Coolant leak

[redline15]

The low coolant warning appeared two weeks back. I have a bottle of BMW coolant so filled up with part coolant and part distilled water. The float didn't appear and I overfilled the expansion tank. Took a straw and extracted some coolant.

On second day of CNY, the low coolant warning appeared again. This time, looked closely at the engine bay and noticed the coolant at the baseplate. It is only on the left side of the engine (passenger side) but completely dry on the right. Checked the 2 vent screws, hose, hose clips and all look ok. The radiator fins doesn't have any coolant stain on it. Seems like the leak may be at the bottom.

I guess this explains the "gurgling" sound I heard which is the sound of coolant being loss and air entering the cooling system. Anyone with similar experience?

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: Coolant leak

Calling Seanskye .......... He recently kena something at the bottom - think it's the heat exchanger.

 

[Zincman]

Re: Coolant leak

Maybe could be your water pump.

 

[easy]

Re: Coolant leak

No point to speculate too much, just count yourself lucky its a slow leak and go get it seen to.

 

[dankoo]

Re: Coolant leak

happened to me a month back...mine was a minor O ring issue. Replaced and leak stopped.

 

[redline15]

Re: Coolant leak

The top half of the engine bay is dry. Don't see any symptoms of leaks anywhere. It seems to be leaking near the bottom. I hope it just a minor issue of o-rings or clips. I will be bringing the ride to our friend across the border to replace the valve seals (another headache). Hope to get it all resolved together.

Just last wed, the car couldn't start. Totally no power. Had to lock the car with key. Battery flat. Called the BMW Mobile Service and only available slot was thur morning. As it was eve of CNY, my usual ws is closed. Had to purchase from BMW and paid a bomb. Interestingly, there was no warning light to indicate low battery. Dealer told me the battery was replaced when I bought the car 15 months back. Its not the original BMW battery so maybe the lifespan is shorter. Hope this battery can last me for the next 2 years until COE ROD.

Hai... what a start to the new year....

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: Coolant leak

They should have being its PML - but did they register the battery etc ?

The top half of the engine bay is dry. Don't see any symptoms of leaks anywhere. It seems to be leaking near the bottom. I hope it just a minor issue of o-rings or clips. I will be bringing the ride to our friend across the border to replace the valve seals (another headache). Hope to get it all resolved together.

Just last wed, the car couldn't start. Totally no power. Had to lock the car with key. Battery flat. Called the BMW Mobile Service and only available slot was thur morning. As it was eve of CNY, my usual ws is closed. Had to purchase from BMW and paid a bomb. Interestingly, there was no warning light to indicate low battery. Dealer told me the battery was replaced when I bought the car 15 months back. Its not the original BMW battery so maybe the lifespan is shorter. Hope this battery can last me for the next 2 years until COE ROD.

Hai... what a start to the new year....

 

[redline15]

Re: Coolant leak

They should have being its PML - but did they register the battery etc ?

Yes the tech did. Took about 45mins to register the batt. Any idea what is the purpose of the registration? He said the info is uploaded to the server in Germany. BTW, there is a 2 year warranty on the battery.

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: Coolant leak

It's to tell the IBS about the new battery so it knows how to charge it ..... And it will also reset a number of other counters as well .... Helps with the longevity of your new battery and rate it charges ....

 

[kyeong]

Re: Coolant leak

check wif brudders... I think my IBS is not connected...

tio boh?

View attachment 59308

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: Coolant leak

That cable that talks to the ecu is the one with the blue colored connector at the bottom near the negative.

And if the IBS is disconnected - the sensor would create a fault code ........

check wif brudders... I think my IBS is not connected...

tio boh?

View attachment 59308

 

[redline15]

Re: Coolant leak

Just read that after adding coolant, there is a need to bleed the cooling system. I'm wondering if this is necessary? If I overfilled the coolant, what is the possible problem? Will the coolant overflow and cause the coolant warning light to come on after 1 week?

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: Coolant leak

My ride when overfilled will release the excess out through the reservoir cap........

Bleeding is usually to get rid of air pockets......not necessary if you are topping up water only .....

Just read that after adding coolant, there is a need to bleed the cooling system. I'm wondering if this is necessary? If I overfilled the coolant, what is the possible problem? Will the coolant overflow and cause the coolant warning light to come on after 1 week?

 

[redline15]

Re: Coolant leak

My ride when overfilled will release the excess out through the reservoir cap........

Bleeding is usually to get rid of air pockets......not necessary if you are topping up water only .....

Thanks. That's good to know

I thought because I didn't bleed it the previous time I topped up, it somehow caused the leak due to pressure building up.