Do I need to change coolant?

[Thadeus1991]

Hey guys,

Quick question, the answer to which I couldn't find through the search function:

My car is currently at 78,000 miles. It's had a new water pump about 2.5 years ago at ~70,000 miles (so I would assume new coolant then 8) ). I was wondering if there is a need to change the coolant again already or whether I am fine to leave it for now? Mostly asking as all the advice seems to be based around mileage but not time.

Any advice will be much appreciated, as always!

Thank you!!!

 

[enuff_zed]

When the water pump was changed, did it get a full change of coolant or just a top up?
If not sure, then I'd say definitely change it. Not the hardest or most expensive job for peace of mind.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Mostly asking as all the advice seems to be based around mileage but not time.

Interesting, not sure where, the service book with your car simply says check concentration.
Most dealers will make up a number for mileage or time, but they generally make almost everything up anyway.

Personally - I aim to fully change change every 2/3 years, for £30 it's cheap insurance.

If it isn't blue, flush with clean water and change it too. Tap water meeting the spec is fine for BMW coolant, and flushing with tap will be fine for what little is left when it is mixed finally. The electric pump makes it easy to mix.

Enclosure 2 to SI 17 01 96 (140), edition 02/2019
Change interval, coolant change and check

Regular testing of the coolant composition as part of inspections I and II. Due to decreasing corrosion protective effect the change interval of 4 years (3 years for M-power vehicles) has to be maintained. Check the coolant antifreeze concentration before the start of the cold season. It is also necessary to check its composition after having topped up coolant. When adjusting and checking the concentration, a areometer spindle is required (antifreeze tester). Mixing the approved substances with each other is allowed.

Technical progress has made it possible that coolant changes are not required for the vehicles specified below:

- All CBS vehicles (including M vehicles) as of production date 9/2003
- Service Interval Indicator vehicles:
All Service Interval Indicator vehicles with petrol engines (including M vehicles) as of production date 03/2003
E85 from market introduction
All Service Interval Indicator vehicles with diesel engine as of production date 09/2003
RR4, RR5, RR6 and all other new model start-ups
Disposal

For the disposal of the coolant, the safety data sheets of the manufacturers for antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors or the legal regulations of the individual countries must be observed.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Enclosure 4 to SI 17 01 96 (140), edition 02/2019


With the protection of the environment in mind, BMW has been filling all of its vehicles with nitrite- and amino-free antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors since mid-1986 as standard practice.

The use of antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors that contain nitrites and amines is no longer permissible.

Note:
For an overview about the use of coolant, see technically suitable antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors.

The mixture ratio with water is 1:1. This provides antifreeze protection down to -40°C.

The BMW antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor G48 is blue in colour.

Trade name BMW part number DEU BMW part number worldwide (except for DEU, JPN, CHN, AUS, FIN, NOR, SWE, DNK, FRO) BMW part number JPN BMW part number AUS BMW part number CHN BMW part number FIN, NOR, SWE, DNK, FRO Container size
BMW antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor 83 19 2 211 191 83 51 2 355 290 83 19 2 211 194 83 19 2 211 913 83 19 2 211 195 83 19 2 211 914 1.5-litre can
BMW antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor 83 19 2 304 068 83 51 2 355 291 60-litre barrel
BMW antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor 83 19 2 304 069 83 51 2 355 293 205-litre barrel
Trade name Manufacturer/Supplier
AD Original AD 48 AD Parts, S.L.
AlpineC48 Mitan Mineralöl GmbH
AWM G11 Tosol-Sintez
Aral Antifreeze Extra Aral AG
AVIA Antifreeze APN AVIA Mineralöl AG
BMW Antifreeze BMW AG
Radiocool NF Castrol International
MAINTAIN FRICOFIN Fuchs Europe Schmierstoffe GmbH
Engmans Super Antifreeze and Coolant Unico Manufacturing
GLYSANTIN® G48® BASF series introduction
Kuttenkeuler Antifreeze ANF KK48 Kuttenkeuler GmbH
Antifreeze HD G11 K Lukoil
Glycostar ST48 Kuttenkeuler GmbH
Zerex G48® Valvoline

 

[rdgreen]

Not the hardest or most expensive job for peace of mind.

If that's the M54 engine, have you ever tried to get that block plug back in? They must have decided that only someone with the hands of a child would be able to get that re engaged. :x

 

[blp2]

BMW life time they write, which means 100k or 6 years.But we do a BG coolant flush at 4 years or 75k or if at anytime the protection is not -40f.with all the dissimilar metals you have to change it .

 

[enuff_zed]

Not the hardest or most expensive job for peace of mind.

If that's the M54 engine, have you ever tried to get that block plug back in? They must have decided that only someone with the hands of a child would be able to get that re engaged. :x

I have those small hands Always me who got the crap jobs on a Tornado, where you had to stand on a gearbox jack, holding the tools over your head, get raised up into the bowels of the jet and try to remember 'lefty-loosey, righty-tighty' working in the dark somewhere behind your head.
Of course, mid-twenties me was that little bit more supple. :roll:

 

[Thadeus1991]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone - I decided to book it in for a coolant change. You're right - it's very little money for peace of mind!

 

[kis]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone - I decided to book it in for a coolant change. You're right - it's very little money for peace of mind!

Off topic, but don't forget about brake, gearbox and diff fluids. They're often overlooked as well