Anyone did coolant service?

slowblackx3f25 · 02-10-2021, 05:55 AM

Hello All!

I hope all is going well.

Has anyone done the coolant service every two years?

My x3 is a 2017, I am the second owner, I got my x3 in 2019-January, and I haven't done the coolant service (flush/re-fill engine coolant+antifreeze).

I have added coolant over the years I've owned it, but never flushed and refilled the coolant.

If I don't change the coolant, am I causing any sort of damage? I'll be doing it soon, before March/April 2021.

If anyone has done coolant servicing, please let me know how it costs, even if you DIY'd it.

Opie55 · 02-10-2021, 09:11 AM

Where did you get the idea that your coolant needs to be changed every two years? Coolant is kinda sorta lifetime now. My 2014 X3 and 2015 650i are still on factory coolant.

kevink1 · 02-10-2021, 09:53 AM

I did mine at about 56K miles, or nearly 4 years, just after the car went out of "free" maintenance. I was having a small leak, and was hoping that it would clear up during this.

It didn't, at least until BMW did a recall fix for the EGR cooler on my diesel model in late 2019.

Don't trust the "lifetime" claim. Which I feel is mostly specified so BMW isn't obligated to do it during the maintenance. Which used to be 4 year/50K miles. And is extendable. If they recommended coolant change at 40K miles, the people would expect it to be "free"

I'm considering getting a quote for transmission fluid drain/fill and transfer case at some point, since I feel that this would be cheaper than getting a new car in the next few years.

carsbill · 02-10-2021, 02:07 PM

I have always performed this service on my BMW's every two years. It is worth the money if you intend to keep your BMW.

There is no "lifetime" fluids. When it comes to fluids - the life source of the vehicle - base the change of fluids on type of driving, and if in doubt, err on the side of changing more often than not.

Bdavi011 · 02-10-2021, 02:24 PM

I do my coolant service every 2-4 years. Use bmw only coolant, 50/50 mix. For $20 a gallon its cheap insurance to ensure there is enough additives in the coolant to prevent any sort of issues with the engine block and the coolant. Rust, gunk, etc...

KC87ZB · 02-10-2021, 03:40 PM

Wow, I cannot imagine changing coolant every two years. Brake fluid yes, coolant no. Almost all manufacturers are 100k miles or 7 years so let's say conservatively 6 years and 75k. If you keep the mix right and keep the system closed then just change it with the thermostat/coolant pump.

slowblackx3f25 · 02-10-2021, 06:00 PM

@Opie55 I called BMW Toronto (in Ontario, Canada), and I asked the BMW parts guy about coolant and how often I should change it, and IF I should, he recommends the coolant to be changed every 2 years. I also did some research and seen other BMW dealerships recommend BMW coolant flushed/refilled every 2 years… It’s up to you, it’s your BMW’s, that is good to hear! I always wanted a 650i!

@Kevink1 yes, I will not trust ‘lifetime fluids’ I’m sure that’s why BMW has it setup like that so they don’t have to deal with it…

Go ahead and do the transfer case/front + rear diff fluid changes! It’s worth it. I’m holding back on the transmission fluid change until 100,000k miles.
I got the transfer/front+rear diff fluids changed a couple days ago and it’s night and day difference - worth doing it! #KeepFluidsFresh

@carsbill I agree with you bud! It’s worth doing fluid flush/refill, it keeps your BMW’s happy, it may not be environmentally friendly…
Nothing is lifetime… only Tax, count, and death is guaranteed…

@Bdavi011 I agree with you. Only use BMW coolant… better safe than sorry.

@Dan13X3 I believe in preventive maintenance, and I want to keep my x3 for long as I can, and I want to keep it running solid 365/366.

My x3 is a 2017 and it’s at 115,000KM (71,000Miles), it’s a high mileage driven 2017 x3, so I feel like I should be changing the coolant, especially after I had to top it off twice in the past 2 years of ownership. (No leaks, I’m 100% sure)

Bdavi011 · 02-10-2021, 07:19 PM

Don't feel like you need to hold off too long to do the transmission service. ZF recommends 60k mi service intervals.

Opie55 · 02-11-2021, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan13X3

Wow, I cannot imagine changing coolant every two years. Brake fluid yes, coolant no. Almost all manufacturers are 100k miles or 7 years so let's say conservatively 6 years and 75k. If you keep the mix right and keep the system closed then just change it with the thermostat/coolant pump.

