Silly Car Question

[mjm800]

Way back when I used to enjoy working on cars. I could change the oil, clean spark plugs, replace an air filter, even brake pads. I could do just about all basic stuff. Now that cars are computers, I don't know where anything is or how to do anything under the hood.

I'm getting a warning light on my BMW X-5, it's the check cooler fluid light. Does this mean grab a hose and put some water in the system or is it a special fluid like anti-freeze? Can I do it myself or is the access somewhere stuffed between a bunch of stuff half the engine has to be disassembled to reach it!

I feel so dumb now when it comes to cars now!

[Kingair]

You can add some water

No problem

[brandrea]

I'd let my dealer service it

[swils8610]

Add a little water. It won't hurt it. Don't add anti freeze/coolant. There are many different kinds made today and they can't always be mixed.

[franchise717]

For BMW vehicles, I'm pretty sure that only distilled water is recommended, as well as BMW type Antifreeze with a 50/50 mix depending on weather climate.

[Tri-Tip]

Trade it in!

[MonBK]

Check the water marks first and see if it's low and if it is (most likely) just add some water.

[locutus49]

I'd trade it for a Platona. You may have to add some cash, though.

[GradyPhilpott]

Do you have the owners' manual?

You should find information in there about what fluids to put in the radiator.

Don't drive around with that light lit.

If you're really stumped, have the car towed to your dealer and have them do what needs to be done. You can figure out what you should do in such cases later.

You probably don't want to buy a new engine.

http://www.bmwsections.com/docs/x5/

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/BMW_do...r%20Manual.pdf

[teqp]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Do you have the owners' manual?

You should find information in there about what fluids to put in the radiator.

Don't drive around with that light lit.

I agree with Grady. Some of the newer cars use long life coolant where they are supposed to last 100,000 miles between flushes. I would also recommend that you check the level to see how low it is. Maybe check for leaks as well. With the cowl covers on the new cars, they really don't make it easy to check the cars like the old days.

[nick c]

Antifreeze is low

[mjm800]

Thanks for the replies. I might just take the Paltona deal!

I'm going to add water and bring it in as there may be a leak or it may just be low but better safe than sorry. Grrrrrrr, every time I go to BMW it's never less than 300!

[Kingair]

I can add water for less

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Kingair

You can add some water

No problem

Not in Sweden.

Anti freeze also lubricates the system's seals so they keeps alive longer.

[Danny83]

Waterpump, or thermostat is it between 2000-2003 can be the headgasket whats the miles?

[s14roller]

Distilled water and you should be mixing that with whatever coolant BMW uses (check on a BMW forum). First step is to see if the coolant overflow tank is low (it probably is) so fill it up with a 50/50 mix of distilled water and BMW coolant. Next, do you smell any coolant in the engine bay? If not, you can monitor the situation.

If it happens again over the next few weeks, then you will need to take to a mechanic so they can pressurize the system and see where the leak is.

[crew]

Originally Posted by mjm800

Thanks for the replies. I might just take the Paltona deal!
Grrrrrrr, every time I go to BMW it's never less than 300!

I have a 2003 X5 with 80k on it. Still runs like new, most of the time.
I agree with you about taking it to the dealer, I'm lucky to get out of there for only $300 and that's if nothing is wrong!

You do know that BMW stands for Bring My Wallet, don't you?

[dysondiver]

as above ,,, again , check it when its cold ,,,,
steam burns hurt.

[gulfstream69xr7]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

as above ,,, again , check it when its cold ,,,,
steam burns hurt.

Yes, do not even open the reservoir cap if the engine is hot.

Check the fluid level in the overflow reservoir.

If it is low, consult the owners manual, or call the dealer.

Mix the appropriate blend of coolant and water, fill the reservoir to the fill mark and no higher.

If it continues to leak, take to have leak down test done.

[MonBK]

For crying out loud, we're talking about a car that is probably a quart (or less) low on water.

[swatty]

Originally Posted by MonBK

For crying out loud, we're talking about a car that is probably a quart (or less) low on water.

Yes,

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by MonBK

For crying out loud, we're talking about a car that is probably a quart (or less) low on water.

Originally Posted by swatty

Yes,

Maybe ad some Perrier-Jouet

[rr-nyc]

If its under warranty, have them top it off.

Since you are asking the question, I will assume you don't know much about cars or fluids. There is a hot level and cold level. Screw that up and you will have a hood full of green shit. Pour water in the wrong reservoir, and you could really screw things up.

[1mlc]

Originally Posted by s14roller

Distilled water and you should be mixing that with whatever coolant BMW uses (check on a BMW forum). First step is to see if the coolant overflow tank is low (it probably is) so fill it up with a 50/50 mix of distilled water and BMW coolant. Next, do you smell any coolant in the engine bay? If not, you can monitor the situation.

If it happens again over the next few weeks, then you will need to take to a mechanic so they can pressurize the system and see where the leak is.

This, I would go with BMW coolant and refill the overflow tank, do it cold. Give it a couple of days and check it again. Also take a look around the engine bay and under tray to look for small drops. Just doing a quick google search it can be A LOT of things.

[Samurai]

Yes, as s14roller and 1mlc suggested, you must top it with BMW coolant AND distilled water (not just coolant). But, if the indicator goes off again, I recommend that you take the car to dealership and ask them to inspect the coolant hose or gasket for possible leak.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Yes, as s14roller and 1mlc suggested, you must top it with BMW coolant AND distilled water (not just coolant). But, if the indicator goes off again, I recommend that you take the car to dealership and ask them to inspect the coolant hose or gasket for possible leak.

X2. My wife's 330 had he light come on last year. Was just a tick low on coolant/water. Topped with distilled water (maybe a pint??) amazing how sensitive they are.


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[Chewbacca]

at least it wasn't the $ dash light.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

at least it wasn't the $ dash light.

[azguy]

BMW does recommend distilled water....I bet your expansion tank is cracked (plastic), BMW's are famous for this happening and the system only leaks under pressure so you never really see any drips.

I've learned that at 60-70k miles replace everything but the radiator. The expansion tank (plastic), hoses, water pump (impeller is plastic), hoses and thermostats (there's 2), etc....I have a great Indy BMW guy and he basically insist upon it when you hot 75K, because catastrophic failure is not far behind.

[greggsiam]

Originally Posted by s14roller

Distilled water and you should be mixing that with whatever coolant BMW uses (check on a BMW forum). First step is to see if the coolant overflow tank is low (it probably is) so fill it up with a 50/50 mix of distilled water and BMW coolant. Next, do you smell any coolant in the engine bay? If not, you can monitor the situation.

If it happens again over the next few weeks, then you will need to take to a mechanic so they can pressurize the system and see where the leak is.

Pretty much this.

BMW anti-freeze is just paranoid users and marketing. They all use the same main ingredient. always mix 50/50 with water. Distilled or not, you will never see a difference unless we are talking whole system flush over long period of time.

No need to ever open the radiator cap, just fill the overflow tank.

More than likely the sensor in the overflow is detecting a low level. Fill it and see if the light goes out.

Check for leaks as that stuff just doesn't disappear. If no leaks, it is possible you are burning it internally (head gasket or cracked heat), but typically a trained nose can smell it.

Water pumps have a small seep hole that leaks when the bearings wear out. Again, look for leaks and drips.

There are other benign reasons, but better to be safe and have it pressure tested if the level keeps going down.