Proper checking of coolant level

[g0tb00st]

Hi all,

I'm new to the boards, but I've been trolling for over the past year.

Before my wife and kids headed out this past weekend for a day trip, I decided to check the coolant on my 2008 4.8i SAV and noticed that the level was way below the "min" mark in the expansion tank (mind you, this was on a cold car). They took the other truck (Cayenne Turbo-S ) and headed off as I fiddled with the X5. I removed the expansion tank cap, started the car, and ran the heat at full blast (following the directions from the BMW Coolant bottle, but I didn't add any coolant) I just wanted to see whether the tank would fill up or not. It did, and the coolant was between the min/max level.

Quick question, is this the proper way to check the coolant level?

Thanks,
Erik

[g0tb00st]

So I guess no one ever checks their coolant level here.

[motordavid]

My '01 is a 3.0 E53...so not exactly apples to apples.
I check mine stone freakin cold via the expansion tank bobber.

I've been checking rads/coolant overflow rez on my cars and m'cycles for 40 years, and I always check them cold.
GL, mD

[g0tb00st]

thanks for the reply. when you check from the expansion tank (on a cold car) do you see coolant there at all?

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by g0tb00st

thanks for the reply. when you check from the expansion tank (on a cold car) do you see coolant there at all?

The set up is different for the older BMWs because there is no visual indicator of the coolant level aside from a floating dipstick and its height respective to the top edge of the opening.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by g0tb00st

thanks for the reply. when you check from the expansion tank (on a cold car) do you see coolant there at all?

Yes, I have always seen coolant in the 11 1/2 yrs I've owned it:
The bobber floats in the coolant rez, and even when I was losing some, pre new water pump several years ago, there was always a 'level' of coolant in the rez.

The past few years, I may add a few ounces of mixed coolant a couple three times a year, usually after long hard road trips. But, it is always visible, and seldom down, bobber-wise, more than a touch, and when stone cold.
GL, mD

[JCL]

Originally Posted by g0tb00st

thanks for the reply. when you check from the expansion tank (on a cold car) do you see coolant there at all?

Only check it cold.

Should be between the min and the max.

Only add coolant/water blend, if it needs topping up.

If it keeps dropping, get it checked out.

All of this is in your manual. If you don't have one, they are posted on this site under Online References, and on bmwusa.com