Which Coolant/Antifreeze?

[TitanTim]

Hi all,

Just wandering what make of coolant people are using when topping up? BMW or another brand. I've used Esso Glycol antifreeze 50/50 with distilled water on the odd infrequent top ups but should I be using BMWs own? The dealer changes the coolant every two years so which will be BMWs (I hope). Is it OK to top up with a different brand or not?

Cheers,

Tim.

[TitanTim]

Tom

I would expect that the dealer will use what is available from his local fluid supplier that meets the BMW specification, therefore what ever Halfords have recommended for BMW will suffice.

Cheers for that, will have a look in the handbook to see what the spec is and have a wander to Halfords.

Tom.

[TitanTim]

Sorry Tim,

I Phone and fat fingers I am afraid

Rich

No problem Rick

Tim.

[Del]

All the BMW anti-freeze bottle says is: - “Anti-freeze and anti-corrosive for radiators free from nitrate.”

For the contents it says: - “Contains 107-21-1 ethanediol; ethylene glycol R22”. I put my registration into the Eurocarparts website and didn’t get a recommendation and so I ended up buying the BMW stuff. I must admit it is unique looking stuff being like dark blue ink and nothing like the other blue anti-freeze on the market.

[Southernboy]

Check to see if it's pre-mixed or concentrate...if concentrate get distilled water to add to it.

[Mike Fishwick]

With about 11 litres of 50% mixture, a small amount of topping up can be safely done with just water - preferably de-mineralised. This will not make any real effect on either the freezing point or the anti-corrosion qualities.

[TitanTim]

Thanks for the replies,

The Zeds booked in next Monday to have this blooming wiring loom replaced (hopefully) so might pop into parts, I have a feeling it aint cheap stuff though from BMW

Tim.

[PCSAM]

I always use a hydrometer and test it every few months ..... especially if you live in a place that can have extremely low temps in the winter .... I lived in a valley village near oban 10 years ago and it would regularly hit -20c or even lower -30 some times
you can get them cheap and they tell you the freezing point of your antifreeze (add more concentrate to op the levels )

[BladeRunner919]

There's talk of -15C here soon in the south. I know that's nothing to you hardy Scots, but not good for us soft southerners!! Mind you, I did buy my Zed on the coldest day of last winter - minus 13!! Didn't test it with the roof down, I hasten to add.

[PCSAM]

There's talk of -15C here soon in the south. I know that's nothing to you hardy Scots, but not good for us soft southerners!! Mind you, I did buy my Zed on the coldest day of last winter - minus 13!! Didn't test it with the roof down, I hasten to add.

-13 if its dry and that cold or colder . I happily go for a drive with the hood down ...... now I have heated seats even better
I do get the odd strange looks from others when doing it . it must be the sheepskin flying jacket and Russian fur hat I wear for those special occasions

[Frank.A]

This is what I use.The spec is correct and so is the price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antifreeze-5- ... 46086bbafc

[gookah]

Hi Tam,
how come you have 2 cars and yet you still wander?

[pingu]

1.5 litres of BMW anti-freeze costs £8.70+VAT (83 19 2 211 191).

As far as I know there is no BMW-approved equivalent anti-freeze.

For any that have a Mini diesel, this is NOT the correct anti-freeze for them. All anti-freezes are not the same.

[geminimustang]

Poundland, 0.5L for yes,you've guessed it £1.I've a VW Golf,read all sorts of horror stories about engine coolant and how you must have VW approved coolant.I wasn't paying what VW wanted.Purchased Poundland,it appears identical from the label,is exactly the same colour and does exactly the same job with no issues whatsoever for the last three years,100K miles.Only used to top-up and happy with the saving.Would i use for a complete cleanse and refill of the coolant system? Not sure.

[TitanTim]

Thanks for all your replies guys, blimey I've gone from £30 to a £1 you will all make me a millionaire yet I wonder better wander from Halfords over to Pondland

Tim.

[Frank.A]

I doubt that BMW manufacture the BMW badged coolant.It is more likely to be made by a chemical giant such as BASF who produce formula suitable for the majority of vehicle manufacturers.Here is the Comma approval on the Comma website.

http://www.commaoil.co.uk/productsguide/view/6/353

You can still find this at £16 for 5 litres.

[TitanTim]

I doubt that BMW manufacture the BMW badged coolant.It is more likely to be made by a chemical giant such as BASF who produce formula suitable for the majority of vehicle manufacturers.Here is the Comma approval on the Comma website.

http://www.commaoil.co.uk/productsguide/view/6/353

You can still find this at £16 for 5 litres.

Thanks Frank, I will probably go with this to be honest but will check at the dealer next Monday and see what they charge, I don't really want to buy litres of the stuff for just the odd topping up and it sitting around for years.

Tim.

[Del]

I suspect that BMW’s antifreeze is made by Febi Bilstein – which doesn’t seem to be any less expensive. I reckon the mystique surrounding some BMW servicing products is a cunning ploy to ensure world-wide owners keep buying German made service products and thus keep the German economy the strongest in Europe.

[pingu]

...I reckon the mystique surrounding some BMW servicing products is a cunning ploy to ensure world-wide owners keep buying German made service products and thus keep the German economy the strongest in Europe.

I don't disagree, but until I can find evidence that BMW has approved the alternative I will be spending the little bit extra.

I'll put any old stuff in my Escort van, but I think I'll stick to the recommended fluids for the Beemers.

[johnjo]

Interesting article in Decembers Total BMW re antifreeze