This. Not surprised a dealer service manager would recommend 2 years. Do they recommend 2 years to people with service contracts?

Bdavi011 · 02-11-2021, 01:19 AM

I guess the only way would be to get bmw coolant tested every year to see when the additives are low enough to cause damage. Just how we don't trust our bmws to have lifetime fluid to be 100% true, not sure why you would take other manufacturers claims on coolant to be true.

I mean it's literally $20 gallon of coolant plus tax and a gallon of distilled water. Why push it? Because every other brand said it's good for 7 years or 100k? I don't think our engines and service intervals are the same. At the end of the day, if you feel good about pushing an estimate of $25 for a coolant service (gallon of bmw coolant plus a gallon of distilled water) for 7 years then that's fine. Nothing wrong with anybody changing it every 2 years.

kevink1 · 02-11-2021, 06:28 PM

I have brake fluid due later this year. May get a quote on the transmission fluid change then

slowblackx3f25 · 02-13-2021, 03:31 PM

I got the coolant system serviced (inspect hoses/clamps, pressure test, and flush with OE coolant/rechecked). Now I will get the transmission fluid changed, and I'll be up-to-date on all fluid changes!

To each his own, you don't have to change coolant every 2 years, and can wait 4, 5 or even go without changing coolant... it's up to you, I rather keep fluids clean/fresh every couple years/or depending how much I drive in a year - I consider my 2017 x3 high mileage as it's already at 115,000KM (71,000miles) - so will be changing all the fluids, and continue to monitor.

Opie55 · 07-01-2021, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by generalmotorclub

What type of coolant should I choose for my BMW X3?
https://generalmotorclub.com/repair-...nt-for-bmw-x3/

That chart you attached is for X3s up to 2010. You don't say what you have. But why would you not use BMW coolant, which is blue like windex.

pungo · 07-01-2021, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by generalmotorclub

What type of coolant should I choose for my BMW X3?
https://generalmotorclub.com/repair-...nt-for-bmw-x3/

I assume this is not a legit question, but rather a plug for your website?

For those who want the right answer, don't follow this link since the info is wrong.
Use a blue European formulated coolant. Personally, I've always used BMW coolant, it's not expensive. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

evilchargerfan · 07-01-2021, 04:34 PM

looks like a plug to their website to me

Weslsew · 07-02-2021, 04:54 AM

for those of you that have done the coolant change by simply popping off the lower radiator hose and refilling, how much coolant are you able to drain out this way? I see that the entire capacity (for 35i) is 9.6L, just wondering how much you'r'e able to actually change?

Wgosma · 07-02-2021, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weslsew

for those of you that have done the coolant change by simply popping off the lower radiator hose and refilling, how much coolant are you able to drain out this way? I see that the entire capacity (for 35i) is 9.6L, just wondering how much you'r'e able to actually change?

2012 X3 28i: (N52 engine) - 9.3 litre capacity.
I drained and refilled- radiator has drain stopcock - and got 9 quarts (8.5 litres) out.

Drexel_Lake · 10-02-2021, 05:38 PM

https://www.parkavebmw.com/bmw-x3-ma...e-schedule.htm

pungo · 10-02-2021, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drexel_Lake

https://www.parkavebmw.com/bmw-x3-ma...e-schedule.htm

Coolant Every 10,000-miles or 12 months

That's hilarious

slowblackx3f25 · 10-04-2021, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pungo

Coolant Every 10,000-miles or 12 months

That's hilarious

Why every 12 months or 10,000 miles... that's way too early... I will do coolant flush every 2 years or at 30,000miles interval... I'm not running any tune or any modification hardware on my x3... barely redline it, or drive long distance.

It's usually highway driven... I'm not doing a coolant flush every 12 months/10,000miles... WAY TOO EARLY!

pungo · 10-04-2021, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowblackx3f25

Why every 12 months or 10,000 miles... that's way too early... I will do coolant flush every 2 years or at 30,000miles interval... I'm not running any tune or any modification hardware on my x3... barely redline it, or drive long distance.

It's usually highway driven... I'm not doing a coolant flush every 12 months/10,000miles... WAY TOO EARLY!

BMW says coolant is lifetime. I change it every 8-10 years depending on use, every 2 years or at 30,000miles interval is WAY TOO EARLY!

