Got an "engine coolant too low" warning. How much coolant should I add ? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

cstavaru · 08-07-2009, 08:26 AM

Hi,

I got the low coolant level warning. Went to the dealer and bought some coolant thinking that I can top it off myself, which I did. But i don't understand the instructions on the coolant reservoir (and my manual is in German which I do not understand). I put coolant until the gauge exited a bit from the reservoir, that's how I translated the "instructions"...did I do ok or have I added too much ? Or too little ? Attached are the pics with the gauge after I put the cooland and with the instructions on the reservoir. Thanks !

SpmnE9zero · 08-07-2009, 08:33 AM

A better question is why are you low? Hmmm?

scottp999 · 08-07-2009, 08:38 AM

I just got the low warning 2 weeks ago, while parked on an unlevel area. Then I got it again, when parked on a hill. I ordered the coolant from tisher, and it was only down a quart.

I guess that's not too bad for a car that runs this hot, after 26 months. I only have about 10600 miles. How many do you have on your 2009?

cstavaru · 08-07-2009, 08:43 AM

I have 14.000 miles...I supposed its normal for the level to lower, in hot weather its almost impossible for vapors not to escape, I suppose.

But I still need answers regarding the gauge level, is it right or not ?

kptaylor · 08-07-2009, 10:22 AM

If the coolant is cold, you're fine. You can have the gauge between the top of the opening and where yours is. That's how I understand the instructions.

Just got the same thing and filled mine up!

rc'Z · 08-07-2009, 01:17 PM

Ya done good! Leave it alone now and enjoy your ride.

XPO186 · 08-07-2009, 01:56 PM

I had the low coolant light come on last night, and it was indeed low when I checked this morning.

Can someone post the pn for oem coolant... Or better yet can I top it off with some water wetter instead?

beeasyed · 08-07-2009, 02:03 PM

one the 2nd picture, you see how there are 2 circles on the bobbing gauge, just fill the coolant so that the gauge does not stick out beyond the bottom bigger circle

TurboSid · 08-07-2009, 02:13 PM

bmw will top it off for you or u can pickup coolant from them and add it yourself. Typically it'll take 1qrt.

joec500 · 08-07-2009, 03:53 PM

Just use some Distilled water to top it off, it should be fine. MAKE SURE it's DISTILLED though, can be had at the grocery store for about a buck a gallon.

HighVoltage · 08-07-2009, 04:18 PM

If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank..

joec500 · 08-07-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank..

2nd....They are generally made of plastic and at least in Audis, prone to leak.

BlkNoVA335 · 08-07-2009, 05:32 PM

7000 miles

XPO186 · 08-07-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboSid

bmw will top it off for you or u can pickup coolant from them and add it yourself. Typically it'll take 1qrt.

Interesting... the implication then is that the low coolant warning does not come on until it is down 1qt?

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank..

+2

I just brought the car in for my 30k and no problems at all for the 1.5ish yrs I've had it. (knock on wood). No signs of leaks anywhere... I'm wondering if that much coolant is lost to vapor.

08-07-2009, 08:26 AM	#1
cstavaru Brigadier General Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania Posts: 3,215 iTrader: (0)	Got an "engine coolant too low" warning. How much coolant should I add ? Hi, I got the low coolant level warning. Went to the dealer and bought some coolant thinking that I can top it off myself, which I did. But i don't understand the instructions on the coolant reservoir (and my manual is in German which I do not understand). I put coolant until the gauge exited a bit from the reservoir, that's how I translated the "instructions"...did I do ok or have I added too much ? Or too little ? Attached are the pics with the gauge after I put the cooland and with the instructions on the reservoir. Thanks ! Attached Images __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \| Licensing
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08-07-2009, 08:33 AM	#2
SpmnE9zero DENY THE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS YOU Drives: JB 33ZERO Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions Posts: 35,563 iTrader: (14) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	A better question is why are you low? Hmmm? __________________

08-07-2009, 08:38 AM	#3
scottp999 MFP - Twin Turbo I6 Interceptor Drives: 335i - E92 - 6MT & 4runner SR5 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: MD Posts: 4,428 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 335 [4.50]	I just got the low warning 2 weeks ago, while parked on an unlevel area. Then I got it again, when parked on a hill. I ordered the coolant from tisher, and it was only down a quart. I guess that's not too bad for a car that runs this hot, after 26 months. I only have about 10600 miles. How many do you have on your 2009? __________________ Rob Beck Turbos, PROcede Rev. 3, PPS Methanol System (DO12/Aquamist Flow Sensor), DCI, Quaife LSD, BMW Performance Suspension, Autobahn Exotics Exhaust, Helix FMIC, AR Design Downpipes, BSH Catch Can, Forge Diverter Valves, P3cars Vent Boost Gauge, Alufelgen CSL Reps, Lux 5.1 H8 Angel Eyes, HPB HID Fogs, LTBMW M3 Side Skirts, BMW M3 Rear Spoiler, BMW Front Aero Lip, BMW Pedal Kit, BMW M Shift Knob, Autotecknic Matte Black Grilles. Last edited by scottp999; 08-07-2009 at 04:13 PM.

08-07-2009, 08:43 AM	#4
cstavaru Brigadier General Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania Posts: 3,215 iTrader: (0)	I have 14.000 miles...I supposed its normal for the level to lower, in hot weather its almost impossible for vapors not to escape, I suppose. But I still need answers regarding the gauge level, is it right or not ? __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \| Licensing

08-07-2009, 01:56 PM	#7
XPO186 Colonel Drives: E92 335i Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,729 iTrader: (19)	I had the low coolant light come on last night, and it was indeed low when I checked this morning. Can someone post the pn for oem coolant... Or better yet can I top it off with some water wetter instead? __________________

08-07-2009, 10:22 AM	#5
kptaylor First Lieutenant Drives: '07 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PHX, AZ Posts: 323 iTrader: (0)	If the coolant is cold, you're fine. You can have the gauge between the top of the opening and where yours is. That's how I understand the instructions. Just got the same thing and filled mine up!

08-07-2009, 01:17 PM	#6
rc'Z Captain Drives: 2009 335i Convertible Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 821 iTrader: (0)	Ya done good! Leave it alone now and enjoy your ride.

08-07-2009, 02:03 PM	#8
beeasyed Private First Class Drives: 2003 BMW X5 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Berkeley, NorCal Posts: 129 iTrader: (0)	one the 2nd picture, you see how there are 2 circles on the bobbing gauge, just fill the coolant so that the gauge does not stick out beyond the bottom bigger circle

08-07-2009, 02:13 PM	#9
TurboSid Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2011 AW 335is Coupe DCT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 1,831 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	bmw will top it off for you or u can pickup coolant from them and add it yourself. Typically it'll take 1qrt. __________________

08-07-2009, 03:53 PM	#10
joec500 Colonel Drives: it has 4 wheels Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,711 iTrader: (10)	Just use some Distilled water to top it off, it should be fine. MAKE SURE it's DISTILLED though, can be had at the grocery store for about a buck a gallon.

08-07-2009, 04:18 PM	#11
HighVoltage . Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: . Posts: 867 iTrader: (0)	If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank.. __________________ Not only will it kill you it will hurt the whole time while you're dying. http://www.stevesnovasite.com/ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ http://www.garagejournal.com/

08-07-2009, 05:32 PM	#13
BlkNoVA335 Your either first or your last Drives: Black Sapphire 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 167 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [3.70] 2010 Aston Martin V ... [3.40]	7000 miles __________________ project "black box" is in build... pics soon

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