Coolant Leak !!!

[scollins]

A little bump here....

Over the past few weeks, I've noticed that the radiator fan in our 2010 35d has been running a maximum speed quite often, even at cold start up. Mostly it has been annoying (it is quite loud, even in the SAV), so I figured it was a faulty sensor or something and would get it checked out at some point. But lately, the fan is running at maximum speed more and more, so I decided to check out the coolant level.

I've had no warnings on the iDrive about overheating, nor any "coolant low" warnings, but when I opened the overflow tank, it wasn't even close to the "min" level! I have not noticed any spots on the driveway from coolant. I have noticed a slightly sweet smell with the exhaust at times, but attributed that to the DEF. I would actually say the smell is more like "clean" smelling. I have not noticed any white smoke, but maybe the diesel's exhaust system is preventing it appearing. I sure hope that the coolant isn't leaking past the head gasket and getting burned up. I guess it would be worse if it was leaking into the oil sump....

Anyway, I'll be calling the BMW dealer tomorrow to see about getting it in for a check up. Currently has about 13,000 miles on it....

[Jelasky]

I have a 2003 X5 4.4L with about 83k on it. Every couple of months I have to add a small amount of coolant when the sensor triggers the low coolant level. There has never been any coolant on the garage floor. Sometimes when I park the car in the garage it has a faint coolant odor as if it was burning. Does anyone think that's an indicator of a big issue?

Might be time to take it in for service...

[mysweetx5]

Not a big issue at all, compare to my situation where I have to spend 2 gallons of Antifreeze coolant during 1 month period of time. I know that I have a crack on top right of my radiator that caused specially when high acceleration occured,it push water into the top that make it's way down around top corner. Now, I'm just waiting for the summer to arrive so I can replace my entire radiator, as it will feel more comfortable to work ouside.
In your case, seems like you have one of the leak down air from one of the hoses where water flows. Get under the car specially when engine running hot, look around and you should spot some wet area that lead to the issue.

2001 X5 M62 4.4i

[elvism]

Im on my 4th radiator...what r u complaining about

[mysweetx5]

Wow things getting even worst than before now, where
I'm loosing antifreeze like crazy: 1gallon antifreeze last me only for 3days, and I have to buy another one before the 4th day. I can't wait for my new radiator to arrive this week. Now I wonder do I have to remove the fan in front of the engine, in order to replace the radiator.




just an update!!!
I have replaced my radiator and every since, I have not seen
any missing coolant like before. I just have to top-up a lit bit every 2months now. that's better than wasting 1 gallon antifreeze per week.

[jlam86]

have had my CPO 2008 4.8i since february and have noticed a bit of steam during the rainy seasons on the driver side wheel well area. Told service about it MANY TIMES while under warranty and they said it's probably just from the rain. Today, it did the same thing, but the coolant low light came on. Same amount of steam from the same area. Pulled over in a grocery store and bought 10L of distilled water to top of the reservoir. It was short 4L. Got my vehicle home and found out the coolant reservoir had a 3" crack in it. No longer in warranty period. piss me off...

I've had so many issues with this car for the past 8 months i've had it. first and last bmw...

hopefully, only the reservoir is the only issue..

[ard]

did they document it in the work order?

If you let them turn your verbal complaints aside and didnt put it in the record....lesson learned.

Sorry


A

[jlam86]

they looked into it and realized my CPO covered this repair. Save me some running around for parts=)