I guess park ave bmw wants more money

Looking at their recommended schedule, some stuff makes sense, others don't, brake fluid flush by miles not time

https://www.parkavebmw.com/bmw-x3-ma...e-schedule.htm
BMW X3 Maintenance Schedule

Engine oil Every 10,000-miles or 12 months
Fuel filters Every 60,000-miles
Oil filter Every 10,000-miles or 12 months
Air filter Every 60,000-miles
Coolant Every 10,000-miles or 12 months
Spark plugs Every 60,000-miles
Brake fluid First 30,000-miles, then ever 60,000-miles there after

kevink1 · 10-06-2021, 05:39 PM

I did mine at 56K miles. I was having some small coolant loss, so was hoping that a service would fix it, or at least BMW would see some leak. Nothing found, leak continued.

Turned out to have been fixed when BMW did a EGR Cooler recall work.

What I don't know is whether they would have replaced the coolant during this recall service.

02-10-2021, 05:55 AM	#1
slowblackx3f25 xdriv33 211 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 17' BMW x3 F25 xDrive28i xLine Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW x3 [9.75]	Anyone did coolant service? Hello All! I hope all is going well. Has anyone done the coolant service every two years? My x3 is a 2017, I am the second owner, I got my x3 in 2019-January, and I haven't done the coolant service (flush/re-fill engine coolant+antifreeze). I have added coolant over the years I've owned it, but never flushed and refilled the coolant. If I don't change the coolant, am I causing any sort of damage? I'll be doing it soon, before March/April 2021. If anyone has done coolant servicing, please let me know how it costs, even if you DIY'd it.
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02-10-2021, 09:11 AM	#2
Opie55 Colonel 1284 Rep 2,928 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Where did you get the idea that your coolant needs to be changed every two years? Coolant is kinda sorta lifetime now. My 2014 X3 and 2015 650i are still on factory coolant.
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02-10-2021, 09:53 AM	#3
kevink1 Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 253 Posts Drives: 2015 X3 xDrive28d Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	I did mine at about 56K miles, or nearly 4 years, just after the car went out of "free" maintenance. I was having a small leak, and was hoping that it would clear up during this. It didn't, at least until BMW did a recall fix for the EGR cooler on my diesel model in late 2019. Don't trust the "lifetime" claim. Which I feel is mostly specified so BMW isn't obligated to do it during the maintenance. Which used to be 4 year/50K miles. And is extendable. If they recommended coolant change at 40K miles, the people would expect it to be "free" I'm considering getting a quote for transmission fluid drain/fill and transfer case at some point, since I feel that this would be cheaper than getting a new car in the next few years.
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02-10-2021, 02:07 PM	#4
carsbill Private 13 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Bmw X3 M Sport [0.00] 2011 BMW X3 35i [0.00] 2011 BMW X3 35i [0.00]	I have always performed this service on my BMW's every two years. It is worth the money if you intend to keep your BMW. There is no "lifetime" fluids. When it comes to fluids - the life source of the vehicle - base the change of fluids on type of driving, and if in doubt, err on the side of changing more often than not.
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02-10-2021, 02:24 PM	#5
Bdavi011 Private First Class 51 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 3.5i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I do my coolant service every 2-4 years. Use bmw only coolant, 50/50 mix. For $20 a gallon its cheap insurance to ensure there is enough additives in the coolant to prevent any sort of issues with the engine block and the coolant. Rust, gunk, etc...
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02-10-2021, 03:40 PM	#6
KC87ZB Lieutenant 523 Rep 414 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M2 [10.00]	Wow, I cannot imagine changing coolant every two years. Brake fluid yes, coolant no. Almost all manufacturers are 100k miles or 7 years so let's say conservatively 6 years and 75k. If you keep the mix right and keep the system closed then just change it with the thermostat/coolant pump.
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02-10-2021, 06:00 PM	#7
