I have a '04 330i zhp. According to BMW, the coolant is lifetime - - no schedule for flushing and replacing. In reality, does anyone know how long the BMW coolant lasts before needing replacement? Also, I believe there is a tool for measuring coolant ph, but I can't find one at any of the auto parts stores. Anyone know of such an animal and where to get it?
BMW coolant
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For my 2002 model year (uses the same type of coolant), the recommended replacement interval is every 4 years. And before the free maintenance/no maintenance was introduced, it was every 2 years.
Theoretically, if there are no leaks of any kind, the coolant should last the life of the car. It's supposed to be formulated specifically for the kinds of metals used in the coolant system so it won't "wear out" or anything.
IMO, change it if you're bored one day, but otherwise don't sweat it too much. If you really want to be OCD about it, change it every 2 years or so.
IMO, change it if you're bored one day, but otherwise don't sweat it too much. If you really want to be OCD about it, change it every 2 years or so.
Since it's an E46, the cooling system will probably fail sometime between 60-100k and you'll have to replace the coolant anyway.
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Since it's an E46, the cooling system will probably fail sometime between 60-100k and you'll have to replace the coolant anyway.
Ouch! Unfortunately, it's true though.
Since it's an E46, the cooling system will probably fail sometime between 60-100k and you'll have to replace the coolant anyway.
Ouch! Unfortunately, it's true though.
My new to me E36 had only ONE coolant service in 14 years. (After seven original years)
Had I not errored during an unrelated repair, the OE radiator would still be in place.
The OE radiator was spotless on the inside.
After this, I did not hesitate to pour BMW coolant right back into the new radiator.
Had I not errored during an unrelated repair, the OE radiator would still be in place.
The OE radiator was spotless on the inside.
After this, I did not hesitate to pour BMW coolant right back into the new radiator.
02 330ci and I change coolant every 2 years.
It's the easiest thing in the world to do.
The secret to a problem free flush is filling the cooling system SLOWLY. I refill with the siphon method using a vacuum hose to fill with.
It takes about a six pack before the bleeder sees coolant and with this slow fill method you'll see very little, if any air pockets.
Keep in mind that the reason for coolant flushes is not only the radiator and block, but the heater core and it's associated valves, which I'm told are a bsstid to replace , ie makes a radiator replacement look like child's play.
My .02.
Cheers!
It's the easiest thing in the world to do.
The secret to a problem free flush is filling the cooling system SLOWLY. I refill with the siphon method using a vacuum hose to fill with.
It takes about a six pack before the bleeder sees coolant and with this slow fill method you'll see very little, if any air pockets.
Keep in mind that the reason for coolant flushes is not only the radiator and block, but the heater core and it's associated valves, which I'm told are a bsstid to replace , ie makes a radiator replacement look like child's play.
My .02.
Cheers!
Originally Posted By: m6pwr
I have a '04 330i zhp. According to BMW, the coolant is lifetime - - no schedule for flushing and replacing. In reality, does anyone know how long the BMW coolant lasts before needing replacement? Also, I believe there is a tool for measuring coolant ph, but I can't find one at any of the auto parts stores. Anyone know of such an animal and where to get it?
I agree with most of the posts here...I just changed my new (to me) 2004 530i coolant at 82,000 miles and 4 years and it was OK, but a little gunky so I think it was good that I flushed it. I'll probaly flush once every two years into the future.
As far as checking pH, that is actually prtty easy, go to a pool store (or even Wally world) and get a simple pool water test kit. You can either get the old traditional style where you take a sample and add a few drops of a chemical in therre and read the color. Or now they sell pH test strips that you just dip in the water (or coolant) and read the color of the test dot.
I have a '04 330i zhp. According to BMW, the coolant is lifetime - - no schedule for flushing and replacing. In reality, does anyone know how long the BMW coolant lasts before needing replacement? Also, I believe there is a tool for measuring coolant ph, but I can't find one at any of the auto parts stores. Anyone know of such an animal and where to get it?
I agree with most of the posts here...I just changed my new (to me) 2004 530i coolant at 82,000 miles and 4 years and it was OK, but a little gunky so I think it was good that I flushed it. I'll probaly flush once every two years into the future.
As far as checking pH, that is actually prtty easy, go to a pool store (or even Wally world) and get a simple pool water test kit. You can either get the old traditional style where you take a sample and add a few drops of a chemical in therre and read the color. Or now they sell pH test strips that you just dip in the water (or coolant) and read the color of the test dot.
Originally Posted By: ac_tc
And what ph are you looking for?
Whats the limit?
The original poster asked where he could get a pH test for the coolant.
Also, you want to be sure your collant's pH is not acidic, it should be something over 7, probably closer to 8 or so.
And what ph are you looking for?
Whats the limit?
The original poster asked where he could get a pH test for the coolant.
Also, you want to be sure your collant's pH is not acidic, it should be something over 7, probably closer to 8 or so.
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