[neverdone]

So I bought my car a little over a month ago and the previous owner got a vehicle check and they said it had "very dirty" coolant and power steering fluids. I have never heard that in my life with any cars I've ever owned, let alone on a car that's only 4 years old.

Should I get it flushed it is this something that's normal for a bmw to do?

[Douche]

What's your point?

[neverdone]

Originally Posted by Douche

What's your point?

Lol sorry, I pressed submit accidentally, didn't finish my post, edited.

[kfriceman]

Originally Posted by neverdone

So I bought my car a little over a month ago and the previous owner got a vehicle check and they said it had "very dirty" coolant and power steering fluids. I have never heard that in my life with any cars I've ever owned, let alone on a car that's only 4 years old.

Should I get it flushed it is this something that's normal for a bmw to do?

These systems being flushed is routine maintenance, if you don't believe the dealer then use your own judgment or get a second opinion.

-Kevin

[Douche]

Originally Posted by neverdone

Lol sorry, I pressed submit accidentally, didn't finish my post, edited.

LOL ok I see the last paragraph now.

Well, especially for the coolant part, it shouldn't be dirty at this point, as they are advertised as 10 year fluids.

However, if you just purchased the car, I'm guessing it wouldn't hurt for you to swap those fluids now. That will give you peace of mind for the future while you own the car. You don't know how it was maintained before, and if the previous owner added water or another type of coolant in the mix.

Just FYI, a "dirty" coolant could mean some corrosion happened. Since all of the parts it touches are rubber or aluminum, it could as well be because of wrong coolant added, and it corrodes aluminum.

You should only use what BMW specifies (which don't differ much from other car manufacturers), which is the synthetic organic Ethylene Glycol long life coolant. They're usually red/orange/pink. But don't go by the colour exclusively.

Don't ever add tap water. But the mixed stuff or let the shop do it with the pre-mixed stuff. If you should add water, add distilled water always (tap water is not good for even washing the car, but that is the only circumstance when tap water should come close to your car).

The dirty power steering fluid is normal, as it oxides and carries metal fragments of moving parts. That you can change and fill again with the correct fluid (12s I believe, it says on top of the cap) but it will eventually become dirty again in a few thousand miles.

[neverdone]

I have extended warranty on the car, so I'm assuming I should probably just get the dealer to do it all, ya? It'll void my warranty if I don't, or am I wrong?

[Douche]

Originally Posted by neverdone

I have extended warranty on the car, so I'm assuming I should probably just get the dealer to do it all, ya? It'll void my warranty if I don't, or am I wrong?

I don't think this is covered in warranty. Nothing is broken.

If you have a maintenance plan (that you paid for) then yes, pay the deductible and get it done.

Otherwise you're on your own (as you'd be with changing oil, break pads, tires etc)

[neverdone]

Sorry, that's not what I meant, I know I would have to pay for it, but can I do it myself without the risk of ducking my warranty?

[Douche]

Originally Posted by neverdone

Sorry, that's not what I meant, I know I would have to pay for it, but can I do it myself without the risk of ducking my warranty?

Oh sorry.

Mmm I would think you could, so long as you don't alter anything (add wrong coolant and you're toast if they see it). I could be wrong of course.

How much longer will this warranty be?

[neverdone]

I have 95k on it and I have til 160(180 maybe)

[AM330i]

I would say you should be fine doing it yourself, but I would recommend buying bmw fluids so there is no question on whether you used the correct stuff.

[gray boy]

Originally Posted by neverdone

So I bought my car a little over a month ago and the previous owner got a vehicle check and they said it had "very dirty" coolant and power steering fluids. I have never heard that in my life with any cars I've ever owned, let alone on a car that's only 4 years old.

Should I get it flushed it is this something that's normal for a bmw to do?

all fluids get contaminated /dirty and that is why i change them, usually early in the car life

[Efthreeoh]

Coolant is long life coolant like most all modern cars use. The BMW recommended replacement interval is 100,000 miles. Power steering fluid is not a BMW specified service item with an interval for replacement. However, many owners flush the PS fluid and replace it with new fluid. I've done mine twice in 279,000 miles. I doubt it makes any difference.

[Miller335]

You've never heard of fluids getting dirty/end of life on a vehicle?

[Douche]

Originally Posted by Miller335

You've never heard of fluids getting dirty/end of life on a vehicle?

Not in 4 years. Read the thread.