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

[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?

[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.

[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.



|https://thumbsnap.com/xK15OhhH[/url]

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

[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.