- Hood is open. The hood release on your BMW 3-Series can be found underneath the dashboard. When you hear the BMW hood pop open, pull the lever.
- The hood safety clasp at the front of the car must then be released. The hood should be raised and locked open.
- the Coolant Reservoir’s location. The BMW’s coolant reservoir (tank) can then be found. Here, you may check the coolant level and top it out if necessary. The coolant expansion tank is found on the driver’s side of the engine in a 3-Series. Slowly remove the cover. Only after the engine has cooled should you open the cap.
- Remove cap to check the coolant level in a BMW 3-Series. Observe the low and high levels in the coolant reservoir tank. You must replenish coolant if the level falls below the minimal level, or your 3-Series risked overheating. The floating gadget is used by the BMW 3-series to gauge the coolant level.
- Add antifreeze and engine coolant. Only use the BMW-recommended coolant type.
- 316i
- 318i
- 320i
- 323i
- 325i
- 325xi
- 328i
- 328xi
- 330i
- 330xi
- 335i
- 335is
- 335xi
- 320d
- 320xd
- 325d
- 330d
- 330xd
- 335d
- M3, M3 GTS
The 2004–2013 BMW 3-Series Check Level & Add Coolant instruction is intended to be helpful. For additional assistance with your BMW, consult these troubleshooting and repair instructions.
In This Article...
Where is the coolant for the 2017 BMW 330i located?
Left of the engine bay is where you’ll find the 2017 BMW 330i coolant tanks.
You must first open the hood and locate the radiator if the car needs its coolant changed. A transparent or black plastic container will be affixed to it, and it will be located in front of the engine compartment. The coolant reservoir is shown here. Along with a dipstick, it will have a drain plug and a fill plug. If you are only filling, you can measure the amount of coolant already present and then add more. However, if you plan to flush it, you should open the drain plug and allow the water to drain into a bucket. To aid in this procedure, add water to the container. You can tell when something is finished when the water comes out mostly clean. Put the upper lid back on after filling the container to the cool or cold line indicated by the dipstick and closing the drain plug.
In a BMW, where is the coolant located?
Find the coolant reservoir by opening the hood. This tiny black tank is typically located to the left of the engine in BMW models, but it isn’t always the case. If you’re unsure of what to look for, double-check your owner’s manual. Turn the cap slowly counterclockwise to gradually remove the extra pressure.
The best coolant for a BMW is…
For BMW vehicles, the ZEREX G-48 coolant is perfect. The coolant, which is made for both diesel and gasoline engines, contains low-silicate, pH, anti-phosphate technology that guards against corrosion in all metals, including aluminum.
It is diluted at a 1:1 ratio to protect the modern engine’s components from freezing in the winter and boiling over in the summer. Additionally, the combination is prepared in 5:7 ratios for maximum protection. It also includes a high-quality defoamer system and contains less silicon than the vehicle’s mandated 250 parts per million.
What occurs if the incorrect coolant is used in a BMW?
The performance of the car can be hampered if the wrong coolant is used or if several types are mixed together. Additionally, the radiator’s corrosion may worsen. It’s crucial to remember that color alone cannot accurately identify the type of coolant you should use. The radiator, water pump, radiator hoses, cylinder gasket, and other components can suffer corrosion and other issues as a result of using the incorrect coolant. Having a qualified auto mechanic handle your vehicle’s maintenance is the greatest method to guarantee that you obtain the right coolant.
Do BMWs require specialized coolant?
In addition to controlling engine temperatures, the quality of your BMW coolant is essential for lubricating the water pump, guarding against corrosion and buildup, providing anti-freeze during the winter, and, in some models, assisting in cooling for engine and gearbox oil coolers. Not just any antifreeze will do; BMWs have special coolant needs (nitrite and phosphate free) to prevent build-up and corrosion of metal components. Along with BMW coolant, we also sell coolant additives like Red Line Water Wetter, which lower combustion chamber temperatures and elevate boiling points in order to prevent detonation and banging.
Why is the coolant in my BMW low?
You should take your automobile to the automotive service shop as soon as possible for an inspection and maintenance if your coolant is low because it could be an indication of a larger issue. Some of the causes of a possible coolant shortage in your car include the following:
- reservoir leak or overflow tank
- a radiator leak
- radiator hose leak
- water pump leak
- cracked or compromised radiator seal
- defective head gasket
Can I add water to my BMW coolant?
Since it is summer, I would simply top off with water (up to max line only, when engine cold). Then watch it closely. If you suspect a leak, go to the dealer right away.
Water topping up is acceptable, but since the coolant system is sealed, it shouldn’t need to be done.
Keep an eye on the coolant level and let your dealer know if you see any loss as this is a common sign of a damaged EGR cooler.
