2007 BMW X3 - Oil or Coolant Warning Light

[Japanese]

A friend of mine with 2007 BMW X3 just sent me this picture and wants to add oil. But I think that is coolant warning light, not oil. What is it? (ChatGPT failed and thought is a CEL. )
He also lost the heat, so I'm assuming that is Add Coolant light.
Thanks a lot!

the one on the right

 

[Chris142]

Has he looked to see if its low?

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Looks like a coolant light IMO. You'd think BMW would put the light's radiator cap in the center, not off to the right side. Plus the fact that he has no heat is another indication. I would tell him to check the overflow tank to see if it's at the min mark when cold.

 

[Japanese]

Has he looked to see if its low?

He said he had added about 7 oz. in the expansion tank. It was low not empty. However that should not cause missing heat. It doesn't have radiator cap. It looks like that vehicle doesn't have oil dipstick either.
Do those vehicles have oil dipstick?

 

[bdc101]

So he added coolant and it still says it's low coolant, or did the light go away?

These cars should have a float in the expansion tank telling you how high to fill it.

The coolant light should go away if it's high enough. I believe the coolant level light uses a magnetic switch sensing the level of the float in the tank, or something along those lines.

I never owned an E83 but I did have an E53 (X5 of similar vintage) and the cooling systems are very much wear items and need attention. Radiators, expansion tanks, water pumps, thermostat, and many hoses that all need to be replaced. BMWs are great cars if you repair them preventatively rather than reactively, and hopefully your friend knows this.

 

[Japanese]

So he added coolant and it still says it's low coolant, or did the light go away?

He didn't start the car. So we don't know yet. I'll follow up tomorrow.

These cars should have a float in the expansion tank telling you how high to fill it.

Yes, they do. He said it went up.

 

[Japanese]

Also, another question about this same vehicle:
Is Mobil 1 Euro 0W-40 better than Liqui Moly Special Tec 5W-30 (especially the engine burns oil)?

 

[Japanese]

So he added coolant and it still says it's low coolant, or did the light go away?

Yes, he said the light went away after he added the coolant.

Thanks a lot to everyone!

 

[Japanese]

You'd think BMW would put the light's radiator cap in the center, not off to the right side.

The oil light is in the center.
He said that one is blinking and staying on too. I told him to add 1/2 qt oil and if it doesn't go away to add a full quart.

 

[fantastic]

TPMS & coolant low Lights

 

[Marcozi]

TPMS & coolant low Lights

We have our winner!

 

[trd1zz]

Yes, he said the light went away after he added the coolant.

Thanks a lot to everyone!

This may be obvious... but it needs to be inspected for coolant leaks.

This is, after all, a BMW cooling system we are talking about.

 

[edyvw]

This may be obvious... but it needs to be inspected for coolant leaks.

This is, after all, a BMW cooling system we are talking about.

If it is N51/52 engine, which probably it is, it won’t have oil dipstick.
If he never replaced coolant hoses, ALL OF THEM, plus coolant reservoir plus Mickey Mouse flange(with aluminum one, time to do it. Only OE parts (except flange. Rein is OK). If he goes aftermarket, he should expect 50-75% shorter lifespan depending on aftermarket brand.

 

[Japanese]

This may be obvious... but it needs to be inspected for coolant leaks.

This is, after all, a BMW cooling system we are talking about.

You are absolutely right. I told them to watch the coolant level and take the car to a shop asap.

I'm affraid he has blown head gasket and he already paid $3,000 in repairs after he bought the car.
I hope it's a hose and not head gasket.

 

[Japanese]

If it is N51/52 engine, which probably it is, it won’t have oil dipstick.
If he never replaced coolant hoses, ALL OF THEM, plus coolant reservoir plus Mickey Mouse flange(with aluminum one, time to do it. Only OE parts (except flange. Rein is OK). If he goes aftermarket, he should expect 50-75% shorter lifespan depending on aftermarket brand.

Thanks a lot for the detailed info!

Also, what your opinion on the oil:
Is Mobil 1 Euro 0W-40 better and preferred than Liqui Moly Special Tec 5W-30 FE (assuming the engine burns or leaks oil)?

He currently runs the Liqui Moly.

 

[edyvw]

Thanks a lot for the detailed info!

Also, what your opinion on the oil:
Is Mobil 1 Euro 0W-40 better and preferred than Liqui Moly Special Tec 5W-30 FE (assuming the engine burns or leaks oil)?

He currently runs the Liqui Moly.

Definitely Mobil1!!!

 

[Japanese]

Definitely Mobil1!!!

And what is the main difference between Mobil 1 Euro 0W-40 and Castrol Euro 0W-40 (A3/B4), which one is preferred and why?

 

[edyvw]

And what is the main difference between Mobil 1 Euro 0W-40 and Castrol Euro 0W-40 (A3/B4), which one is preferred and why?

Mobil1 has GTL. Both are good.
If he is willing to look around, Castrol Edge 0W30 Euro Car would be my choice. I use that in my N52. Good amount of PAO, this new formulation seems really shear stable.
Auto Zone and AAP will have it on sale with a filter. Sometimes AZ and AAP have MANN filters for N51/52 (816 XU) and if he asks them they can manually add it to the sale. It is usually $37 for 5qt and filter.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Has he looked to see if its low?

How dare you suggest the obvious.

 

[Japanese]

Mobil1 has GTL. Both are good.
If he is willing to look around, Castrol Edge 0W30 Euro Car would be my choice. I use that in my N52. Good amount of PAO, this new formulation seems really shear stable.
Auto Zone and AAP will have it on sale with a filter. Sometimes AZ and AAP have MANN filters for N51/52 (816 XU) and if he asks them they can manually add it to the sale. It is usually $37 for 5qt and filter.

Thanks a lot!
I'll keep that in mind and tell him about the Castrol Euro 0W-30.