Numpty question - coolant level

[bmwmike]

Hi

Just checked my n53 f10 coolant level as we have a big trip tomorrow and as I undid the cap I heard a short hissing noise - that's normal (I think!) - followed by a little gurgle noise which is perhaps normal too. Anyway I gave the top hose a squeeze and to my amusement it is empty, it just pushes air into the reservoir neck via the overflow.

So to my question - does anyone know how to check the level on a n53 engine in an f10? The manual says there is a low and high but there are no markings at all. I can just about see coolant in the bottom of the neck.

No warnings or anything, just want to be sure it's not too low.

Oh and regular blue glycol antifreeze OK? I know the engine is made of magnesium so presumably it matters which type is used.

I did ask BMW in the distant past and was told ignore it, is filled for life. Mad.

Thanks
Mike

[Johnny5hoods]

I've got an older BMW with an N52 engine, so the following may/may not apply.

Water expansion tank is opaque black, and therefore water level cannot be interpreted by trying to peer through side of tank. There is, however, a diagram on top of tank (may need a torch to see) which has two pictures: one min and the other max. Must be read cold. The height with which the floaty stick pokes up in the air denotes how full or empty the water tank is, in accordance with the aforementioned diagrams on top. Be careful not to overfill. Small adjustments, then re-read.

Hope that helps.

[bmwmike]

Thanks. Unfortunately no such diagram or pointy thing.

I'd imagine the coolant type is the same though as the n52 has the same bottom end - what do you top yours up with?

[Johnny5hoods]

Don't know as I've never had to; only had the car since July. Once, when my electric water pump was on the blink, I had to top it up. Just used water, and BMW Indy changed it for me soon afterwards when they replaced pump. Didn't think to ask them. Google it.

[helix402]

Coolant type is G48.

[bmwmike]

helix402 said:

Coolant type is G48.

Nice one - thanks. Nothing special then. Good as I can use what I've got left over from my e46 m52tu !

Now if only there was some logical way to check the level. I'll poke around ISTA at some stage but I doubt it's that advanced.

Top hose being empty concerns me but IIRC my m52tu was the same.

[Mr Tidy]

bmwmike said:

Nice one - thanks. Nothing special then. Good as I can use what I've got left over from my e46 m52tu !

Now if only there was some logical way to check the level. I'll poke around ISTA at some stage but I doubt it's that advanced.

Top hose being empty concerns me but IIRC my m52tu was the same.

I've had 6 BMWs from 52 to 57 plate and they have all had the float for coolant level! It either floats up to level, or it doesn't! Not too complicated.

[bmwmike]

Mr Tidy said:

I've had 6 BMWs from 52 to 57 plate and they have all had the float for coolant level! It either floats up to level, or it doesn't! Not too complicated.

Yes. I would have expected same too. But If it was that obvious I wouldn't be posting here haha. There is no float. The manual says there should be a marking as image below but there is nothing in the neck. Nothing at all until I see coolant right at the bottom.

More BMW cost cutting no doubt.



Edit looking at realoem I think the coolant level I can see is probably at the top of the actual tank. So that gives me something to go on if the car itself seems happy.



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That filler neck was used up until 2017. I have cross checked a few other models such as 550 and it doesn't seem to come with an insert (thought mine might be missing). Odd.

Also I can't understand why the dealer says the coolant is fill for life if it's bog standard g48 which as I understand usually needs replacing every two years.

Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 23 May 08:24

Edited by bmwmike on Wednesday 23 May 08:25

[Mr Tidy]

bmwmike said:

Yes. I would have expected same too. But If it was that obvious I wouldn't be posting here haha. There is no float. The manual says there should be a marking as image below but there is nothing in the neck. Nothing at all until I see coolant right at the bottom.

More BMW cost cutting no doubt.

That's pretty poor (glad I got an early E91 with an N52 engine now)!

Probably the same cost cutter that thought a dipstick wasn't necessary!

[Johnny5hoods]

Mr Tidy said:

bmwmike said:

Yes. I would have expected same too. But If it was that obvious I wouldn't be posting here haha. There is no float. The manual says there should be a marking as image below but there is nothing in the neck. Nothing at all until I see coolant right at the bottom.

More BMW cost cutting no doubt.

That's pretty poor (glad I got an early E91 with an N52 engine now)!

Probably the same cost cutter that thought a dipstick wasn't necessary!

... and water temperature gauge

[AlwynMike]

Johnny5hoods said:

... and water temperature gauge

I prefer having the oil temperature gauge instead - more relevant to the engine.

[bmwmike]

AlwynMike said:

I prefer having the oil temperature gauge instead - more relevant to the engine.

Agree. Coolant temp varies anyway so a dial would be up and down like a yoyo.

As is oil pressure.

[Ninja59]

Johnny5hoods said:

... and water temperature gauge

If you have F01/F06/F10/F11/F12/F13 it is fairly easy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QN2FR9A08M you can display the coolant temp in live mode.

If like me you have the MFD then you will find it takes the place of the rev counter though.

[tgr]

Mr Tidy said:

bmwmike said:

Yes. I would have expected same too. But If it was that obvious I wouldn't be posting here haha. There is no float. The manual says there should be a marking as image below but there is nothing in the neck. Nothing at all until I see coolant right at the bottom.

More BMW cost cutting no doubt.

That's pretty poor (glad I got an early E91 with an N52 engine now)!

Probably the same cost cutter that thought a dipstick wasn't necessary!

I think we all know where BMW put the dipstick