BMW Check Engine Coolant Level & Add Antifreeze

BMW’s low coolant warning typically comes on due to the low coolant level in the engine bay’s expansion tank.

Checking the coolant level on a BMW is easy and takes less than five minutes. It is crucial to follow the correct procedure to avoid injuries and get an accurate reading.

Symptoms

• Engine coolant level light on
• Message on iDrive stating Low engine coolant level
• Engine Overheats
• Coolant warning on, then off after driving
• Engine coolant level too low
• Message: Risk of engine damage! Top up the coolant at the earliest opportunity; see the owner’s handbook. Caution: Risk of scalding!

How to Check BMW Engine Coolant Level

Follow these easy steps to check the coolant level on any BMW. For this procedure, you will need OEM BMW Engine Coolant recommended in your owner’s manual and mixed at 50/50.

1. Park the BMW in a safe location and set the parking brakes.
2. Allow the engine to cool down. Ensure the engine is cooled down before removing the cap from your coolant reservoir or risk getting burned.
3. Open the hood. Pull the hood release under the dash twice.
4. Locate the coolant expansion tank in the engine bay. As you open the hood, look at the left of the engine bay. This is the typical coolant expansion reservoir location. Some BMW models, such as the 3-series, have the coolant expansion reservoir on the engine bay’s right side.

5. Remove the coolant reservoir cap. Turn it slowly counterclockwise. It will allow residual pressure to release without blowing off the cap.

   

6. Determine the coolant fluid level. There are two different float designs. The red float may have two balls, indicating the low and the second indicating the full level. The level is full when the bottom of the float reaches flush with the top of the cap.

   

    

7. Add OEM BMW Engine Coolant mixed at 50/50. If the float is down, you need to add coolant. If the float is sticking up, your BMW coolant level is full. In other words, the BMW coolant level is correct if the red float is aligned with the top edge of the filler opening. A schematic diagram is stamped on top of the coolant reservoir, illustrating the minimum and maximum level. Rember, the level reading should be performed on a cooled-down engine for proper measurement.

BMW Coolant

• Only use the BMW OEM engine coolant (PN: 82141467704) or a coolant that meets the requirements listed in your owner’s manual. BMWs have specific coolant requirements to prevent buildup and corrosion of aluminum components, therefore do not use off-the-shelf antifreeze without checking compatibility.

Notes

• The cap may not be holding the pressure and could be leaking coolant. Replace the cap. Also, clean the cap, as there can be a buildup of solids, not allowing the rubber to seal the system and cause a leak.
• Typically, you don’t need to add more than one quart/liter to top off the system. To make the float move from the minimum level to the maxim, you need less than a quart of coolant.
• If you add more than one quart, you may have a coolant leak. If you constantly add coolant to your BMW or add more than one gallon of antifreeze, you may have a major coolant leak or a serious engine problem, such as a blown head gasket.
• BMW uses a closed pressurized coolant system with an expansion tank. It operates differently than most coolant systems that have an overflow reservoir.
• Always check the BMW coolant level when the car is cold and the engine is turned off. The coolant system pressurizes, and it will still be hot if you remove the cap right after the engine runs.
• The hot coolant will cause injuries. Let the engine cool down for at least thirty minutes to avoid getting burned. If you are stuck on the side of the road and have no choice but to add coolant, remove the expansion cap very slowly.
• Keep your face and body as far away as you can.
• Allowing the BMW to idle and setting the heat on allows the air pockets in the cooling system to escape. If you suspected an air pocket in the engine and used this method, recheck the coolant level with the engine off. This will ensure you didn’t overfill the system.
• If your BMW is under warranty, take your car to the dealer, and they will top off the cooling system free of charge.

The coolant level is full, but I still get a low coolant warning light.

It is possible to get a Coolant Level too Low warning even if you add coolant. You must first inspect the coolant level sensor if your BMW has one. There may be an electrical issue with the sensor causing it to trigger the warning message.

If you are extremely low in coolant, you may get the low coolant warning light even if you add coolant. The car was either neglected or extremely low in the coolant. Run the car for one minute and recheck the coolant level. It is possible that you need to add more coolant.

Is the BMW coolant warning message on even though the coolant level is correct? This may be caused by outside temperature fluctuations or when using certain incompatible aftermarket coolant brands. Other possibilities include a defective water pump, a bad engine temperature sensor, or a bad coolant level sensor.

Older BMWs had a translucent coolant reservoir with a line showing high and low levels. Back then, it wasn’t necessary to remove the cap to get a coolant reading. BMW redesigned the cooling system, and now they use an expansion tank. Instead of the transparent tank, they implement the float design ( the rod that pops up).

What BMW engine coolant should I use?

Use the OEM BMW Engine Coolant recommended in your owner’s manual mixed 50/50.

BMW Coolant Alternatives

Not all aftermarket coolant is compatible with BMW cars. Here are a few coolant/antifreeze brands that are compatible with BMW:

• Prestone Extended Life 5-150
• Valvoline Zerex G-05
• Peake Green Coolant

Regardless of the coolant brand you use, including OEM BMW Coolant, always pre-mix it at 50% coolant and 50% water. Full-strength coolant is not mixed; you must mix it yourself before adding it to the cooling system. Use distilled water instead of tap water.

Tap water will work, but it is not recommended because it can introduce impurities and minerals and cause corrosion to the cooling system. You do not need any extra additives. The 50/50 mixture ratio can be used year-round.

Should I drive my BMW with the coolant warning light on?

NO. If the temperature gets above normal or you get a warning light that the engine is overheating, stop driving your BMW. Get it towed to a mechanic ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find the BMW Check Engine Coolant Level & Add Antifreeze guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.