PDA

View Full Version : Antifreeze / Coolant - does brand matter


tripod06
03-02-2011, 04:44 PM
Okay I'm not the worlds best engine buff but I am particular about keeping my engine healthy and happy. I need to get some coolant but I want to know if I should get it from BMW or if I went with something from a Kragen or PepBoys ?

I'll take some pics and post the competition if you will...
tripod06
03-02-2011, 04:50 PM
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/3aa74837.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/2fb37d24.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/80485944.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/14744fd4.jpg
Darin Worthington
03-02-2011, 05:14 PM
If you want to go with something cheaper, go with DEX-cool only, doesn't matter who makes it. Don't mess with anything else, and make sure you use distilled water if you don't buy the 50/50 mix.
kayger12
03-02-2011, 05:20 PM
I go with Mike Miller on this one. Safer to just use the BMW coolant and not have to worry.

If you're going to go with any other coolant, just make sure that it's phosphate free. Phosphates oxidize aluminum.
spencers
03-02-2011, 05:21 PM
Good idea, but I've always wondered: why? I can understand if using a different brand coolant if you're in a crunch, but BMW coolant is only $20. :)
Darin Worthington
03-02-2011, 05:22 PM
What he ^ said. Dex-Cool has no phosphates in them, but it is your car so you have to choose.
mimalmo
03-02-2011, 05:22 PM
Do not use anything other than the BMW specified coolant in an E46.

The BMW stuff has different anti-corrosion properties than the basic stuff you get at your local auto parts store. The aluminum in our engines doesn't last as long with the standard stuff.
az3579
03-02-2011, 05:28 PM
Good idea, but I've always wondered: why? I can understand if using a different brand coolant if you're in a crunch, but BMW coolant is only $20. :)

If you're in a pinch and need coolant, chances are you aren't going to be able to stop by a dealer for it. If you have a slow leak somewhere and it's after hours, you don't have much of a choice other than what you can buy at a gas station.
tripod06
03-02-2011, 05:35 PM
On the way to BMW dealer now. Thanks guys!
kayger12
03-02-2011, 05:37 PM
If you're in a pinch and need coolant, chances are you aren't going to be able to stop by a dealer for it. If you have a slow leak somewhere and it's after hours, you don't have much of a choice other than what you can buy at a gas station.

I think that's why spencers said he could understand using a different brand if you're in a crunch.

That being said, as soon as I got home I'd be draining and refilling with the proper coolant.
mimalmo
03-02-2011, 05:44 PM
The correct stuff is only a few dollars more, distilled water can be gotten at any 24-hour Walmart. Plan ahead and just buy a jug of it. I have a couple containers of BMW coolant and distilled water pre-mixed, sitting in my garage and ready to go just in case.
kayger12
03-02-2011, 05:46 PM
The correct stuff is only a few dollars more, distilled water can be gotten at any 24-hour Walmart. Plan ahead and just buy a jug of it. I have a couple containers of BMW coolant and distilled water pre-mixed, sitting in my garage and ready to go just in case.

Good advice, Eli.

I do the same.
Darin Worthington
03-02-2011, 05:47 PM
The correct stuff is only a few dollars more, distilled water can be gotten at any 24-hour Walmart. Plan ahead and just buy a jug of it. I have a couple containers of BMW coolant and distilled water pre-mixed, sitting in my garage and ready to go just in case.
So true, the dealership is about an hour away from me, so I have to keep extra stuff on the shelf in the garage to makes sure I am covered!
az3579
03-02-2011, 05:51 PM
That being said, as soon as I got home I'd be draining and refilling with the proper coolant.


That's exactly what I did before I did the full cooling flush/bleeding almost a week after I did my cooling system. :rofl
OCD always wins.
mimalmo
03-02-2011, 05:54 PM
So true, the dealership is about an hour away from me, so I have to keep extra stuff on the shelf in the garage to makes sure I am covered!

The same is true for me. I live northeast of the Minneapolis area by about 50 minutes so I try to stock up when I buy a lot of my DIY supplies. I typically have 3-4 oil filters and a case or two of the BMW oil in the garage.
danewilson77
03-02-2011, 07:17 PM
BMW blue = win. Period.
gr330zhp
03-02-2011, 07:22 PM
I had read a couple differnet DIYs and had mixed BMW coolant with distilled water when I did my overhaul...thats fine right?? I hope
billschusteriv
03-02-2011, 07:35 PM
I had read a couple differnet DIYs and had mixed BMW coolant with distilled water when I did my overhaul...thats fine right?? I hope

Yes - BMW is 100 percent antifreeze (if you will); it requires dilution to achieve a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Distilled water is the proper kind to use - no minerals or other impurities like ones in tap or spring water where the impurities would support electrolysis and cause pitting in the aluminum in our block and water pump.
billschusteriv
03-06-2011, 02:53 PM
Like the "Oil Thread", we may have to start a Coolant thread... :biggrin

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-46962.html