slowblackx3f25 xdriv33 211 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 17' BMW x3 F25 xDrive28i xLine Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW x3 [9.75]	@Opie55 I called BMW Toronto (in Ontario, Canada), and I asked the BMW parts guy about coolant and how often I should change it, and IF I should, he recommends the coolant to be changed every 2 years. I also did some research and seen other BMW dealerships recommend BMW coolant flushed/refilled every 2 years… It’s up to you, it’s your BMW’s, that is good to hear! I always wanted a 650i! @Kevink1 yes, I will not trust ‘lifetime fluids’ I’m sure that’s why BMW has it setup like that so they don’t have to deal with it… Go ahead and do the transfer case/front + rear diff fluid changes! It’s worth it. I’m holding back on the transmission fluid change until 100,000k miles. I got the transfer/front+rear diff fluids changed a couple days ago and it’s night and day difference - worth doing it! #KeepFluidsFresh @carsbill I agree with you bud! It’s worth doing fluid flush/refill, it keeps your BMW’s happy, it may not be environmentally friendly… Nothing is lifetime… only Tax, count, and death is guaranteed… @Bdavi011 I agree with you. Only use BMW coolant… better safe than sorry. @Dan13X3 I believe in preventive maintenance, and I want to keep my x3 for long as I can, and I want to keep it running solid 365/366. My x3 is a 2017 and it’s at 115,000KM (71,000Miles), it’s a high mileage driven 2017 x3, so I feel like I should be changing the coolant, especially after I had to top it off twice in the past 2 years of ownership. (No leaks, I’m 100% sure)
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02-10-2021, 07:19 PM	#8
Bdavi011 Private First Class 51 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 3.5i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Don't feel like you need to hold off too long to do the transmission service. ZF recommends 60k mi service intervals.
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02-11-2021, 01:19 AM	#10
Bdavi011 Private First Class 51 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 3.5i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I guess the only way would be to get bmw coolant tested every year to see when the additives are low enough to cause damage. Just how we don't trust our bmws to have lifetime fluid to be 100% true, not sure why you would take other manufacturers claims on coolant to be true. I mean it's literally $20 gallon of coolant plus tax and a gallon of distilled water. Why push it? Because every other brand said it's good for 7 years or 100k? I don't think our engines and service intervals are the same. At the end of the day, if you feel good about pushing an estimate of $25 for a coolant service (gallon of bmw coolant plus a gallon of distilled water) for 7 years then that's fine. Nothing wrong with anybody changing it every 2 years.
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02-11-2021, 06:28 PM	#11
kevink1 Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 253 Posts Drives: 2015 X3 xDrive28d Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	I have brake fluid due later this year. May get a quote on the transmission fluid change then
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02-13-2021, 03:31 PM	#12
slowblackx3f25 xdriv33 211 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 17' BMW x3 F25 xDrive28i xLine Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW x3 [9.75]	I got the coolant system serviced (inspect hoses/clamps, pressure test, and flush with OE coolant/rechecked). Now I will get the transmission fluid changed, and I'll be up-to-date on all fluid changes! To each his own, you don't have to change coolant every 2 years, and can wait 4, 5 or even go without changing coolant... it's up to you, I rather keep fluids clean/fresh every couple years/or depending how much I drive in a year - I consider my 2017 x3 high mileage as it's already at 115,000KM (71,000miles) - so will be changing all the fluids, and continue to monitor.
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07-01-2021, 04:34 PM	#15
evilchargerfan Captain 311 Rep 606 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 (N55), 2014 I01 (REX) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: San Diego / Menifee iTrader: (1)	looks like a plug to their website to me
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07-02-2021, 04:54 AM	#16
Weslsew Enlisted Member 3 Rep 49 Posts Drives: F25 X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	for those of you that have done the coolant change by simply popping off the lower radiator hose and refilling, how much coolant are you able to drain out this way? I see that the entire capacity (for 35i) is 9.6L, just wondering how much you'r'e able to actually change?
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10-02-2021, 05:38 PM	#18
Drexel_Lake Private 28 Rep 92 Posts Drives: BMW X3 M40i 330cic Join Date: May 2021 Location: South Carolina USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW X3 M40i [10.00] 2005 BMW 330ci [5.00]	https://www.parkavebmw.com/bmw-x3-ma...e-schedule.htm __________________ 2020 X3 M40i Blue 2005 Supercharged 330ci Silver/Black vert.
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10-06-2021, 05:39 PM	#22
kevink1 Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 253 Posts Drives: 2015 X3 xDrive28d Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	I did mine at 56K miles. I was having some small coolant loss, so was hoping that a service would fix it, or at least BMW would see some leak. Nothing found, leak continued. Turned out to have been fixed when BMW did a EGR Cooler recall work. What I don't know is whether they would have replaced the coolant during this recall service.
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