Help With Cooling System

[Paulpt]

I wonder if any of you can help. A few days ago, my check engine light came off. Refilled the tank, made sure the gas cap was fitted correctly and waited a few days to see if it will reset. It did not. Checked oil, was OK, checked coolant and was down. Refilled, drove a couple of days, rechecked coolant and it was down again. Started checking for leaks and saw none, other than the plastic plug right next to the refilling cap was craked in the middle. With the help of a reverse bit took the part that was still inside the thread and replaced. I did replace also the cap as the gasket was paper thin. However is seems that there is still a leak coming from up there, I checked the hoses and other parts it seems it is all OK and I can't see where the leak is coming from. The check engine light is still on ( the car does not overheat) but I am in NY and the outside temp is very cold, I guess that is the cause. Has anyone experienced something similiar? help please and I suggest all to check that plastic cap (I think it is the air release cap) and the radiator (or coolant reservoir) cap. These parts are cheap $15 for the radiator cap, 3 for the plastic plug. Thanks in advance for any help.

2001 X5 3.0

Paul

[lanbrown]

Do you see any puddles on the ground? If not, then it comes down to two things. 1. The coolant is being burned off due to a lack of pressure. 2. You have a head gasket issue and that’s not going to be cheap.

How does the oil look?

[Paulpt]

Hi Lanbrown: and thanks for your reply. I did not see any leaks on the floor, the oil looked fine. Now if it is reason 1, could that have been the reservoir cap gasket being worn out that did not provide enough pressure?

2- If it is the head gasket issue (I pray it is not), do you know if the CPO will cover it? and what causes that to happen?

Thanks again for your help.

Paul

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by Paulpt

Hi Lanbrown: and thanks for your reply. I did not see any leaks on the floor, the oil looked fine. Now if it is reason 1, could that have been the reservoir cap gasket being worn out that did not provide enough pressure?

2- If it is the head gasket issue (I pray it is not), do you know if the CPO will cover it? and what causes that to happen?

Thanks again for your help.

Paul

2. CPO will cover it.

[ROMEO]

I agree. check your oil and look for water particles on the deepstick. i bet your coolant is going inside your pistons...therefore you will need to have your head gaskets replaced. Hope CPO will cover it and good luck amigo...

[gex5]

The cooling system is a gem. It is most likely the cap if you have not replaced it. Lot of places this fails. could be a pin hole also.
Ge

[vinuneuro]

Whatever the problem is, CPO should cover it.

[superH]

I would take it to the dealer and let them deal with it.

[Paulpt]

I had my trusted mechanic check the error code before I go to the dealer to have whatever needs to be fixed under the CPO warranty.

The error code was 143 Tank leak, this does not mean that gas is leaking but BMW will have to test the entire system for possibly a vapor leak. Let's see.

In regards to the coolant, the plug seemed to be the problem, there is no coolant leaking or decrease in level, so I guess that is fixed. We also checked the oil just in case (for the head gasket problem) and it looks good, just a little condensation for which I will keep an eye on and address with the dealer (better be safe than sorry). The check engine will not reflect this problem should it happened. I guess it all happened at the same time, the coolant leak and check engine light right? - I keep all posted on what happens when I go to the dealer hoping my experience can help someone else. After all this is why we are all here right?

Thanks to all for your input.

[motordavid]

Paulpt: Interesting thread and good diag/hunt so far. Will be very curious to hear Stlr's 2Cts, as we all potentially face these leaks/glitches,etc.

Tell us the good outcome, please.
BR,md