Coolant: Service and Repair

Checking Coolant Level


WARNING! Do not add coolant to the cooling system when the engine is hot. If you attempt to do so, escaping coolant can cause burns.

NOTE: To avoid the possibility of damage later on, never use anything other than factory-approved, nitrite and amino-free extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. Your authorized BMW center is familiar with the official specifications.

WARNING! Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are hazardous to health. You should always store them in their original container and in a location which is inaccessible to children.

WARNING! Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor contains the flammable substance ethylene glycol. For this reason, do not spill antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could catch fire and cause serious burns.

NOTE: Comply with the applicable environmental laws regulating the disposal of extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.

CHECKING COOLANT LEVEL:




Correct coolant level when the engine is cold (approx. 68°F/20°C):

Unscrew the cap from the expansion tank.

The coolant level is correct when the end of the red float is aligned with the upper edge of the filler opening (refer to the arrow in the illustration), or max. 0.8 in (2 cm) higher, for instance up to the mark on the float (see also the schematic diagram next to the cap).

ADDING COOLANT:

WARNING! Wait until the engine cools before removing the cap from the expansion tank. The needle of the coolant gauge in the instrument cluster must be located in the blue zone; otherwise, there is a danger of scalding.

1 Start by turning the cap counterclockwise. Pause to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then open.

2 If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant until the correct level is reached - do not overfill.

The coolant is a mixture of water and extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. Always maintain the prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio for year-round protection against internal corrosion. No other additives are required.

Replace the coolant every four years.