Member
Just bought a second hand one owner 2000 323Ci with 160k, 5spd car.
Changing the water pump/coolant tank etc (see other post) and when I went to change it I see it has Green coolant,
Does that mean it is most likely NON OEM stuff (Isn't BMW coolant Blue?)
Question is, do I flush it and eventually go back to BMW SPec? (Probably the equivalent that the auto parts company will sell me)
OR,
just go Green and don't look back?
Car is a Daily Driver, not a track car.
Thanks!
Member
I've used green coolant in that generation of BMW since they came out. I've had problems with the plastic cooling system parts (of course), but never any problem caused by the coolant.
Member
Drain all the green. Green is not the right coolant for the block. Make sure all the green is 100% gone then put in Bmw blue.
Member
Flush the cooling system including the block drain located under the exhaust manifold (thanks BMW). Buy a new crush washer from the dealer for the block drain plug. Otherwise you WILL have a leak. Ask me how I know. Refill with distilled water and drive the car for 20 minutes or so. Allow the engine to coil a bit and then drain the radiator and engine block. Using the new crush washer install the engine block drain plug and the radiator drain plug. Fill with a 50:50 mix of BMW coolant and distilled water ONLY.
Member
Appreciate the input and the time you guys took to write!
Member
Color is not important. Chemical composition is important. There are coolants of various colors that would be suitable, BMW requires coolant that is silicate and phosphate free. Nearly any long life coolant is acceptable. I believe the last gallon of all makes coolant I purchased was green.
License Revoked
niceOriginally Posted by RobertDenali
Last edited by jacinda; 04-02-2020 at 02:53 PM.
Member
Here’s the issue with color: you have no idea about the brand and spec of the coolant. Why risk it?
Member
Last edited by RobertDenali; 04-03-2020 at 09:01 PM.
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