Help leaking mustard colored fluid

[aern05]

I have a 2004 bmw 325i that is leaking a mustard colored fluid from the engine...dunno the source but its obviously something that is mxing possibly oil/coolant or trans fluid/oil or trans/coolant...anyone know? my coolant light comes on whenever i turn on my heat and i get burning smell sometimes outside the car. could this all be related?

[chrisc4290]

Sounds very much like rusty water. Coolant is usually orange or blue and I doubt you would have rust in the windscreen washer bottle. I would check that the radiator or coolant pipes are not leaking/damaged/loose/clamps loose. Might also be corrosion in your heater radiator

[Jack Dabsy]

Whats the mileage? Hope its not what I think it could be?!! (Head Gasket)

[aern05]

mileage is 105k....the car has never overheated on me tho...u had the thermostat replaced 2 yrs ago ....u hope its not the head gasket...its running fine tho

[chrisc4290]

Originally Posted by aern05

mileage is 105k....the car has never overheated on me tho...u had the thermostat replaced 2 yrs ago ....u hope its not the head gasket...its running fine tho

Why not start off by flushing the radiator thoroughly and make a note of what comes out.

You could also have a look in the expansion tank to see what colour the water is. If it matches what you saw dripping out, then there is your problem. I agree with the post about the head gasket, but there should be secondary results like missing, or uneven running. Best to try the easy (and cheap) things first.

[Jack Dabsy]

Totally agree...
Remove the engine breather pipes too, I bet they're gunked up !!