» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | 1999 M3 Swap 09-07-2023 10:10 PM 05-02-2024 08:18 PM 6 Replies, 342,283 Views | | | | | 01-16-2006, 06:51 PM | #1 | Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Shediac, N.B. Canada Posts: 96 | Coolant 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 __________________ 1995 Canadian Spec Schwarz II Ti Base Model.... 5spd, Untinted Windows, Bilstein Sports, Bav Auto Springs, E36 Sport Wheels, 225/50 Fuzion HRi's, MK3 Jetta VR6 Front Lip, Cosmos Racing Short ram intake, Luk Clutch kit, Apexcone projectors, DDM 6000K HID, Shortened shift knob, Pioneer stereo, Autopage Alarm | | | 01-16-2006, 07:50 PM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: state college, pa Posts: 3,431 | Ethylene glycol-based (green) coolant ONLY. __________________ I scream, you scream, we all scream for ZOMBIES. | | | 01-16-2006, 09:07 PM | #3 | Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: England, UK Posts: 1,288 | i let the garage do mine as i am soooo lazy i amaze even myself __________________ 1995 BMW 316i Cosmos Black Mods: • Magnex Cat-Back Exhaust • Smoked Corner Lights + Repeators • M3 17" Wheels • De-Baffled Air Box • AC HandBrake Handle and Gear Knob • DEPO Euro Epsiloids + Predator Chronium Rings • Chrome Interior bits •IE Poly-Urethane RSFMs • Kenwood Power Series Audio • Powder Coated e36 325 Front Callipers • Sports Seats | | | 01-16-2006, 11:15 PM | #4 | Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bouncing off the rev limiter in CT! Posts: 3,156 | 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? | | | 01-16-2006, 11:55 PM | #5 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: state college, pa Posts: 3,431 | 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. __________________ I scream, you scream, we all scream for ZOMBIES. | | | 01-17-2006, 12:01 AM | #6 | TRETEN IRGENDEINES ESELS Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 3,687 | I just used prestone when i did mine a few monthas ago. __________________ 98 Avus Blue 318 ti Active clear outs all around,stealth turning signals,blue led interior lights, 35% tinted windows,K&N air filter, 12" Kenwood Sub, MTX Thunder Amp,Alpine cd changer, Leatherz Armrest,ACS Pedals/Handbrake/FloorMats & Vitesse Tuning Carbon Fiber B-Pillars/CF Spark Plug Cover, New 16" MSW Typer 14 Rims on Goodyear Triple Treds www.myspace.com/avusblueti | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |