Coolant below minimum on 440i, OK to use Comma G48 top up?
Discussion
Hi all.
Just checking the coolant on the 440i and the smaller coolant tank is at the max, whereas the main coolant tank is below the minimum level.
I've received no warning lights on the dash saying low coolant. No idea how low it's got to be to trigger the warning.
Research online suggests the Comma G48 coolant is compatible, but also that you shouldn't mix coolant types and given I've no idea what coolant is in there to begin with, it leaves me a bit hesitant.
Some people say top up with water, as unless there's a leak it's unlikely the coolant is being used.
I can't get a general consensus and am hearing conflicting views everywhere.
What's everyone's opinion on this?
Just checking the coolant on the 440i and the smaller coolant tank is at the max, whereas the main coolant tank is below the minimum level.
I've received no warning lights on the dash saying low coolant. No idea how low it's got to be to trigger the warning.
Research online suggests the Comma G48 coolant is compatible, but also that you shouldn't mix coolant types and given I've no idea what coolant is in there to begin with, it leaves me a bit hesitant.
Some people say top up with water, as unless there's a leak it's unlikely the coolant is being used.
I can't get a general consensus and am hearing conflicting views everywhere.
What's everyone's opinion on this?
david-j8694 said:
Hi all.
Just checking the coolant on the 440i and the smaller coolant tank is at the max, whereas the main coolant tank is below the minimum level.
I've received no warning lights on the dash saying low coolant. No idea how low it's got to be to trigger the warning.
Research online suggests the Comma G48 coolant is compatible, but also that you shouldn't mix coolant types and given I've no idea what coolant is in there to begin with, it leaves me a bit hesitant.
Some people say top up with water, as unless there's a leak it's unlikely the coolant is being used.
I can't get a general consensus and am hearing conflicting views everywhere.
What's everyone's opinion on this?
I'd just top up with deionised water for now and keep your eye on itJust checking the coolant on the 440i and the smaller coolant tank is at the max, whereas the main coolant tank is below the minimum level.
I've received no warning lights on the dash saying low coolant. No idea how low it's got to be to trigger the warning.
Research online suggests the Comma G48 coolant is compatible, but also that you shouldn't mix coolant types and given I've no idea what coolant is in there to begin with, it leaves me a bit hesitant.
Some people say top up with water, as unless there's a leak it's unlikely the coolant is being used.
I can't get a general consensus and am hearing conflicting views everywhere.
What's everyone's opinion on this?
Hi OP - very interested in this as have a 440i GC from 2017. Do you keep your eye on this regularly or every so often? I admit to never really opening the bonnet to survey anything other than when cleaning and removing leaves etc, relying (perhaps foolishly) on the in-car dash sensors.
My mileage is now very low (3k/yr at this rate) but still keen to avoid any issues. Many thanks!
My mileage is now very low (3k/yr at this rate) but still keen to avoid any issues. Many thanks!
helix402 said:
Yes, G48 is the correct coolant.
Ok, great, thanks. I'm assuming this is a grade/standard of coolant used by BMW, and therefore any compatible G48 will do? Reading online there's so much opinion and preference posted as fact, it really muddies the water. Even my manual doesn't clarify what coolant type to use.ukpolak said:
Hi OP - very interested in this as have a 440i GC from 2017. Do you keep your eye on this regularly or every so often? I admit to never really opening the bonnet to survey anything other than when cleaning and removing leaves etc, relying (perhaps foolishly) on the in-car dash sensors.
My mileage is now very low (3k/yr at this rate) but still keen to avoid any issues. Many thanks!
Hi. Mine's a 2019 Coupe and it's only done 3k miles since I bought it in October. It's on 12.5k miles now. So slowly accumulating miles like yours.My mileage is now very low (3k/yr at this rate) but still keen to avoid any issues. Many thanks!
It's the first time I've checked it since I had the car, as I was aware the B58 can sometimes leak/use coolant, so I'm not sure if those were always the levels (i.e. small tank over max and main tank under minimum). I topped it up with a small amount of water to bring it back over the minimum level and I'll monitor it from now on. I've also picked up a bottle of that Comma G48 to use if it drops (£19 for 2L in Halfords). FWIW, the dash never warned me and the oil temp guage, which is presumably indicative of engine/coolant temps, has always warmed up to just below the half way point (< 120C).
The only thing I did immediately after purchase was an oil change and oil filter, which needed doing according to the indy.
Other than those two things, which I guess we should be monitoring anyway (
), the engine seems pretty hardy.david-j8694 said:
ukpolak said:
Hi OP - very interested in this as have a 440i GC from 2017. Do you keep your eye on this regularly or every so often? I admit to never really opening the bonnet to survey anything other than when cleaning and removing leaves etc, relying (perhaps foolishly) on the in-car dash sensors.
My mileage is now very low (3k/yr at this rate) but still keen to avoid any issues. Many thanks!
Hi. Mine's a 2019 Coupe and it's only done 3k miles since I bought it in October. It's on 12.5k miles now. So slowly accumulating miles like yours.My mileage is now very low (3k/yr at this rate) but still keen to avoid any issues. Many thanks!
It's the first time I've checked it since I had the car, as I was aware the B58 can sometimes leak/use coolant, so I'm not sure if those were always the levels (i.e. small tank over max and main tank under minimum). I topped it up with a small amount of water to bring it back over the minimum level and I'll monitor it from now on. I've also picked up a bottle of that Comma G48 to use if it drops (£19 for 2L in Halfords). FWIW, the dash never warned me and the oil temp guage, which is presumably indicative of engine/coolant temps, has always warmed up to just below the half way point (< 120C).
The only thing I did immediately after purchase was an oil change and oil filter, which needed doing according to the indy.
Other than those two things, which I guess we should be monitoring anyway (
), the engine seems pretty hardy.I saw a 10% off Halfords code on HUKD for what it’s worth. I wonder what the root cause is, if there is indeed a leak, or if it’s just a case of topping up a little every few months just as a matter of course.
The car hasn’t missed a beat since new (2017, now 13k miles) and am keen to look after it! Thanks for the tips.
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