Coolant top up?

[Jamo1980]

Hi, might sound a very dumb question :? but i am wanting to top up my coolant, It's red.

What do i use, ready mixed anti-freeze/coolant or just plain water?

Also out of interest, do Z4 owners mainly use red coolant or blue in general? Thanks.

 

[ben g]

I use bmw coolant. It's more of a green colour, than blue. If you want to top up, I'd just use water if it's a small amount.

If your coolant is red, then I believe you need to use a coolant which is the same colour.

 

[Jamo1980]

Oh, so coolant type (colour) is just personal preference.

It's only a small amount, Ill just buy a litre bottle of red tomorrow then, Cheers.

 

[firebobby]

Oh, so coolant type (colour) is just personal preference.

It's only a small amount, Ill just buy a litre bottle of red tomorrow then, Cheers.

No.
You have to use the correct coolant for the engine or what the manufacturers recommend as certain types of coolant can damage certain types of metal.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

For the price, go to BMW.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Drain it all out, flush and start again with the correct stuff if you don't know what's in there.
Don't mix colours else they can turn into a horrible gel.

 

[Jamo1980]

For the price, go to BMW.

For now, i'll buy a bottle of red to top up as the coolant currently in now is red for sure.

So just to confirm..... when i change the whole coolant, what's the correct colour from BMW for my 2.5i and what do others use? Thanks.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I wouldn't go on colour. BMW will know the right coolant for your engine. It's £10 for 1.5 litres that you dilute to make 3.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I wouldn't go on colour. BMW will know the right coolant for your engine. It's £10 for 1.5 litres that you dilute to make 3.

^ this.
You should not risk your engine just by buying some random spec. coolant based on colour.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Especially if you have the N52 - the alloy and random p*ss water do not get on well.

It's also not a 15 year old Corsa - you have a sweet ride so give it some TLC, don't skimp.

 

[patriot66]

Colour of the coolant is not an indication of type/application etc. It is manufacturer choice only. However from my experience red coolant is often OAT (organic acid/additive technology) type and I have never seen red coolant in any BMW. Do not mix coolant type and so don't take a chance that the red coolant in your car is the same as another red coolant you may buy to top it up with. Flush out your cooling system and fill it with BMW/BMW approved coolant for your vehicle only.

 

[gaffer1986]

Oh, so coolant type (colour) is just personal preference.

It's only a small amount, Ill just buy a litre bottle of red tomorrow then, Cheers.

No.
You have to use the correct coolant for the engine or what the manufacturers recommend as certain types of coolant can damage certain types of metal.

I agree with this post. I've heard some coolants can react with each other also which can cause problems.

 

[Rob s]

Im pretty sure this is the coolant you would want
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMMA-X-STREAM-GREEN-G48-CONCENTRATE-ANTIFREEZE-COOLANT-1LTR-FOR-ALL-BMW-CARS-/221907124124?hash=item33aab1ff9c:g:AYcAAOSwd0BVpnFf

but as others have said don't mix them. Better to flush and add the correct stuff.

 

[patriot66]

Im pretty sure this is the coolant you would want
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMMA-X-STREAM-GREEN-G48-CONCENTRATE-ANTIFREEZE-COOLANT-1LTR-FOR-ALL-BMW-CARS-/221907124124?hash=item33aab1ff9c:g:AYcAAOSwd0BVpnFf

but as others have said don't mix them. Better to flush and add the correct stuff.

This is what I put in mine. Good stuff. 5 litres at Halfords is £22.99