![]() It activates when the coolant level is quite low in the header tank and on consideration of where else to mount a secondary low coolant indicator I've come back to the idea of using the OEM sensor as coolant loss up to the point of the sensor being activated still leaves lots of water around the engine. The M5 low coolant sensor looks like this (photo below) ![]() ![]() Low coolant sensor to real time monitoring Also going to pull the plenum and go through the vacuum system, sync the TBs, and refinish the paint on the plenum to match the camshaft cover that I refinished at the last valve adjustment(black wrinkle paint). I will probably install the upgraded chain tensioner while I have it all apart for easy access. While the problem may just be the gasket of the water pump leaking, I'm of course going to take this opportunity to replace the pump, and most or all of the cooling system hoses, as well as cleaning/lubricating/replacing the clamps as needed. It certainly makes me wish we had a more real-time method of monitoring coolant levels. Had I not stopped for fuel, it's possible I would have run out of coolant with no obvious indication, until it was too late. I'll be calling for a tow tonight for the 40-mile trip home after work. Another 5 miles to work, and another half gallon added. I rechecked the level again in 5 miles (eyeing the temp gauges the whole time), and again added about a half-gallon. Since the leak seemed fairly slow, and I didn't have more than 10-12 miles left to get to work, I decided to press onward. I bought a few gallons of water, the system took a gallon initially (filling the expansion tank to the top). Sure enough, the expansion tank was empty, and coolant was dripping from the rear flange of the water pump, at a rate of about 1 drop per second. This morning I was driving to work, I stopped for fuel after a 20-minute run on the highway at around 80mph, and received a "Low coolant" alert upon shutdown. Total hardness, max.: 3.6 mmol Ca 2+/ltr.As if we needed more evidence than the experiences of Tony and Taffy, today I learned just how ineffective the low coolant warning system is. Total hardness, max.: 20° dH (German hardness grade) or in new measuring unit: Minimum requirements concerning water quality: In many of our countries the tap water is sufficient see this from BMW (So long as it is mixed with the right antifreeze): It isn't a given that distilled water must be used. If the engine does consume coolant due to a leaking head gasket, the sealed system will be further pressurised by the combustion gases and could cause failure elsewhere in the coolant system where coolant will escape. I have a 530d that hasn't consumed a drop over the 7 years of ownership. Unless there is a leak, or the engine is consuming coolant via the head gasket or other failed water-cooled component connected to the engine intake/exhaust systems, the level should not drop. If yours is losing coolant, get it checked out by someone with the right tools to diagnose either a pressure drop (all coolant removed method) or for the presence of combustion gases in the coolant (with the engine running). These are sealed, pressurised systems that should remain that way (there is a pressure relief valve in the expansion tank cap). (Unless your car has had its coolant replaced with non-BMW specific coolant over time- use the appropriate one for the situation)Ĭoolant systems should not lose coolant as a general rule of thumb. BMW's is longlife so rather than save a few dollars, buy the right stuff from BMW. (Coolant has antifreeze and anti corrosive properties that Water alone does not provide)ĭon't mix coolants. If you must top up have a quantity of ready mixed 50:50 of the appropriate coolant with water handy. My twopence worth on cooling systems and coolant (A number of these points have been made before in this thread):
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