E46 330 - Slow coolant loss

[dhutch]

Where is it going?

Light came on again this morning and I had to tip a litre of water into the car.

This happens about every 4 months or so maybe, I alternate between adding water and coolant, and probably should be better at checking after a month rather than waiting for the light. Same goes for the oil.

However the real question is, where is it going, and should I be doing anything about it? Had the car three years and its always done it, in that time and for other reasons it has has a new thermostat & housing, radiator and cap, and top hose which have made no difference.


Thoughts welcome.

Daniel

[SPORTSTER]

Have you checked the expansion tank, as these are very common to get hair line cracks down the side and slowly leak

[dhutch]

SPORTSTER said:

Have you checked the expansion tank, as these are very common to get hair line cracks down the side and slowly leak

I will get on it. There is a bit of a coolant mark down it but I put that down to sloppy filling.

Mistakenly I thought that came with the radiator and was hence changed, but it seems that I am getting confused with the rad on the E36.

Other thoughts welcome.


Daniel

[SPORTSTER]

dhutch said:

I will get on it. There is a bit of a coolant mark down it but I put that down to sloppy filling.

Mistakenly I thought that came with the radiator and was hence changed, but it seems that I am getting confused with the rad on the E36.

Other thoughts welcome.


Daniel

Im pretty sure its that’s mate, as you have already done the hoses, radiator. How the water pump?

[dhutch]

SPORTSTER said:

Im pretty sure its that’s mate, as you have already done the hoses, radiator. How the water pump?

Is part of the rad? I not sure from a quick google.

Had the aux belt changed when it snapped a fortnight ago, nothing mentioned by the garage (bmw specialise) about the waterpump which is a good sign, although I didn't ask and haven't changed it.


Daniel

[SPORTSTER]

dhutch said:

Is part of the rad? I not sure from a quick google.

Had the aux belt changed when it snapped a fortnight ago, nothing mentioned by the garage (bmw specialise) about the waterpump which is a good sign, although I didn't ask and haven't changed it.


Daniel

Theres a fitment that attaches on to the radiator yes from the expansion tank
Get the car in the air while its running, have you not had any puddles on the floor?

[dhutch]

SPORTSTER said:

Theres a fitment that attaches on to the radiator yes from the expansion tank
Get the car in the air while its running, have you not had any puddles on the floor?

No puddles, but then at half a pint a month on a car used twice daily I wouldnt expect any!


Daniel