Bmw 118i low coolant warning

[Fausto]

Hey guys,

Back with another question/problem

Today in the morning I got a warning for low coolant (pic attached). I then stopped the engine, started it again and the message disappeared. I also had a look at the engine coolant level, and it does seem low (pic also attached).

There is no sign of leakage around the engine, or the tubes and neither on the ground, so I'm not sure why the level is so low or if this is even a normal occurrence and the coolant needs to be re-filled once every few years.

My car is a 118i from 2017 with ±138.000 km. Recently (±2 months ago) I did a service where the distribution cap was changed because oil was leaking from a seal around the distribution cover and BMW service has not mentioned any coolant leakage back then.

Could it be that some coolant was lost in the process while they changed this piece? The service DID mention some "antigel" (I think translated it means anti freeze / coolant) change that was not needed, and the total price paid was less than the original quote.

[Fausto]

This is what I meant by distribution cap (just to make sure we're talking about the same thing as I translated it word-by-word from a different language).

[Fausto]

Update: I went to a mechanics store and bought this type of coolant, the guy said it's for all vehicles including BMW and I can top-off safely, do you guys think it's OK?

[No one]

If you never added the coolant I guess it should be fine it went down in 7 years. If there's a small leak it can be difficult to notice: https://f20.1addicts.com/forums/show...&postcount=363. You can either have the car inspected for coolant leaks specifically or start with a top-off if you haven't done that recently and see if you need to repeat that any soon.

Regarding the coolant type it's apparently safest to use the BMW genuine coolant. A universal coolant won't ruin your car immediately but it might cause some harm/damage over time, depending on what it actually is. If that coolant you have has a brand name you can look it up. If it even does not it should be a cheap substitute to avoid, probably. Also see the manual, page 251.

[erickonphoenix]

I can't remember exactly the max and fill lines but your expansion tank photo does look low. It's possible the service might have lost some coolant and they didn't do the bleed procedure.

If you're losing coolant and you can't find a leak or residue of one check for coolant in your oil. If so, have a pressure test done on the cylinders.

[Fausto]

Regarding the coolant type it's apparently safest to use the BMW genuine coolant. A universal coolant won't ruin your car immediately but it might cause some harm/damage over time, depending on what it actually is. If that coolant you have has a brand name you can look it up.

I wanted to use this "yellow" one in the pic (and ask you guys if this generic one is good enough) until the next oil change, which I will also ask for the coolant to be flushed and replaced. Do you think I can safely do this operation and run another ±10K km with it?

I found the correct one - BMW Frost Protection Frostox HT-12 - but it takes more than a week to get here and I use my car constantly now, and I really wanna top off asap.

If you're losing coolant and you can't find a leak or residue of one check for coolant in your oil. If so, have a pressure test done on the cylinders.

I checked the oil, it looks clean with no foam. On the next oil change I'll ask for them to inspect this also, definitely!

[Jolbex]

There is some 4dcl missing. Dont mix if it doesnt fit. You can drive around as long as there is coolant present (visible)- if there is upcoming coolant change near. If not in frosty climate you can add some 2 dcl of distilled water instead.

[Fausto]

Originally Posted by Jolbex

There is some 4dcl missing. Dont mix if it doesnt fit. You can drive around as long as there is coolant present (visible)- if there is upcoming coolant change near. If not in frosty climate you can add some 2 dcl of distilled water instead.

So based on your recommendation, I can still drive around until I get the correct coolant from BMW (in 1-2 weeks), then I can mix it 50/50 with distilled water. Is it distilled water or demineralized water?

Also, do you have any idea how many liters of coolant mix does the 1 series 118i take? The manual barely provides any information about coolant change, unfortunately.

I found the following coolants:

• BMW Frost Protection Frostox HT-12 1.5 Litres 83195A42DF3
  
  BMW Radiator Coolant Anti-Freeze Anti-Corrosion 1500 ml 83512355290

I found mixed results for the correct coolant, with some mentioning the HL-12 is for most BMW models after 2018 (mine is 2017). How do I found out which one to buy for my car model?

[Jolbex]

Id say some 8-10 litres. Cant comment on coolant type, do some googleing. For as long as there is some in the tank you can drive. Once you get the coolant delivered just fill it non-diluted (if changing it in a few months). I dont know about water, in our language and market there was always destilled one. Maybe demineralizedvis the same. Im not even sure Bmw prohibts tap water (as drawn on coolant bottles)

[No one]

Originally Posted by Fausto

So based on your recommendation, I can still drive around until I get the correct coolant from BMW (in 1-2 weeks),

1-2 weeks? In Munich? I read (well, awhile ago) no BMW part would take more than a day to be delivered in Germany.

Originally Posted by Fausto

then I can mix it 50/50 with distilled water. Is it distilled water or demineralized water?

It's distilled water. You can buy BMW one at an official service. And the anti-freeze must be available there instantly as well.

Originally Posted by Fausto

Also, do you have any idea how many liters of coolant mix does the 1 series 118i take? The manual barely provides any information about coolant change, unfortunately.

For my car (N13 engine) it's said (I dug this info on a local parts selling catalog site) 7 liters "without conditioner" (whatever that remark means ) for "replacement, not initial filling". The manual says: "Your Service centre can provide details of which additives are suitable.". You can ask them other questions as well. They shouldn't charge for that.

Originally Posted by Fausto

I found the following coolants:

• BMW Frost Protection Frostox HT-12 1.5 Litres 83195A42DF3
  
  BMW Radiator Coolant Anti-Freeze Anti-Corrosion 1500 ml 83512355290

I found mixed results for the correct coolant, with some mentioning the HL-12 is for most BMW models after 2018 (mine is 2017). How do I found out which one to buy for my car model?

Here (adjust the car selection to yours): https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...83#83192211914. Or call/visit an official service.

It should be fine to use the no name coolant pre-mixed you bought for a short time before complete replacement, I believe. That's what it's for.