Do I have to use BMW Antifreeze?

[m5james]

Originally Posted by toohotdoc

Thanks guys, I went and got the coolant today and it was blue. Love this forum. Going to get the VW MAF tomorrow, any quick help on what part number? The parts guy was showing me a picture of the maf housing and its seems different so do I just use the sensor and the original housing?

Too late, but you can also use Zerex G-05. Phosphate free is the big deal w/ the metals in these cars, then only use distilled water as tap water will leave deposits.

[toohotdoc]

Well I used the BMW Antifreeze but didnt use distilled water, I used the freaking hose :S

[m5james]

That's exactly what you're not supposed to do. Tap water has deposits in it that will eventually cause clogging, especially in the heater diverter valve. I've rebuild about 6 of them now, and besides the green coolant drained from them, I can also tell who's been using tap water w/ the wrong coolant. There is a reason why you're supposed to use distilled water, just like you're only supposed to use phosphate free coolant. Not trying to be an ass, but you just wasted your money by not spending an extra $2.

[X5 Meister]

That's okay. Rumor has it that BMW uses Nanopure water and Kragen Auto Parts truck coolant in all their M cars anyway.

Originally Posted by toohotdoc

Well I used the BMW Antifreeze but didnt use distilled water, I used the freaking hose :S

[toohotdoc]

I have used water since day one and my Rad went after almost 200k. I am not worried if I can get even another 100k out of it, Oh BTW thats Km's. Thanks for the info anways, your help is always appreciated. I would have used distilled water if I had this info, at least my M5 will be getting distilled water from now on.

[m5james]

Your car will run and everything, I'm just saying that it will cause deposits and problems for your heater control valve. This is from a 01 740iL w/ 180k on the odo, and clearly the cooling system wasn't flushed enough times over it lifetime, and had the wrong coolant in it when it was delivered to me for servicing. I've seen about 4 just like this, where the deposits accumulate on the female rubber end, and deterioration happens to the male plunger end that creates the seal to stop heat from entering the cabin when you have the A/C on.

From experience and not wanting buy $300 replacements anymore, I always recommend flushing every 2yrs, use the proper coolant type and distilled water. Just an FYI.

[1stE53]

I love this forum!!!!!! As soon as the weather warm I will be changing my coolant as well. Just bought my X5 in January but don't know what the previous owner has or hasn't done. I changed the oil rite away!!! Thank you for the advice on the coolant. Is there DIY for the flush?

[darkside4.8]

never understood why one wouldnt just drop the extra 10 or 20 for the stuff from bmw. that repair bill is not a chance i would be willing to take, even if there was only a small chance of something going wrong after saving a few bucks on other fluid.
someone wise on here once said, "i'm too poor to afford the cheap stuff."

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by darkside4.8

never understood why one wouldnt just drop the extra 10 or 20 for the stuff from bmw. that repair bill is not a chance i would be willing to take, even if there was only a small chance of something going wrong after saving a few bucks on other fluid.
someone wise on here once said, "i'm too poor to afford the cheap stuff."

great quote

[bsprtsgrp]

YES....BMW coolant is Zerex G48

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...y-2005-x5.html