Coolant

[al95ti]

Do I absolutely have to put BMW coolant in my radiator or can I just use the normal stuff. Is it really blue ?? Because I just checked in my car and it's yellowishh green. I beleive it has been a while since it was last changed.

Thanks
Al

[aceyx]

Ethylene glycol-based (green) coolant ONLY.

[stormos]

i let the garage do mine as i am soooo lazy i amaze even myself

[J!m]

I believe the BMW coolant is blue in color (and the windshield wash is clear, so it doesn't stain the convertable tops).

You know what? I'd ask the dealer for an MSDS on the BMW coolant. That will tell you the chemicals in it, which you can compare to the local part store's offerings. They can't refuse to give out safety information...

How's that sound?

The reason for the "anality" (if that is even a word; if not, I've got dibbs!) is the fact that BMW uses just about every available metal and plastic in their coolant system. Aluminum, copper, brass (braze material- who know's whats in that bizmuth I imagine) cast-iron, stainless steel, maybe some Magnesium... All kinds of oppurtunity for Galvanic as well as electrolitic Corosion.

I just use BMW coolant and DISTILLED WATER which, in many cases is more important than the coolant used, as the minerals in the tap water add to the list of elements to react with the heat.

Speaking of heat, newer cars tend to run hoter (to help limit emmisions)than older cars , where we just dumped 'whatever' coolant in there, now there is more heat available for reactions to occur.

Why do you ask?

[aceyx]

I've got a gallon of the stuff right here:

Ethylene glycol (107-21-1),
Diethylene Glycol (111-46-6),
Sebacic Acid (111-20-6),
Sodium Hydroxide (1310-73-2),
2-Ethylhaxanoic Acid (149-57-5),
Corrosion Inhibitors, Defoamers, Silicates, and Dyes.

[Tyler]

I just used prestone when i did mine a few monthas ago.