Coolant Leak. What is the replacement Coolant.

[blaubenz]

Hay guys/gals.

A few days ago I notice a small puddle of liquid under my x5. So put a wood board under the X5 confirm the leak. I have a coolant leak. The x5 have been in storage for a while don't know when the leak started. I don't think the coolant level was that low last time I was really driving it (it id not have the low coolant warning on (it was on today)).

My questions is what replacement coolant should I get. I don't want to got to the dealer. But I do want to get the exact or the closet replacement to the original or the dealer coolant.

I heard Zerex G05 is it. Does any one knows for sure or have more info on this subject.

Thanks so much.

[E53Werlt]

Go to the dealer and get BMW blue... Then go to Family Dollar and get a gallon of distilled water for a buck, after you fix the leak. Also, you could use what ever is cheap until you fix it. After fix BMW blue. I did a COOLANT OVERHAUL on my Titamium Silver 04 E53 by using the forums here. It is not hard if you are strong enuff to 'break' the bolts and you possess/ plan on buying the right tools. It took the weekend and my best bud but we got the job done. No more 'Check Coolant' warning.

[itscoo2pyopants]

Bmw coolant. I get mine from carquest, the same that is available at the dealer. One gallon is approx $25 but makes two gallons after you mix with distilled water. I wouldn't use any alternatives.

[blaubenz]

Originally Posted by E53Werlt

Go to the dealer and get BMW blue... Then go to Family Dollar and get a gallon of distilled water for a buck, after you fix the leak. Also, you could use what ever is cheap until you fix it. After fix BMW blue. I did a COOLANT OVERHAUL on my Titamium Silver 04 E53 by using the forums here. It is not hard if you are strong enuff to 'break' the bolts and you possess/ plan on buying the right tools. It took the weekend and my best bud but we got the job done. No more 'Check Coolant' warning.

Good point here. FIND THE LEAK FIRST!

You folks think it is o.k. fill it with distill water and dive it for a while to find and fix the leak, first. I live in northern CA (no freeze issues).

[E53Werlt]

Originally Posted by blaubenz

Good point here. FIND THE LEAK FIRST!

You folks think it is o.k. fill it with distill water and dive it for a while to find and fix the leak, first. I live in northern CA (no freeze issues).

I'll have to read again, but I think the coolant acts not only to cool the engine but also to lube something. But the on sale stuff at Advance Auto Zone.

[jontezan]

the coolant/anti freeze lubricates and keeps the cooling system free from corrosion/rust. Why do you put in distilled water? I always use tap water.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by E53Werlt

Go to the dealer and get BMW blue... Then go to Family Dollar and get a gallon of distilled water for a buck, after you fix the leak. Also, you could use what ever is cheap until you fix it. After fix BMW blue. I did a COOLANT OVERHAUL on my Titamium Silver 04 E53 by using the forums here. It is not hard if you are strong enuff to 'break' the bolts and you possess/ plan on buying the right tools. It took the weekend and my best bud but we got the job done. No more 'Check Coolant' warning.

Why do people purchase a BMW but don't want to use BMW parts or consumable to fix it right???

[squidzilla]

You can use water for the short term. Besides removing heat, the coolant also lubricates the water pump and prevents corrosion. If you are going to add water to drive around and check for leaks and fix it I think it will be fine for a few months. There are some that have used water for over a year and nothing happened, then again that is not enough time to see actual wear on the water pump or the impact on corrosion.

Or you can go to Harbor Freight and get a pressure tester for 70.00 or so with tax after a 20%coupon that is found everywhere. I did that to find out my leak in my radiator and replaced the radiator...and ummm...several other parts that worked perfectly fine until I tried to remove them.

[upallnight]

Here's a video on why you shouldn't mix coolant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNzNXkdjSPw