2004-2013 BMW 3-Series Check Level & Add Coolant

This article will provide guidelines on how to check the coolant level on the BMW 3-Series 2004-2013.

Do not drive your BMW 3-series if the engine is overheating. Pull over, let the engine cool down, then check the engine coolant level.

Symptoms

• Check Coolant Warning,
• Low Engine Coolant Message
• Engine Overheating

What you will need

• BMW Antifreeze Coolant 50/50

Procedure

1. Allow the engine to cool down.
2. Open Hood. Locate the hood release underneath the dashboard of your BMW 3-Series. Pull the lever until you hear the BMW hood pop open.
3. Next, you must release the hood safety latch at the front of the car. Lift the hood and secure it in the open position.
4. Locate the Coolant Reservoir. Next, you locate the coolant reservoir (tank) on your BMW. This is where you can check the coolant level and add coolant if the level is low. On a 3-Series, the coolant expansion tank is located on the passenger side of the engine. Open the cap slowly. Open the cap only when the engine has cooled down. 
5. Check BMW 3-Series Coolant Level Remove cap. Look at the coolant reservoir tank and note the low and high levels. If the level is below the minimum mark, you will need to add coolant, or your 3-Series may overheat. BMW 3-series uses the floating device to determine the coolant level.
6. Add engine coolant/antifreeze. Only add the coolant type recommended by BMW.

This guide applies to BMW

• 316i
• 318i
• 320i
• 323i
• 325i
• 325xi
• 328i
• 328xi
• 330i
• 330xi
• 335i
• 335is
• 335xi
• 320d
• 320xd
• 325d
• 330d
• 330xd
• 335d
• M3 and M3 GTS

We hope you find the 2004-2013 BMW 3-Series Check Level & Add Coolant guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.