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Needed coolant after 2260 miles
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01-24-2008, 11:28 AM | #1 |
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Needed coolant after 2260 miles
So I just got my car back after taking it in for the first oil change after the break in period was over. The SA said everything was fine but the coolant level was a little low and he said they topped it off. I was a little concerned to hear this and so I asked him if everything was ok and if I had a leak or something. He said nothing was wrong but these engines are known to eat a little bit of coolant and oil too.
I've owned a few cars and none of them have actually used enough coolant between oil changes that it was deemed low enough where I needed to add more coolant. Has anybody else been told this or should I be more concerned? My search didn't really show any results that answered this question. Thanks.
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01-24-2008, 11:33 AM | #2 |
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I had actually been wondering that myself. My car has about 18,000 miles and I am about to add a bit of coolant for the second time. I was going to ask my service advisor about it next time. Maybe it is not uncommon.
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01-24-2008, 11:33 AM | #3 |
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Strange. My first low coolant light came on at 11K miles. Went to the dealer and they topped it off at no charge. The guy did mention that I can just add tap water the next time I see the low cooland warning. Not sure if I'll do that...
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01-24-2008, 11:46 AM | #4 | |
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****** I thought it had to be distilled water if you didn't actually have coolant to add.
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01-24-2008, 12:08 PM | #6 |
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The service manager at my dealership said they are seeing quite a few 335's "using" coolant with no signs of leaks.
I'm thinking it's the turbos since the center section is partially water cooled. |
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01-24-2008, 12:11 PM | #7 |
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wouldn't adding water cause it to freeze? I know someone that used water as washer fluid and had a big problem once haha.
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01-24-2008, 12:14 PM | #8 |
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Hmm... not a healthy sign that our engines are eating up coolant. The system should be completely closed but there are always some places where the coolant can get into the wrong places and burned up. It's usually not good when that happens though, anybody have some data on where the coolant might be consumed at? This is the first I've heard of t myself...
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01-24-2008, 12:16 PM | #9 |
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Yep, my stealership topped off my washer fluid last week. Pulled the stalk for the first time this morning (below zero temps). My headlight washers came on but nothing on the windshield. Got out of the car to check and my headlights had frozen goo on them and I'm pretty sure my wind shield washer line is frozen as well
Now I'm thinking if the washer fluid used by my SA had any anti-freeze in it. Should've checked while he was filling it up. Last edited by BMWalltheway; 01-24-2008 at 12:46 PM.. |
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01-24-2008, 12:27 PM | #10 | |
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I have seen a few Evo turbos that burned oil and coolant for one reason or another (improper break in was often blamed). |
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01-24-2008, 12:28 PM | #11 | |
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01-24-2008, 12:30 PM | #12 | ||
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01-24-2008, 12:32 PM | #13 |
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01-24-2008, 12:36 PM | #15 |
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01-24-2008, 01:14 PM | #16 |
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Needing coolant
The other possibility (which I've seen in many cars) is there was an air bubble in the system when it was initially filled. Eventually it works its way out and then you're low. If it continues to get low after adding fluid then fluid is leaking somewhere but if it is a one time thing, probably an air bubble and no problem.
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01-24-2008, 01:50 PM | #17 |
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I'm sorry guys but normally, if the radiator needs a bit of topping up it's no big deal.
If it needs lots of water after very short times - then there's possibly a problem but routine topping up is perfectly normal. Can I ask you a question? How many can check their oil, radiator water, brake fluid level, power steering fluid, windscreen washer level under the hood and not necessarily from a computer display or getting the dealer to check it outwith a standard service? |
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01-24-2008, 01:51 PM | #18 | |
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01-24-2008, 03:54 PM | #19 | |
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The oil you can't but with the coolant level and a few other fluids, you can check the level because there is a visable containder in the engine bay that should show you where the minimum and maximum level when the engine is cold. Without actually going to my car or referring to the owners manual, I think you should be able to see the coolant, washer fluid, and power steering fluid. I'm guessing you might even be able to see the brake fluid as well.
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01-24-2008, 04:25 PM | #20 | |
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Unless the coolant tank you open on the E90 is on the unpressurized side of the cooling system (more like an overflow tank), don't do it.
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01-24-2008, 04:48 PM | #21 |
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Uh yeah, you definitely don't want to open up the radiator or any pressurized area of the cooling system when the car is hot... you'll most likely get serious burns, if not worse. You can check the overflow tank, but that's all you can check while the system is hot.
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01-24-2008, 05:07 PM | #22 |
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The e90 doesn't have a clear tank like other cars... It has a screw on top that has a dip stick attached to it... On the dip stick it's labeled 'cold' and 'hot'
Definitely do not do this when the engine's hot... You'll will burn yourself big time!!! |
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