BMW Coolant
Coolant is vital for optimal engine performance. It maintains your engine temperature throughout the year, keeping it warm during the winter months and cool during the summer months. BMWs use different types of coolant across models and model years, meaning there’s not a single coolant solution for all vehicles. Our team of skilled technicians have created this ultimate guide for BMW coolant, we are always here when you need coolant advice for your BMW model.
In this blog we highlight the importance of coolant when running your BMW engine, the consequences of not maintaining your coolant system and what happens when you use the wrong type of coolant in your BMW.
Read on to find out all you need to know about BMW coolant.
What Coolant Does In Your BMW
Coolant is a mix of water and anti-freeze ingredients formed by concentrated chemical additives which lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of water. It also helps reduce the chances of corrosion. Coolant flows through your engine to regulate engine temperature. It does this by absorbing excess heat and taking it away from your BMW engine. It cools down after flowing through radiators and is pumped back into the engine where the process is repeated.
Why Does Your BMW Need Coolant?
Without coolant, your engine will overheat very quickly and cause catastrophic damage. Here are the six main functions of coolant in your BMW:
- Temperature Management: When your BMW drives along the road, the engine outputs heat as internals move at thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). In warmer climates, the engine can easily reach temperatures exceeding 120°C. The vital role of coolant comes into play as it transfers away this heat, preventing any risk of overheating.
- Anti-Freeze Measures: For your BMW to endure the harsh winter chill, and when parked out in the cold, coolant becomes a lifeline, ensuring that your BMW can operate seamlessly down to a staggering -40°C, starting up without trouble. Without the protection of coolant, the internal fluids could freeze, causing potential damage.
- Corrosion Defence: Special additives blended into the coolant act as guardians against rust and corrosion on the BMW engine’s internal components. This not only preserves the engine’s health but also extends the life expectancy of your BMW.
- Safeguarding Against Erosion: Electrolysis, a chemical process whereby electricity passes through a liquid, poses a risk of erosion to engine components. Coolant steps in as a protector, creating a barrier against erosion during this process, guaranteeing the lasting strength of your BMW’s engine.
- Extended Component Lifespan: It’s not just about shielding metal engine parts. The benefits of quality coolant extend to the care of rubber and plastic hoses within your BMW.
- Efficient Lubrication: The seamless flow of high-pressure coolant throughout the system is vital. It ensures that the water pump in your BMW seals and functions flawlessly, maintaining optimal lubrication on every journey.
Your precision-engineered BMW was designed to only use one type of coolant. If you are using the incorrect coolant type it could result in long-lasting damage to your engine. You can also damage your engine if you do not replace the coolant according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Which Type Of Coolant Is Used In Your BMW?
Coolant in your BMW vehicle depends on which model you have, its engine and model year. To ensure you sufficiently cool your engine, prevent corrosion and maintain vehicle performance, the recommended coolant must be used all the time.
If you need to find which type of coolant is used in your BMW engine, consult your owner’s manual for more information. Otherwise, our team of BMW specialists are on hand to advise you on which coolant you need and how often you need to replace it. Contact Fergies today!
Coolant For Different Driving Habits and Weather Conditions
Your BMW cooling system works harder in extreme climates. To keep your engine running at optimum temperatures, especially high temperatures where the pump, radiators and hoses are put to the test.
Coolant during hot weather flows through the engine at a higher temperature, which increases the likelihood of overheating and component failures. Driving at slower speeds also restricts the airflow through your radiator and reduces the effectiveness of cooling the fluid down.
It is therefore essential that you stick to the correct coolant type and amount for your BMW engine, whilst replacing it at the recommended intervals. At Fergies, we have a dedicated expert team on hand to assist you with BMW coolant system maintenance, repair and replacement.
Coolant Maintenance For BMWs With High Mileage
BMWs with high mileage should have their coolant checked more often. A specialist workshop, such as Fergies, should inspect and change the coolant if your BMW has high mileage, as we have the experience and tools required to do the job properly.
You should change your coolant according to BMW recommendations as outlined in your owner’s manual or BMW service guidelines. The cooling system needs to be properly flushed, leak checked, topped up and bled of air to ensure it is operating at its best.
Consequences Of Using The Wrong Type Of Coolant In Your BMW
If you use the incorrect coolant in your BMW, it could lead to all kinds of issues including damage to water pumps and seals as well as corrosion to these components. The radiator and surrounding hoses could also wear out and be damaged which is dangerous as they are responsible for cooling the liquid down before it re-enters your engine.
Leaky pipes or hoses can cause severe engine damage as not enough coolant will be flowing through your engine. This leads to a blown head gasket, which is one of the most severe engine failures you can have as an owner, costing thousands in repairs. The primary cause of a blown head gasket is a neglected cooling system, as the metal engine overheats and expands.
How Do You Know If You’re Using The Right Coolant?
At Fergies, we have an expert team on hand to test and maintain your BMW cooling system. Your BMW owner’s manual may explain some parts of your cooling system and recommended coolant type, but only experienced technicians can flush and replace the coolant in your BMW cooling system.
Ensure the Longevity and Optimal Performance Of Your BMW Today
Your BMW relies on a working, efficient cooling system for maximum performance. Having yours checked regularly and replenished according to your BMW service schedule is essential and will help prevent long-term damage leading to expensive repairs.
If you notice a coolant leak or see your coolant level is below the minimum on the reservoir, it’s best to reach out to us as soon as possible. At Fergies, we perform expert diagnosis and repair for cooling systems across all BMW models. Contact us today for all your BMW needs.
