BMW Coolant or Other Type of Coolant?

[JT///MC]

Hey, thats why I always stick with factory fill. Really isn't worth it to save $5 and have to replace your radiator in 1-2 years. Keep it simple

[BMWFiend]

Zerex might be fine as well, I have no personal experience with it. The point I was driving at was that you should NOT use the old green kind and that the "BMW" labeled antifreeze is no special fluid, that there are plenty of alternatives, what you should be looking out for in using those alternatives, and what would happen if you did have the old fluid in your car .

[BMWFiend]

Posting alot doesn't make you an expert. Just makes you talkative

[m5james]

Originally Posted by BMWFiend

Zerex might be fine as well, I have no personal experience with it. The point I was driving at was that you should NOT use the old green kind and that the "BMW" labeled antifreeze is no special fluid, that there are plenty of alternatives, what you should be looking out for in using those alternatives, and what would happen if you did have the old fluid in your car .

You have no personal experience w/ it, yet in the same breathe you're telling us it's all just the same stuff? It's not special in the fact that it's antifreeze and does the same thing other antifreezes do, it's special in the it doesn't contain certain things in it that BMW's specifically don't want in their coolant. Phosphate free is what is the big ticket item w/ BMW coolant.

[BMWFiend]

That is true, and Peak Global lifetime is a phosphate free antifreeze, so we are both correct, but to go even further, lets talk about phosphates.
Bmw recommends phosphate free antifreeze be used in their vehicles for the reason that the water in europe has an extremely high mineral content and if you mix an antifreeze containing phosphates which are part of the corrosion inhibitor package with the water they have in Europe the phosphates in the antifreeze "drop out" and form deposits in your cooling system that can lead to corrosion, howver this isn't a major concern here since our water has a lower minteral content and is softer than European waster, HOWEVER it is still a good diea to always use a phospate free antifreeze as prviously discussed

[m5james]

Originally Posted by BMWFiend

Posting alot doesn't make you an expert. Just makes you talkative

Touche, but this little nugget sitting on the top of my shoulders is full of BMW stuff, and while I may blah blah blah about some things, it's mostly useful and factual information.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by BMWFiend

That is true, and Peak Global lifetime is a phosphate free antifreeze, so we are both correct, but to go even further, lets talk about phosphates.
Bmw recommends phosphate free antifreeze be used in their vehicles for the reason that the water in europe has an extremely high mineral content and if you mix an antifreeze containing phosphates which are part of the corrosion inhibitor package with the water they have in Europe the phosphates in the antifreeze "drop out" and form deposits in your cooling system that can lead to corrosion, howver this isn't a major concern here since our water has a lower minteral content and is softer than European waster, HOWEVER it is still a good diea to always use a phospate free antifreeze as prviously discussed

Great, so you've made my point saying that "antifreeze isn't just antifreeze" as you tried to say. As for the water being better here vs in Europe, I can't say otherwise because it's been years since I've been there. I do know that we're supposed to use distilled water regardless, and I have no clue what the mineral content is in that vs tap water in the States compared to Europe...but then again, we're not supposed to be using tap water regardless.

[BMWFiend]

there is Zero mineral content in distilled water ...anywhere you go its zero.
Distilled water is water that has been brought to a boil, the steam is then captured and condensed back into water. the lightest elements boil off first (pure h20) thus leaving behind the heavier salts and minerals. They use the same process to make booze in what is known as a "distillery".
It is recommended to always use distilled water so you can avoid the phosphate deposits as mentioned before. And yes, I agree what you have said thus far is well written and correct

[m5james]

Then why in the world would you bring up water in Europe vs water in the States as to why BMW recommends phosphate free?!

Point is.....if people want an alternative to BMW coolant from the stealership for upwards of $20 or more per bottle, hit your local autoparts store and buy Zerex instead.

Period, bottom line, end of story. Next caller.

[BMWFiend]

agreed, use zerex dex or any phosphate free antifreeze,
That tidbit about the water was part of the explanation of what phosphates actually are. You can buy 100% antifreeze or 50/50 prediluted, and if...... Argh, nevermind, this has gone on far too long, everyone gets the point
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