact.

Sidenote: Do not top off/ mix this with any other coolant. If you do need to top off, use distilled water.

The Cleaner · 10-15-2013, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smc325xi

Convenience. BMW dealers are a hassle to get to and it would be nice to be able to pick something up on the way home rather than making a special trip. I buy my parts online, but the shipping $ would be crazy for coolant, no?

and then there's this...

If cost is driving your choice then use whatever is cheap. I think you will find most owners willing to spend the extra few dollars to have the correct factory blue G48 blend.

DRock3d · 10-15-2013, 12:17 PM

After having an Audi I will always use OEM Coolant. A guy did a study of corrosion of the metals used in that specific engine and all the other big coolants against the OEM and distilled water and various mixes. OEM always came out best.

smc325xi · 10-15-2013, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Cleaner

If cost is driving your choice then use whatever is cheap. I think you will find most owners willing to spend the extra few dollars to have the correct factory blue G48 blend.

No, cost is not a problem. And I will spend the couple of extra $'s on the G48. I really just wanted to know if there is a difference. And now I know.

Thanks for the info gang!

nissan · 10-15-2013, 03:41 PM

FYI if it's more convenient to order online, just get it from FCP Euro. They sell it for $23, and you get free shipping at $25, so I usually just add a filler or two to get it at a cost more inline with buying it from a dealer + time/hassle. FCP's shipping is pretty quick too and they usually have coupons if buying more goods.

Gizm0 · 10-15-2013, 03:50 PM

I did a coolant flush at a BMW dealership earlier this year, and they replaced it with green (non BMW) coolant... BMW coolant is blue.

benjlv · 10-15-2013, 03:53 PM

With these motors I would stick with OE coolant. Magnesium block with a aluminum head is not something you want to mess around with. The wrong formulation can really screw things up. Which is why OEs have gone to their own color coolants and only warranty use of those coolants. Can another coolant work...sure, but its not worth the hassle to figure all that out.

DRock3d · 10-15-2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizm0

I did a coolant flush at a BMW dealership earlier this year, and they replaced it with green (non BMW) coolant... BMW coolant is blue.

I would take it back, either that or it looks green to you once it's diluted. When you pour it in fresh it looks like dawn dish soap.

Gizm0 · 10-15-2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRock3d

I would take it back, either that or it looks green to you once it's diluted. When you pour it in fresh it looks like dawn dish soap.

I called the dealer back and they said this is what they've been using for years and it works fine. The blue coolant is not required they said

...

Crossroads BMW in Lynchburg, VA...

Red Rocket · 10-15-2013, 09:57 PM

BMW tech told me you can use Mini Cooper coolant - same as BMW coolant and cheaper

10-14-2013, 02:52 PM	#1
smc325xi Enlisted Member 2 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2006 e91 325xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	BMW Coolant vs others So, what do you all think about BMW coolant vs some other brand. It is the only coolant to use, or is it just marketing?
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10-14-2013, 03:10 PM	#2
srezzo Private First Class 3 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ann Arbor MI iTrader: (0)	My personal opinion, I'd rather not risk finding out in order to save a few dollars. BMW engineers dictated the service intervals based on OE fluids. I'd rather use those same fluids and follow their service intervals since that's what they tested for. That being said, I'd guess there probably won't be any negative affects in using something else. Others may be able to chime in based on some actual analysis.
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10-14-2013, 03:36 PM	#3
jeffro535 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i, 2019 X3M40 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I know there's something with the coolant formulation and the rubber that the O-rings in the coolant system are made out of. When I bought my E36 years ago, it had Prestone in it. When I did a flush and filled it with BMW coolant, it started leaking wherever the o rings were. So it wasn't even a question to use the stock coolant when flush time came. That and I didn't want to give the dealer an excuse to deny CPO coverage if the water pump issue raises it's ugly head.
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10-14-2013, 05:09 PM	#4
smc325xi Enlisted Member 2 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2006 e91 325xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	I'm in the process of doing the waterpump/thermostat swap and was just wondering what the difference is.
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10-14-2013, 06:07 PM	#6
The Cleaner Thats all you need to know. 44 Rep 1,188 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 , 2016 X5 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (2)	The question I would ask is what advantage does another coolant have other than saving 5 or 6 dollars. __________________ - M2 2018 LBB / Black - X5 F15 2016 Mineral White / Black 1981 Delorean number 6489
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10-14-2013, 06:10 PM	#7
135Pats Major General 460 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	Use OE coolant. __________________ E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP F30 N55 XDrive EBII
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10-14-2013, 06:14 PM	#8
3000GT MR Major 267 Rep 1,392 Posts Drives: 09 335i/3000gt vr4 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sav GA iTrader: (6)	I've been using 10% prestone, 1.5 bottles of water wetter, the rest distilled water for a few years with no issues. __________________ Have a single turbo and/or tired of burning up O2 sensors? Ask me about the new ADV O2 sensor retro kits! 335i 2010 e92 M-sport Mods: VM Top mount 6466, Aquamist HSF4 w/custom direct port. VRSF IC + Exhaust 335i 2009 e90 665RWHP VFF900 ST RIP .
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10-14-2013, 07:58 PM	#12
smc325xi Enlisted Member 2 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2006 e91 325xi Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	So $24 for coolant and $12.95 for shipping = $36.95. Not really a bargain... Of course, getting to a dealer during the day is not worth saving $12.95 either.....
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10-15-2013, 12:17 PM	#15
DRock3d Kraut Driver 60 Rep 624 Posts Drives: 2014 650i GC/2011 335is DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Columbus, Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 650i Gran Coupe [0.00] 2011 335is [1.00] 2007 328i [2.00]	After having an Audi I will always use OEM Coolant. A guy did a study of corrosion of the metals used in that specific engine and all the other big coolants against the OEM and distilled water and various mixes. OEM always came out best.
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10-15-2013, 03:41 PM	#17
nissan Lieutenant 54 Rep 523 Posts Drives: 2015 M6 GC CP Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: DFW iTrader: (4)	FYI if it's more convenient to order online, just get it from FCP Euro. They sell it for $23, and you get free shipping at $25, so I usually just add a filler or two to get it at a cost more inline with buying it from a dealer + time/hassle. FCP's shipping is pretty quick too and they usually have coupons if buying more goods.
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10-15-2013, 03:50 PM	#18
Gizm0 Colonel 439 Rep 2,136 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i 6mt Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	I did a coolant flush at a BMW dealership earlier this year, and they replaced it with green (non BMW) coolant... BMW coolant is blue.
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10-15-2013, 03:53 PM	#19
benjlv Private First Class 6 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 97 m3, 06 330i, '13 x3, '14 x5 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Metro Detroit iTrader: (1)	With these motors I would stick with OE coolant. Magnesium block with a aluminum head is not something you want to mess around with. The wrong formulation can really screw things up. Which is why OEs have gone to their own color coolants and only warranty use of those coolants. Can another coolant work...sure, but its not worth the hassle to figure all that out.
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10-15-2013, 09:57 PM	#22
Red Rocket Private 15 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335I Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South Florida iTrader: (1)	BMW tech told me you can use Mini Cooper coolant - same as BMW coolant and cheaper __________________ AA tune / AA Sport Intercooler / AA downpipes / AA Signature exhaust / AA chargepipe and BOV / K&N drop-in filter / BMS OCC / KW V2 Coilovers / Eurosport Monza 20" wheels
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