Possible Coolant Leak

[scousefly]

Some of you may have seen my recent post about my Brake Debacle so you can understand why another bill at the moment would be a real PITA, however, I think I may have a slight coolant leak and it could be the bottom of the bottle as some people have reported recently.

I have only had the coolant light come on twice in 18 months of ownership but after the last one I did the search and no im worried. I dont think its losing a lot to be honest but I know its there and whilst I dont mind trying my hand im not sure if I can be arsed with the hassle.

So some questions,
How long could I possibly leave it if I keep on top of it, worried it may hurt the engine?
Is there anyone willing to help me do the work with experience of doing it before in the Sheffield area?
Do I take to an Indy who im grinding & gritting my teeth over after a past issue (sour taste in mouth)?
Or do I go the dealer who has already relieved me of nearly £700 in the past couple of days?

 

[scousefly]

Sorry another post is there a step by step procedure for this coolant bottle replacement and does it require fan out and lots of other parts for removal

 

[scousefly]

If anyone can help me can you send me a PM please easier than having to find my post every time

 

[oli445]

If anyone can help me can you send me a PM please easier than having to find my post every time

That is the point of a forum. Any answers may help others!

I was loosing coolent recently and it turned out to be a pipe with a sensor in it just after the water pump. £90 all in.

Have you had a look under the bonnet yet? I could see the pipe leeking

 

[scousefly]

To be honest I have not been able to get the car up yet to take the under shield off an lol around so at the moment I'm assuming its the washer bottle, however, I can't see any water trails from the pipes looking from the topside of the engine so I think I reall need to get under it to confirm

 

[oli445]

I could see the water looking down from the bonnet on the undertray

 

[scousefly]

Ye that's wat alerted me to the issue as well as the coolant light appearing but it's not conclusive unfortunately

 

[oli445]

Let us know how you get on!

 

[scousefly]

Took car to Swifts Performance Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield, S1 4JR. Very happy with the level of service and updates given, they charge £56 an hour for BMW. They also do Mercedes, Porsche, VW, Audi & Lotus.

They found thermostat housing leak falling onto polybelt around the waterpump, this was flicking fluid all over the show making it look worse than it was. Cost £253 to repair and all appears good, seen a few drops on the bottom engine guard but that could have been spots from when the filled the system but being the paranoid sod I am I will be keeping an eye on the level and spots. :roll: :roll: