[jbinbi]

Have a 4 yr old x3 with 30k MI on it. Last night, computer screen said coolant was low. This morning I added about 4 oz of 50/50 that I had in the garage. Just enough to get to the lowest level. No more warning.Regular coolant, not bmw branded.

I know people and bmw say this could be corrosive, but 4 oz? Do I need to have bmw drain and re fill for so little. Can I get bmw coolant at advanced autoparts/pep boys etc and just add some more myself?

[Pinewood]

Your over thinking coolant. Buy some BMW specific and top up with that next time. 4oz is hardly going to change the properties of what's already sloshing around the system

[dreaming440i]

^ +1

[jbinbi]

Yeah, thanks guys. I had thought this, but was told by bmw service guy about how my penn standard coolant would be corrosive and no good for the car, and to bring it in, they would drain it, and refill it. etc. etc. So started to worry. I realize they are trying to sell service.

no idea how much coolant is in the system but figured even if a gallon, and if i put in my 'corrosive' coolant for 10%, can't really be that bad? Are coolants that different from each other? But didn't know if then I really did have to drain it. Picking up some oem coolant from advanced auto parts later.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Pinewood

Your over thinking coolant. Buy some BMW specific and top up with that next time. 4oz is hardly going to change the properties of what's already sloshing around the ayatem

I agree with this entirely, however, it is worth checking on the container or on the web or even asking the manufacturer of it, if it is detrimental to this engine.

I am only saying this for you to check for your own peace of mind.

By the way, what is the name of the product and the chemical constituents?

[Tjalle]

I would have added pure water.

[nyalpine90]

I once added distill water, not sure whats difference between regular water bottle.

[Pinewood]

Distilled water is much purer and has had the minerals and deposits removed. Much like boiled water once cooled

[96_Impreza]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

I would have added pure water.

Agreed. And next time add an equal amount of straight BMW antifreeze. And, next-next time, after that, mix up some 50/50 BMW antifreeze/distiiled water coolant for - next time.

[FranzX3M]

Distilled water and boiled water is not the same. Boiled water still has all the minerals in it, actually after its boiled it has a higher concentration of minerals since the pure water is boiled off as steam. Distilled water is the cooled steam without minerals. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water is also good if not better than distilled. Minerals in your coolant will cake and clog up small passages as well as cause soft metals to corrode over time.

What is the BMW coolant spec to look for in the aftermarket? Usually you just find green and long life orange. It seems to be identified as blue. I know Pentosin is good but not easy to find. Just looking for cheaper alternative than from the stealer.

[Killerfish2012]

been using peak 50/50 all vehicle antifreez in my BMW's for years. No issues, and a perfect substitute for the $ OEM stuff.

[Kugaman1]

Originally Posted by Pinewood

Distilled water is much purer and has had the minerals and deposits removed. Much like boiled water once cooled

The steam thats boiled off is pretty pure, but the water thats left in the kettle isnt!!

[malicem3]

I just use a 50/50 mix. As long as it's the mix you're fine. No need for "BMW" branded coolant.