Z4 2.0 large coolant leak while driving

[Chris4]

Hi all, looking for some urgent advice and to ask the question: what is it?

My fiancee recently bought a Z4 2.0, 2005.

I'm currently waiting for recovery as what I believe is a coolant light came on, then steam came from bonnet then white smoke out of exhaust. All while driving about 30mph. We immediately pulled in to a car park that was next to us.

Bought it from garage around the corner so will get it towed home then call them in the morning.

Coolant pooled all on the under tray, some went on the aux belt and can't tell where it is coming from.

Suspecting head gasket failure... Any ideas?

 

[Anonymous]

Thermostat?

 

[Chris4]

I hope that's all it is! Is that likely, if so a possible simple fix for the dealer.

I was thinking smoke out the back means head gasket

 

[Jfgoldfish]

If it turns out to be serious issues and you have just purchased it, take it back and ask for a refund.
Sounds like it could empty your wallet fast :|

 

[Chris4]

Problem is she loves the car and haven't seen any other nice condition grey ones like this around. It appears that there is more coolant around the thermostat having had another look .. Fingers crossed that's all it is

Edit: also if only the thermostat is it really worth rejecting over something so simple to fix?

 

[Jfgoldfish]

also if only the thermostat is it really worth rejecting over something so simple to fix?

Absolutely not, if it is just the thermostat, get it fixed and enjoy it.
Its the white smoke from the exhaust that would be worrying me.

 

[Chris4]

So we have a culprit, recovery driver ran some water through it and without turning the car on water is pishing out.

Turns out that there is a plastic connector to the engine block, a hose is attached to this. The plastic bit snapped... No coolant hose connected to engine!!!

 

[Jfgoldfish]

So we have a culprit, recovery driver ran some water through it and without turning the car on water is pishing out.

Glad it was an easy diagnosis.
It sounds like is should be a relatively straightforward fix too.

Hopefully you are back on the road soon.

 

[nick_l]

Must be a common thing to fail as it sounds exactly like what happened to my old 2.0 a few years back. Relatively cheap and easy fix though.

 

[Rockhopper]

I'd be worried out the white smoke in the exhaust - hopefully it was just coolant burning off from somewhere and looking like it was coming out of the exhaust (but not actually doing that).