Adding coolant/anti-freeze (brand)

[babyduke]

I've only used the BMW coolant (pictured) from the beginning. It's a bit low and I want to add more. Do I have to stick with this brand only or can someone suggest something that's more readily available?

Thank you.

[upallnight]

Stick with the brand.

[cn90]

I never care for the expensive BMW coolant, which is no better than Prestone.

I don't know who makes coolant for BMW these days but I have been using Prestone green in all of my BMWs for 30 years, replace it every 40K or 3y.
All of my engines interior looks good, zero corrosion with Prestone green.

[Joshdub]

I run grape koolaid

[babyduke]

Just to clarify my question, would it be bad to use another brand now since it'll be mixed with the original?

[Helihover]

Originally Posted by cn90

I never care for the expensive BMW coolant, which is no better than Prestone.

I don't know who makes coolant for BMW these days but I have been using Prestone green in all of my BMWs for 30 years, replace it every 40K or 3y.
All of my engines interior looks good, zero corrosion with Prestone green.

Awesome !!!!

I try and explain this, sometimes, and people act like I'm a moron.

Blue BMW coolant was engineered for a European based water table.

Green here too

I mean, blue looks cool. I like the color better than green....

I think next I'm gonna try the purple koolaid. Probaly would be fine! Lol

[jfoj]

In case you did not know this, many Auto Parts stores are now carrying not only original BMW coolant, but Mercedes, VW and Asian brands as well.

My local Advance Auto now stocks BMW coolant, but I can get it from my local dealer slightly cheaper.

Also check your local independent or non national chain Import Auto Parts stores as well. We have a local Import Auto Parts group, Olympus Auto Parts that carries about 8-10 different OE brands of coolant.

Still with BMW and distilled water. Not worth the headaches.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by babyduke

Just to clarify my question, would it be bad to use another brand now since it'll be mixed with the original?

Mixing different coolant solutions can cause clumping, or something along those lines. I'll let someone more chemically versed go into more detail. You need to find out the chemical make up of the coolant before you mix with other brands.

[Ricky Bobby]

That reminds me I'm overdue for a coolant flush/fill as its been about 4 years. Add it to my pre-winter maintenance.

I will be sticking to BMW branded coolant

[crystalworks]

I've used both OE and green stuff. Never had problems with either. What goes into the car depends on the reason for the change and how much notice I've had that a coolant system flush/maintenance is necessary.

As far as mixing... as mentioned above clumping can occur between different coolant formulas. Unfortunately I don't know what can/cannot be mixed with the BMW blue.