04-27-2016, 09:19 AM | #1 |
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Non OEM coolant?
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? |
04-27-2016, 10:03 AM | #2 |
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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
Last edited by Pinewood; 04-27-2016 at 11:46 AM.. |
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04-27-2016, 10:34 AM | #4 |
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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. |
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04-27-2016, 11:32 AM | #5 | |
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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? |
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04-28-2016, 07:36 AM | #7 |
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I once added distill water, not sure whats difference between regular water bottle.
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04-28-2016, 10:43 PM | #9 |
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01-22-2017, 10:27 AM | #10 |
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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. Last edited by FranzX3M; 01-22-2017 at 10:28 AM.. Reason: spelling |
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01-22-2017, 01:51 PM | #11 |
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been using peak 50/50 all vehicle antifreez in my BMW's for years. No issues, and a perfect substitute for the $ OEM stuff.
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01-22-2017, 02:16 PM | #12 |
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