Coolant Leak - help me

[StephenVA]

Just do a quick pressure test on the cooling systems (search cooling system pressure testing) and this will expose most system failures.

Fear is nothing more than the unknown. Nothing is a Catastrophe. Its just a few bolts and time...

There are many posters have been there and done that, so you are not alone. Cooling system refresh is really not that bad.

[Bouchedag84]

Thanks for the calming words guys. Guess I'm just stressed with a few things lately so I panic.
I spent a long time under the car the other day/night and couldn't find leaks anywhere. To be honest, the whole underside of my X looks pretty good. I ended up taking it to a BMW specialist here and they will look at it sometime this week hopefully if they have time. Good thing I've got my Caliber I can still use while it's still for sale. :-/ I'll keep you posted

[Doru]

The leak at the lower radiator hose - where the temp sensor is mounted, might not be obvious, because if this is the spot, it leaks consistent, so no white residue will be seen. Also, it will leak while driving off (when the coolant is still cold, and the O-ring didn't expand), so there might be nothing under the splash shield. Run your finger around that spot. If it's leaking, you feel moisture. If that's the problem, it's an easy and a 2-3$ fix.

[Bouchedag84]

Originally Posted by Doru

The leak at the lower radiator hose - where the temp sensor is mounted, might not be obvious, because if this is the spot, it leaks consistent, so no white residue will be seen. Also, it will leak while driving off (when the coolant is still cold, and the O-ring didn't expand), so there might be nothing under the splash shield. Run your finger around that spot. If it's leaking, you feel moisture. If that's the problem, it's an easy and a 2-3$ fix.

Ok. Maybe I'll drive by the shop where it is parked and check thisout.
You don't have a diagram/picture of this exact spot, do you? I'm trying to picture it in my head...

[Doru]

Originally Posted by Bouchedag84

Ok. Maybe I'll drive by the shop where it is parked and check thisout.
You don't have a diagram/picture of this exact spot, do you? I'm trying to picture it in my head...

Around #3 and #2 in the diagram below. #2 (the lower rad hose) at that point enters the radiator.

[Bouchedag84]

Originally Posted by Doru

Around #3 and #2 in the diagram below. #2 (the lower rad hose) at that point enters the radiator.

Legend!

[Bouchedag84]

So the shop called me.

They had a chance to check it out.
It is a leaking water pump/rings etc and someone added some non-BMW (green) coolant into the system before I owned it.
So they are going to replace the water pump, thermostat and some rings/pipes etc and I asked them to change the oil/fiilter (which I bought perviously and is sitting on the back floor) while they're at it, said he'll do it for $50 which is fine by me.
Total after 1.5hrs diagnostic / parts / 2.6hrs labour / oil change will be just shy of $1100.
Hopefully that fixes it

[Doru]

Originally Posted by Bouchedag84

So the shop called me.

They had a chance to check it out.
It is a leaking water pump/rings etc and someone added some non-BMW (green) coolant into the system before I owned it.
So they are going to replace the water pump, thermostat and some rings/pipes etc and I asked them to change the oil/fiilter (which I bought perviously and is sitting on the back floor) while they're at it, said he'll do it for $50 which is fine by me.
Total after 1.5hrs diagnostic / parts / 2.6hrs labour / oil change will be just shy of $1100.
Hopefully that fixes it

Good they found the problem. The "fix" is on the high side tho'. Which shop did you use?

[Bouchedag84]

Originally Posted by Doru

Good they found the problem. The "fix" is on the high side tho'. Which shop did you use?

Vitek