Antifreeze

yes i do know how to use the search but it couldn't help me today. so my question is do i HAVE to use genuine bmw coolant or can i any ole coolant from the local autoparts store? i'm flushing my coolant system if that makes any difference thanks

I just bought some at the dealer and was wondering the same thing. Here is some label info that may answer a few questions:


>>>
Note: Do not mix any additives or other components into
the coolant. To maintain protection against excessive
silicate precipitation, do not mix with different antifreezes
containing nitrites and/or phosphates.

CONTAINS: Ethylene Glycol (107-21-1), Diethylene
Glycol (111-46-6), Sebacic Acid (111-20-6), Sodium
Hydroxide (1310-73-2), 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (149-
57-5), Corrosion Inhibitors, Defoamers, Silicates, Dyes
and bittering agent.

It is recommended since we have aluminum blocks. If nothing else, make sure you get a product that is designed to be aluminum safe.

buy cheap....dont worry about what the engineers and testing came up with...what do they know

oh yea, and it is safe to give to your pets....but you should drink some first to make certain

I just use the cheap brand, Peak Extended Life. Provides 240,000 km or five years of protection when a complete cooling system flush and fill is performed

Prestone + Mountain Dew =

Originally Posted by southpaw

Prestone + Mountain Dew =

Does the caffeine really work on cars? I've read others using Dr. Pepper on batteries, but thought that was from the Phosphoric Acid.

I've got a bottle of Mtn. Dew on my desk; normally I'd think you're just trolling, but I've read hundreds of your posts, buddy, so if this is what you recommend, I'll all over it.

Thanks for the tip! BRB

You dont *HAVE* to use any certain thing.

You could run good ol hose water in there as long as you dont have any freezing temps.

The issue lies in the metals our particular motor is made of. Ours is aluminium and I think some other metal. Typical coolant might corrode the interior of your engine so eventually it will cause serious problems that would be near impossible to repair.

The cost difference isnt that significant when you think about how long a coolant flush actually lasts, so just go with BMW coolant. IMHO of course...

I've heard from many reputable BMW mechanics that the BMW's coolant tends to be very gentle on the seals and gaskets. Most coolants sold in stores are safe for aluminum so that's not the issue. I would pay a little extra and get the BMW stuff.

I did a bit of research on this topic recently. From what I can tell, Prestone Extended Life (about $18 per gallon) meets the standards of BMW. It does not have; silicates, phosphates and is safe for aluminum radiators. The cost between the BMW stuff and Prestone isn't so great, so I'd rather use the BMW stuff. Just remember to mix it with distilled water

Use BMW if you have $20 lying around. Otherwise, using Prestone (any car/any make) is perfectly fine and will save you half.

save half on fluid and spend more on repairs later...KEWL

Get OEM coolant

OEM coolant. Its worth the chump change.

It's the one fluid that's forum recommended to keep OEM. Engine, tranny, diff, then everyone has their preferences.

Ok I'm gonna get oem. Thanks for the help.(except for the trolls)

not trolls, just replying to stupid questions with stupid responses...although laced with real info

Originally Posted by 330i ZHP

not trolls, just replying to stupid questions with stupid responses...although laced with real info

This.

Prestone will work just fine