Check coolant level??

[Stevo///M3]

I have an e36 M3 evo and when I turn the car off the trip computer warns me to check coolant level - see owner's manual. I'm no mechanic, but this only happens intermittently - it doesn't show EVERY time, only sometimes. I recently took it to a garage and asked them to check, which they did, but the warning still comes up every now and again. Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone have a suggested solution? The indicated level of coolant is fine (shows between max and min under the bonnet in the little overflow tank near the driver's position)

Cheers
Stevo

[CHIGS]

Hey mate - this could (not 100% sure!) be the sensor, similar to the brake light sensor which is a common fault on the E36! Mine tells me the brake light is failed but in reality it hasn't!

[Mroad]

a) Check the wiring to the sensor is not corroded, unplug it to check (the level sensor is at the front of the expansion bottle).
b) Remove the sensor and clean it (you can get a build up of muck around the float part of the sensor).
c) Fit a new sensor (around £15) or short between the two wires to the sensor and it will be permanently off (I don't rely on the sensors anyway).

[E36GUY]

CHIGS said:

Hey mate - this could (not 100% sure!) be the sensor, similar to the brake light sensor which is a common fault on the E36! Mine tells me the brake light is failed but in reality it hasn't!

Get this fixed (it's only a switch under the brake pedal).

Mine did this intermittently for a while but come MoT time the fault was active and the brake lights weren't working!

[CHIGS]

Cheers mate! I thought it was located in the light cluster! My lights actually work though when the warning comes on! I do want to get it sorted though 'cos its a right pain!!!

[swansea v6]

My E36 325i couoe had both these probs, the coolant warning i fixed by buying a new coolant sensor from a local motor factor, around £10 i think??

And the brake warning i fixed by replacing the switch which is located under the brake pedal, both jobs are very easy and didnt take too long....

[Stevo///M3]

Thanks each of you for your helpful hints - sounds like i could do this myself one Saturday afternoon. Faith in internet chatrooms restored, cheers!
Stevo