Is there any sign of sooting on the insulation beneath the underside of the EGR cooler? Another indication of a damaged EGR cooler is that.
Mine has experienced this twice in the recent days. I simply added water to top it off. I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse before my duty the following week.
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2 liters of BMW coolant cost around PS11, I believe. For the ideal blend ratio, combine it 50/50 with water.
If you can’t see it, use a torch to illuminate it. Fill the container when it’s cold so the water or coolant just touches the mark.
FFS, do it in a cold car. If you attempt to remove the cap before it is entirely cold, you risk burning yourself.
Don’t top off with tap water; instead, use that RO water product (I can’t recall its name, but I’m sure someone will confirm). can purchase it in bottles at the grocery store.
Tap water causes that corrosion-causing green substance (sorry, I’m useless; it’s been so long since I’ve had to top any car up).
A damaged EGR housing is what’s causing my low coolant signal. Due to BMW’s lack of inventory in the UK, this item will arrive from Germany the following week.
Can a BMW be operated with the coolant light on?
It can startle you when the coolant light on your BMW illuminates. Any sign that your BMW isn’t operating properly should raise suspicions. If this occurs to you, you should immediately pull over and stop driving even though this normally indicates that the coolant level has fallen too low. Refilling your coolant could be a simple remedy, or you might need professional assistance to fix your BMW.
Why is blue coolant used by BMW?
To maintain your cooling system operating at its peak, use only German OEM engine antifreeze, component number 82141467704. (82 14 1 467 704). Because they don’t include nitrites, amines, phosphates, or borates, BMW exclusively suggests specific coolants. BMW cooling systems typically do not work with off-the-shelf coolant from a neighborhood parts store, and mixing various coolant formulas is not advised (in a pinch you should use distilled water).
The well-known blue coolant, which has been in use since the 1990s, is only permitted for vehicles with model years up to 2018. Internally, it is referred to as the G48 formula and is exclusive to BMW/MINI vehicles. In comparison to other forms of coolant, the blue coolant formula is a hybrid that extends coolant service life and is less harmful to the environment. On vehicles manufactured in 2018 and later, BMW replaced it with a new formulation that contains silicate and offers superior immediate corrosion protection. BMW does not advise using the older blue formula for vehicles created after January 2018.
For increased corrosion resistance, anti-freeze defense, and water pump lubrication in street cars, we advise combining distilled water in a 1:1 ratio with the mixture. Reduce the amount of antifreeze in your coolant mixture if you want more cooling properties, but only in warmer climates where freezing is impossible (see chart below). We advise monitoring the freezing point of the coolant mixture if you want to use antifreeze and water ratios other than 1:1.
Red Line Water Wetter can also be added if high temperatures could lead to engine banging or pre-ignition.
- BMW # 82141467704, genuine German OEM antifreeze
- optimum cooling, freeze prevention, lubrication of the water pump, and corrosion resistance
What happens if your car’s coolant is low?
Your car’s engine parts will suffer severe damage, possibly even permanent damage, from overheating if you disregard these warning indications and keep driving it without coolant. Because of this, it is extremely risky to drive when your coolant level is low.
What happens if the radiator is without coolant?
The response is negative. Your car’s cooling system flows throughout and dissipates heat from various parts to keep them working at normal temperatures. These components soon overheat and degrade since there is nothing to remove this heat in the absence of coolant.
When you use an engine with inadequate or no coolant, three typical things will occur:
- Damage to engine components: If the engine overheats, especially in older cars without mechanisms to alert the driver, the engine may suffer catastrophic damage, including perhaps permanent and irreversible damage.
- Dashboard indicators and alerts: The temperature indicator on your engine will first rise, signaling a problem. A warning that there is a cooling system issue and that you are about to overheat could also come from the central computer of your vehicle.
- Engine cutoff: In more recent automobiles, the central computer keeps track of the engine’s temperature and has the ability to turn the engine off automatically to protect the engine from severe damage. Additionally, as the engine cools, the ignition is disconnected, making it impossible to switch the engine back on until it has completely cooled.
Driving with low coolant is it acceptable?
Electric cars, hybrid cars, diesel engines, and gasoline engines all inherently produce heat. Some of this heat is directed into the interior of your automobile when you turn on the heater for comfort. However, there are other ways to control the majority of the heat.
Your car relies on a liquid known as antifreeze, sometimes known as engine coolant, to guarantee that the engine maintains an ideal working temperature. Driving with insufficient coolant could cause your engine to overheat, which is usually bad for your engine, your car, and your trip!
Can coolant be poured right into the reservoir?
Add the proper coolant to the reservoir if the coolant level is low (not the radiator itself). Either diluted coolant alone or a 50/50 blend of concentrated coolant and purified water are acceptable. Replace the cap and tighten it until you hear it click when the coolant reaches the cold fill line.