3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
BimmerWerkz.com is the premier BMW Forum on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads.
I did a couple of searchs for threads others had posted on this issue, and had some extra questions...
Should the coolant be leaking while driving or once its turned off? Im going to try and work on the car tomorrow and find out what the problem is before i have to give it to a mechanic. i figured the first thing to do is figure out if its leaking. therefore im gonna drive it around the block a few times and then stick a big piece of cardboard under the car and see if any fluids leak on the cardboard.
also what the hell should coolant smell like? and what color shoudl the coolant/liquid in the radiator tank be?
what type of coolant is best to add? i know i should add the 50/50 kind, but any specfic brand or something i should look for?
and lastly if i need a new radiator system, how much is it roughly to get a new radiator, hoses, and water pump installed?
coolant typically "leaks" after you have turned the vehicle off and the coolant comes back to the expansion tank....other leaks will have to be addressed seperatly (best by pressure test)...coolant should have a sweetish smell (due to the glycol) used coolant (time to change typically) has a "fishy" smell. Color should be either green or blue (blue being BMW specific fluid green being any other ethylene Glycol fluid) worst case being color brown (WAY OVER DUE FOR FLUSH IN THIS CASE)
The most important thing about buying coolat is making sure it is an Ethylene Glycol base (NOT DEXCOOL!!) I alway suggest BMW coolant (4year fluid vs typical 2yr off the shelf stuff) as far as the pricing goes I don't want to give you an incorrect assesment. Good luck
^what do u mean by it explaining alot? i hav been using water past few weeks when my coolant has gone down. Is that the whole problem as to why its overheating so quickly?
sorry im a total dumbshit when it comes to cars i just learnt how to change a tire like 2 months ago..lol
coolant is at least a 50/50 mix for a reason, not saying that is what is causing the overheating situation (especially if you are loosing coolant like that) Water cools the best but it's boiling point is so much lower without coolant it doesn't work for long periods of drive time and for a much more obvious reason there are not anti-rust compounds in water (which explains the brown crappy color) Get it flushed and pressure checked (find where you are leaking!) and you should be back to normal operating range.
definetly change that, get two jugs of bmw blue juice and about three of distilled water and do a 50/50 mix. if you ask the why, I think there is a thread that covers all of that. it also could be your radiator since mine was leaking, sometimes at a point that you cannot see it. These radiators have plastic tanks so they get replaced at about anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Maybe you should also change thermostat and thermostat housing while you're at it. And since summer is coming, check your hoses. Remember to bleed it when you are done putting everyting together.
ive decided im gonna flush the radiator out myself....
just one question tho. how much coolant/water shud i refill, how much can a 95 bmw 325i take? i was reading a tutorial and it said u add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant but it didnt state how much (liters or gallons) i would need..
oh and if any1 has any tips on flushing the system please let me know!
ive decided im gonna flush the radiator out myself....
just one question tho. how much coolant/water shud i refill, how much can a 95 bmw 325i take? i was reading a tutorial and it said u add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant but it didnt state how much (liters or gallons) i would need..
oh and if any1 has any tips on flushing the system please let me know!
The coolant should never be leaking get the already mixed coolant. I think if you were to mix it your self you need distilled water to mix it.. not just any water
The coolant should never be leaking get the already mixed coolant. I think if you were to mix it your self you need distilled water to mix it.. not just any water
u can use filtered water from ur house or water bottles from any grocery store as long as its pure
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
i just learnt how to change a tire like 2 months ago..lol 
Linear Mode
