coolant level
 

today i checked the coolant level on cold engine and the little plunger rises slightly above the level of the opening...earlier this year bmw replaced water pump due to what they said was a leak because i was getting low coolant level message...i checked level after the change and the plunger came all the way indicating full...now plunger is just slightly above opening..is this normal or is it still losing coolant...i have no leaks and temp gauge is normal...even before change i had no leak tech said it was leaking on to engine block before leaking to ground...2005 4.4 with 18k miles..any opinions are appreciated..thanks rob

x5's are known for there coolant issues. just monitor it the best you can(about once a month). if you have a huge leak than take it to the dealer. the more you know about your x's coolant system the more you can share with the bmw mechanics upon drop off

Some Xs eat it, some eat it and then lose their appetite, some don't
use much or, any. :confused:

You didn't say how many miles you had done since the bobber was
known to be full up.

My '01 used to consume it pretty good, esp. on road trips; now,
it barely sips it over thousands of miles. I guess the seepage
sealed itself up, or it gave up leaking. :rofl:

If one took a poll here, I suspect there would be a reasonable
percentage of X owners, esp. the E53, that have/had some
coolant usage. Keep an eye on it...
These cars are not your father's Oldsmobile. ;)
GL,mD

i have driven about 500 miles since water pump changed and bobber in full up position

I hear you...I used to lose that amount regularly, but not in 500 mile bites.
It is going "somewhere", as in leaving the system. Even as Xs are known
to eat it, I would get a pressure test, (good one, as a mickeymouse one
won't tell you anything), and have a good indie look at it with scrutiny.
GL,mD

I'd check to see if you have a leak somewhere

i was losing some before alternator was replaced. then it seemed to stop or slow down. then i noticed a crack in the expansion tank. replaced that too. now its been abour 2500 miles and the light came on. i guess its not a huge deal to add now and then?

I had similar issues, then dealer changed the expansion tank. Will update in about 500 miles... So like next week.

what was the outcome?