Coolant / Oil / Help please

hiter202 · 10-28-2011, 01:49 PM

Hey guys...finally got COLD enough here in NY and now my car is showing that I have 6000 left to an oil change but also "suggests" adding a ct of oil. Is this normal? even tho i still have 6000 left, its still showing a warning.

Also, this morning when I got into the car, it told me that my Coolant is low and for me to top it off as soon as possible because it can cause engine problems.
Honestly, not even sure what coolant is and/or how to check or top off, nor where it is under the hood. please assist on this.

The oil icon shows on the display by the speedo and also the coolant icon (battery looking icon)

Please help thanks

apc3libras · 10-28-2011, 01:52 PM

If you aren't sure what coolant is, I would recommend you drop by your local dealer and have them top it off for you. Same with oil. You could also check your owners manual.

hiter202 · 10-28-2011, 01:59 PM

I believe I would need http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 if I am not mistaken, can someone confirm please.

Syndicategt · 10-28-2011, 02:03 PM

Oil = 5W-30 (Castrol Full Synthetic is the OEM BMW)

apc3libras · 10-28-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elitefusion

I believe I would need http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 if I am not mistaken, can someone confirm please.

Yes that is what you need. Make sure it is either pre-diluted or mix 50/50 with distilled water.

VTECaddict · 10-28-2011, 03:25 PM

dealer should top it off for free. no reason why a 2011 should be low on coolant.

catcher22 · 10-28-2011, 03:31 PM

Yeah coolant is a red flag - have it checked out

Low Oil between changes on the other hand, unfortunately, is "normal" for us. Just drop in a quart or two and you should be ok until your next change.

hiter202 · 10-28-2011, 03:50 PM

I prefer to do things myself then bring it to the dealer, i literally have NO TIME FOR ANYTHING nowadays besides work, and on the weekends i continue my work with about an hour or two of free alone time during which I relax, so if someone can advise on how to top of coolant on my 2011, i would really appreciate it. Please help

mike3000fl · 10-28-2011, 07:23 PM

you really should find out if you have a leak. coolant loss is not good.

anyway. you have to buy the bmw blue coolant, sold at dealer or online. then you mix it 50/50 with distilled water.

when the car is cold, remove the cap from the coolant reservoir. facing the engine it is on the far left side, don't open unless the thing is cold, it will spray your face if it's hot.

theres a floating dipstick in there with two balls on it, check it, look for the right level. If it is low, add some of the premixed 50/50 you made.

If the expansion tank is empty, please get the car looked at. If the level is fine, you might have a bad sensor in there.

Tom K. · 10-28-2011, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elitefusion

I prefer to do things myself then bring it to the dealer, i literally have NO TIME FOR ANYTHING nowadays besides work, and on the weekends i continue my work with about an hour or two of free alone time during which I relax, so if someone can advise on how to top of coolant on my 2011, i would really appreciate it. Please help

Since you stated you don't know what coolant is, the prudent course would seem to be to have your dealer handle it under warranty.

Tom

10-28-2011, 01:49 PM	#1
hiter202 Captain 35 Rep 733 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (6)	Coolant / Oil / Help please Hey guys...finally got COLD enough here in NY and now my car is showing that I have 6000 left to an oil change but also "suggests" adding a ct of oil. Is this normal? even tho i still have 6000 left, its still showing a warning. Also, this morning when I got into the car, it told me that my Coolant is low and for me to top it off as soon as possible because it can cause engine problems. Honestly, not even sure what coolant is and/or how to check or top off, nor where it is under the hood. please assist on this. The oil icon shows on the display by the speedo and also the coolant icon (battery looking icon) Please help thanks
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10-28-2011, 01:52 PM	#2
apc3libras Lieutenant Colonel 35 Rep 1,691 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UTAH iTrader: (3) Garage List 1999 BMW M3 [4.00]	If you aren't sure what coolant is, I would recommend you drop by your local dealer and have them top it off for you. Same with oil. You could also check your owners manual. __________________ 2007 BMW 328I Monaco Blue /// 1999 BMW M3 Titanium Silver /// 2007 BMW 328I Sparkling Graphite (sold)
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10-28-2011, 01:59 PM	#3
hiter202 Captain 35 Rep 733 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (6)	I believe I would need http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462 if I am not mistaken, can someone confirm please.
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10-28-2011, 02:03 PM	#4
Syndicategt Brigadier General 153 Rep 3,730 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (11)	Oil = 5W-30 (Castrol Full Synthetic is the OEM BMW) __________________ 2008 BMW 335i e90 - Sold - Rob Beck Turbos / PROcede V5 / Aquamist HFS-4 / AR Downpipes / AE Exhaust / ER Comp FMIC / ER CP / TiAL BOV / Custom Intake / RPI Scoops / Quaife LSD / Swift-Koni Coilovers / DSS HS / Morr VS8.2 Sig Black / Michelin PSS / P3 Boost Guage / M3 body / M3 steering wheel / Adam's Rotors / Hawk HPS / SS lines /
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10-28-2011, 03:25 PM	#6
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 479 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	dealer should top it off for free. no reason why a 2011 should be low on coolant. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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10-28-2011, 03:31 PM	#7
catcher22 Captain 294 Rep 922 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (2)	Yeah coolant is a red flag - have it checked out Low Oil between changes on the other hand, unfortunately, is "normal" for us. Just drop in a quart or two and you should be ok until your next change.
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10-28-2011, 03:50 PM	#8
hiter202 Captain 35 Rep 733 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (6)	I prefer to do things myself then bring it to the dealer, i literally have NO TIME FOR ANYTHING nowadays besides work, and on the weekends i continue my work with about an hour or two of free alone time during which I relax, so if someone can advise on how to top of coolant on my 2011, i would really appreciate it. Please help
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10-28-2011, 07:23 PM	#9
mike3000fl Banned 138 Rep 2,731 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	you really should find out if you have a leak. coolant loss is not good. anyway. you have to buy the bmw blue coolant, sold at dealer or online. then you mix it 50/50 with distilled water. when the car is cold, remove the cap from the coolant reservoir. facing the engine it is on the far left side, don't open unless the thing is cold, it will spray your face if it's hot. theres a floating dipstick in there with two balls on it, check it, look for the right level. If it is low, add some of the premixed 50/50 you made. If the expansion tank is empty, please get the car looked at. If the level is fine, you might have a bad sensor in there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote