OEM BMW Coolant contains 8 percent caustic soda.

[BMWjason]

After looking at the MSDS sheet for BMW OEM Coolant, I was surprised to see it contained 8 percent Sodium Hydroxide AKA Drano! Yes, that is correct. Not good for Nitrile rubber, Viton rubber, or heat cycled polyacryilate (plastic) over the long term. Sodium Hydroxide is used as a coolant on the track where Ethylene Glycol is not allowed. I'm suspicious. Planned obsolescence with an alabi ...? How many times have you seen a broken Beemer on the side of the road with steam coming out of the grills? Do your research...

[Davidf]

I would like to see that MSDS sheet. I just looked up Pentosin Pentofrost NF which I use as a substitute to BMW branded coolant. It is my understanding that Pentosin is the OEM for BMW coolant. Substance listed above is NOT in the Pentofrost coolant.

[BMWjason]

David, US BMW coolant is manufactured by Valvoline. I believe in Europe it is manufatured by Pentosin, not 100 percent...http://www.worldpac.com/tagged/bmw_antifreeze.pdf

[ZetaTre]

I'm no chemist but my understanding is that ethylene glycol can form glycolic acid when it breaks down. Glycolic acid is corrosive to metals and sodium hydroxide is there to neutralize it. It's a "corrosion inhibitor", a layman definition of a "pH buffer"

Also, the "plastic" is glass reinforced nylon which I also understand has excellent chemical resistance, including all of the above chemicals.

I don't think there's any conspiracy, but who knows... That's why they are called "conspiracies"...

[BMWjason]

Lets put the conspiracy term to rest, and focus on facts. I see many aftermarket water pumps that fail within a year do to seal failure using OEM BMW coolant. I see failed plastic connectors over and over. It's all over the forums. BMW is the only coolant I know of that uses caustic, also Ethylhexanoic Acid. Dexcool with Ethylhexanoic acid was found to destroy seals and was eliminated from the formula after they were sued in a class action which can be found all over the net by the way. Let's not forget about the N62 coolant pipe, Valley Pan, Bell Housing coolant cover.....