[nhhiep]

I just brought my 325i in at 60k and they only replaced engine oil and checked other stuffs. I asked about coolant and they said it's lifetime and the onboard computer doesn't show this item of when to replace it.

is that true? lifetime just like AT fluid?

by the way, they gave me a brand new 535 GT loaner... man, that thing is smooth, and roomy... so quiet compare to my car...but it feels big. and it looks ugly in person. it's 2011 and BMW still can't make the interior that looks not cheap. yep, a 5 series and still with a cheap looking interior.

[jaybird124]

Probably should replace the coolant at 80-100k.

There are several recommendations that say you should replace the water pump, hoses, and thermostat at that time too.

[Express]

if my water pump went bad, can i assume i was given new coolant when this job was completed?

[VWtoBMW]

I trust lifetime fluids like I trust the 15k mile oil change intervals that the CBS suggests.

[StoneCold]

bentley manual recommends every 4 years on coolant replaces.

[Bcube]

Originally Posted by nhhiep

I just brought my 325i in at 60k and they only replaced engine oil and checked other stuffs. I asked about coolant and they said it's lifetime and the onboard computer doesn't show this item of when to replace it.

is that true? lifetime just like AT fluid?

by the way, they gave me a brand new 535 GT loaner... man, that thing is smooth, and roomy... so quiet compare to my car...but it feels big. and it looks ugly in person. it's 2011 and BMW still can't make the interior that looks not cheap. yep, a 5 series and still with a cheap looking interior.

AT fluid is not lifetime. BMW states 100K miles replenishment.

[bill owen]

I was advised by a couple of dealers that the antifreeze currently used is the same antifreeze BMW used when it recommended flushing and replacing the antifreeze every four years PRIOR to adopting the "No maintenance cost for four years" program.

Maybe the factory fill is different; or the compounds in the BMW dealer’s antifreeze jugs changed and the labels didn't; or maybe newer engines don't needed fresh antifreeze.......

Draw your own conclusion!

I elected to follow BMW's old recommendation....

Bill

[bumere90]

every 100,000 miles or every 4 years.

[Bcube]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

Probably should replace the coolant at 80-100k.

There are several recommendations that say you should replace the water pump, hoses, and thermostat at that time too.

For the E36/E46 models which have known cooling system issues. Recommendations for those models:
Water pump: 60K
Radiator: 100K
Hoses: 150K

Not enough data for E9X series to determine a trend of failed cooling components, so any recommendations at this time are just guesstimates... I obviously think 100,000 miles is too soon for these components.

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by nhhiep

I just brought my 325i in at 60k and they only replaced engine oil and checked other stuffs. I asked about coolant and they said it's lifetime and the onboard computer doesn't show this item of when to replace it.

is that true? lifetime just like AT fluid?

by the way, they gave me a brand new 535 GT loaner... man, that thing is smooth, and roomy... so quiet compare to my car...but it feels big. and it looks ugly in person. it's 2011 and BMW still can't make the interior that looks not cheap. yep, a 5 series and still with a cheap looking interior.

I don't trust BMW's lifetime BS. BMW contradicted themselves. On the Auto transmission it states, "Lifetime", but in their warranty booklet they state, "100,000 miles". Coolant like any other fluid/oil goes bad over time and mileage.Therefore for the hell of it I change the coolant every two years. Since antifreeze not only protects against freezing, but also lubricates the water-pump I will err on changing the fluid once every two years especially when the water-pump is a $500 part-only item.

Originally Posted by jaybird124

Probably should replace the coolant at 80-100k.

There are several recommendations that say you should replace the water pump, hoses, and thermostat at that time too.

Since the water-pump costs $500, I will wait until it dies. Just make sure you have towing insurance.

Originally Posted by Bcube

AT fluid is not lifetime. BMW states 100K miles replenishment.

Correct.

Originally Posted by Bcube

For the E36/E46 models which have known cooling system issues. Recommendations for those models:
Water pump: 60K

Like I said, for $500 I would not change it every 60k and I believe people on here had their pumps last to 100k. However, once the pump fails I would change the Thermostat too.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by bill owen

I was advised by a couple of dealers that the antifreeze currently used is the same antifreeze BMW used when it recommended flushing and replacing the antifreeze every four years PRIOR to adopting the "No maintenance cost for four years" program.

Not quite true as my '03 Z4 4 year maintenance included a free coolant flush at the end of the period.

Since we're not hearing of many E90 cooling system problems, I'll probably have it done around 70k or so.

Tom

[MazdaFan]

There is a different type of environmentaly friendly coolant that lasts well over 100k, I suspect this is what BMW uses these days.

Don't trust what dealer recommends they obviously want to create business for themselves.

Some guys refer to Mr. x recommended old school maintenace schedule (which he has copyrighted BTW). This is ridiculus Mr. x just wants to make more money off of you. If you follow dealer recommended maintenance you have to spend additional 1k a year from your pocket not just for BMW even for a Kia. Just follow what the factory recommends.

[John 070]

Coolant also prevents boiling as well. My friend's dad never could understand that. He used 100% antifreeze in all his cars thinking he was really protected to low temps. He actually made things worse--I told him no more than 70% but he wouldn't listen. And I was 14 when I gave him that advice.

[SCA]

I recently paid a Center to perform a coolant flush on my '06 330. I brought a gallon of distilled water and an extra empty BMW coolant container with me. When I arrived at the Center I purchased a gallon of new BMW coolant and mixed it 50/50 in the two BMW containers. The tech performed the flush with the coolant I provided and I had the piece of mind that it was mixed properly with distilled water. I spoke with the tech afterwards and he confirmed that he would have mixed the new coolant with tap water.


BTW, service stated that the coolant is lifetime, but BMW parts does not sell a lifetime coolant nor is a part number listed for one. The fluid has not changed. The only changed noticed was the color & labeling of the container the coolant comes in.