Over the counter anti freeze?

[Joe///540i]

I need to add a little coolant to my system. Trying to avoid a trip to the dealer because it’s not convenient.

Are there any coolants at the auto zones etc. that are acceptable substitutes for genuine BMW?


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[bluptgm3]

If you live in a modestly temperate location simply add distilled water.
BMW coolant can be purchased by the quart/liter in both full strength or 50/50 premix, purchased on-line.


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[Joe///540i]

If you live in a modestly temperate location simply add distilled water.
BMW coolant can be purchased by the quart/liter in both full strength or 50/50 premix, purchased on-line.


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Thanks. I live in a cold area.


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[blarf]

G48 should be similar but the BMW coolant is usually cheaper (check the Gyslantin site). I think Volvo also uses G48 coolant. Really though if you're only topping it up add some distilled water.

[Joe///540i]

G48 should be similar but the BMW coolant is usually cheaper (check the Gyslantin site). I think Volvo also uses G48 coolant. Really though if you're only topping it up add some distilled water.

Will do. Probably needs a half cup. A cup tops.


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[R Shaffner]

First, being a cup low won't matter. Some here prefer it, to give the coolant more room to expand.

Second, adding a little water would be fine unless you've already diluted the coolant a lot and don't want to do so more. The 50/50 mixture is a general rule, not set in stone. And if you're just talking about a cup, it will be so close to 50/50 it won't matter.

[JimLev]

Having the stick an inch below the top of the expansion tank is perfectly fine. I run mine slightly lower than that.

[DennisG01]

Prestone makes a coolant that is "safe for all European cars". My local Indy uses it and that's all that's been in my 528 for that past 16 years. Last couple years, I have also added it to my Merc GL. But I agree with the above - 8oz low is nothing to worry about it - heck it's barely measurable.

[Joe///540i]

Thanks for all the input. In my situation, I get a “check coolant” message on the first cold start every morning here in 40 degree Boston. That’s the only time I get the message each day. I can stop and restart, go out for lunch, start it up for the ride home from work, etc and I don’t get that message.

I’m guessing it’s the completely cold engine and the outside temp that makes it “low” in the morning.

I’ve been getting this message under these circumstances once a month and I add a half cup of BMW coolant and let the stick pop up a half inch per the manual.

My shop did tell me I have a very small coolant leak from the heater control valve. They didn’t think I had to do anything immediately. I’m guessing this is why I have to add a tiny bit every 6 weeks.


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[BimmerBreaker]

NAPA sells zerex cheap. G05 (clear) or G48 (blue) should both be acceptable

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

Just order the BMW coolant from FCPeuro, delivered to your house, what’s more convenient than that? When you need some more, buy another one from them, if you’re a cheap bastard, go to their warranty page, fill in the info on the second purchase, they will see that you already bought it previously, when you return the empty coolant bottle, they will credit your account.

[msvphoto]

Most chain stores carry Pentosin Pentofrost NF which is the OE blue coolant. Peak now offers a "OET European Extended Life Blue" pre-mixed 50-50% which should be fine also. For topup I normally use distilled water if no coolant on hand, but I live in coastal California where we don't have serious freeze issues so a little dilution beyond 50-50 is probably okay.

This is all assuming you still have OE blue coolant in the car. If another color add only that flavor since mixing different colors of coolants can sometimes cause problems.

[Joe///540i]

I just ordered a gallon of this BMW Coolant, I assume it is 50/50 already?

https://www.bavauto.com/bmw-antifreeze-82141467704

[JimLev]

No, that's concentrate. Mix it 50/50 with distilled water that you can get at most supermarkets for about a buck.
So you can make 2 gallons to have extra to replace what's leaking out of your aux pump valves.

[Joe///540i]

No, that's concentrate. Mix it 50/50 with distilled water that you can get at most supermarkets for about a buck.
So you can make 2 gallons to have extra to replace what's leaking out of your aux pump valves.

Glad I asked. The description wasn't great on BavAuto and I am sure the instructions would have noted this, but who knows with me, I would have poured it in straight. Thanks Jim.

[JimLev]

For the 4-5 oz you probably need using it straight would be fine.

[crazy4trains]

NAPA also sells Pentosin Pentofrost NF. Just find one of the larger distributor stores and it will likely be in stock. Supposed to be the same stuff you buy from the dealer, just in a different package. Do yer own research on that.

http://www.pentosin.net/specsheets/Pentofrost_NF.pdf

[marvinstockman]

The level sensor on my '98 M3 acts the same way, and it is a common problem with the sensor.

[MtekJosh]

NAPA sells zerex cheap. G05 (clear) or G48 (blue) should both be acceptable

G-05 is my go to parts store coolant.

[Joe///540i]

Did the mixture at 50/50 this morning. Took a bit more than I thought and before I could catch it, the stick popped up maybe a little over an inch. More than I would like but not totally extended.

Hope I didn’t over fill.


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[R Shaffner]

Not a problem. Especially in Boston in the winter. (Not a problem in other weather, either. If the coolant gets real hot and expands too much it will blow past the cap due to its pressure relief function.)

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

If the bobber stick popped up past the spout, it’s overfilled. These expansion bottles already have their weak points well known to all of us, why push it? Suck some of it out. Don’t have a turkey baster? Maybe a Mityvac fluid extractor? The right amount is the tip of the stick right at the cap, the better amount is about an inch below, to give the bottle a relief from over expanding.

[crazy4trains]

If the bobber stick popped up past the spout, it’s overfilled. These expansion bottles already have their weak points well known to all of us, why push it? Suck some of it out. Don’t have a turkey baster? Maybe a Mityvac fluid extractor? The right amount is the tip of the stick right at the cap, the better amount is about an inch below, to give the bottle a relief from over expanding.

^^^What he said. It's called an "expansion" tank for a reason. If it is overfilled, there is no room for expansion.

[BimmerBreaker]

Yeah more is not better with coolant. Its a sealed system, so how much is in there ultimately determines the pressure it runs at. Keep it on the safe side by being within the bobber's movement range

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G-05 is my go to parts store coolant.

Ours too. We like using it on customer cars because it is clear and friendly with any coolant. Most cars sadly seem to have green so adding blue makes a gross color. Clear just keeps it green

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

You’re not supposed to mix different colored coolants!