Check Coolant Level Warning - BMW Forum

ikk100 · 09-04-2008, 06:23 AM

Hi all,

Hope someone can help with this. I am getting the Check Coolant Level Warning whenever I start my engine- this has been happening for around 2 weeks. The needle on the dashboard has remained in the middle.

I am trying to top up my coolant and everything says that the the foating red stick should be level with the top of the coolant bottle- thats fine. But what I don't understand is whether it should be level- before starting the engine or after starting the engine.

The reason I ask this is because when I don't start the engine the stick is above the top of the bottle. After I start the engine that stick seems to sink downwards (below the top of the bottle)- Do I still need to top it up?

Thanks,
Ismail

marti5 · 09-13-2008, 09:08 AM

Hi, Ok, The float position should only be read when the engine is dead cold, no started up but first thing in the morning.

Sounds to me that you do not have enough coolant in:

1, check the float level prior to starting up but only when the car has been left over night, top up as required.( slowly )

2, Its a waste of time checking the level without the car being left over night.

3, you may have air in the system, but this should self-bleed or you can undo the bleed screw on top of the expansion tank, while the car is running to let air out.

4, It may take up to 2 weeks to get the float to the correct level or 10 minutes, it took me 4 days after changing the water pump,

Good luck, any probs, get in touch.

freestyleronli · 01-21-2009, 09:54 AM

Glad i found this post.

Just had the same thing happen to me.

It comes on, then off periodically.

I will wait until the mroning and proceed as advised!

marti5 · 01-21-2009, 10:00 AM

Ok check as advised,it may also be the level sensor playing up, which is normally attached to the expansion vessel.

freestyleronli · 01-21-2009, 10:01 AM

Ok, ta mate.

I'll let you know the result........

portlandbucfan · 01-21-2009, 06:27 PM

Seems to be the most common issue with 740i i have noticed. Mine is a idiot light, but bother me so always keep a eye on the coolant. 7 series radiators are built cheap.

marti5 · 01-22-2009, 11:03 AM

The whole coolant system on the E38, all models 728 to 750 have the same problem, hoses, radiators, expansion tanks, waterpumps, thermostats, all need attention around 100,000 miles.

The trouble being the E38 was built by accountants and not mechanics.

BigT's93 · 01-22-2009, 01:46 PM

But the entire assembly was done by engineers that had a minor in art. Having looked under the hood at the iintricacy of how it is put together is a work of art and very impressive. Changing the Auxiliary Water Pump was easy, it just looked difficult.

marti5 · 01-22-2009, 02:12 PM

Yes it is a work of art but run by accountants as in rather than spend $100 on a radiator, they went and spent $20, thats what im getting at if you get the chance get hold of an E32 ( 7 series)and see the difference, Ah see you already have one( 1993 740il) so you will know the difference already between the E38 & the E32 which were paid for and built by engineers.

BigT's93 · 01-22-2009, 02:23 PM

Yep, I'm pleased, proud and tickled to death to own a hand made car. The Aux.Water pump is the only issue I have had w/ coolant syst. I don't want to change the subject here from cooling, but my trans is acting a little funny. Not going into reverse after driving for a bit. Transmision "refurbish" was done at 145,000 miles by previous owner. Now has 176,000. Time to change tranny fluid again?

BigT's93 · 01-23-2009, 05:09 PM

I did not knock on wood when I got all boastful about only having the Aux.Water pump issue. I parked my 93 this morning at work and a co-worker informed me I had coolant leaking. it is leaking near the fire wall so hopefully just a hose. dangit man...when it rains it pours.

witeshark · 01-23-2009, 05:30 PM

It could be around the heater core.

marti5 · 01-24-2009, 05:19 AM

That would be the little hose at the rear, from the head to the heater matrix, pain in the arse to do.

BigT's93 · 01-26-2009, 01:09 PM

Why would leak stop on it's own? Saturday afternoon I took'er out for a warm up to check exact location of leak. I ran her until the temp showed normal operating temp then opened her up just to make sure she was hot, never got above normal temp....parked her, crawled my big azz under the car and there was barely a trickle. Dripping was coming from brain box area on the tranny. It has plenty of coolant and did not leak this morning. I don't think the BMW's fix them selves...or do they!!?? I'll keep an eye on coolant level and under the car for signs of leaking. I am totally confused...slightly releived but confused.

freestyleronli · 01-26-2009, 01:10 PM

Exactly the same issue here, but on a 3- Series.

I've got it booked in to be looked at tomorrow morning.

I'll post what their opinion is when i'm done........

And skint.......