Help Please!!!! Whats Wrong With My Bmw 318 Ci??? - BMW Forum

joe30530 · 03-10-2007, 01:32 PM

Mine is a 2000 reg BMW 318 CI, she always run Brilliant and faultless, today I came back from supermarket and parked the car there as usual, just before I switch the engine off there was a little "pa" sound from the front bottom of the car, then I have saw lots Green Fluid drop on the floor.

Please check out my photos, after checked myself I found that the green fluid was came out from there bottom( red pointed in the pics), but I am know nothing about cars readlly, can anyone tell me whats that? And is it looks like a big fault? I have just tried to start the car again and it still starts first time and sound ubsolutely smooth, also can't see any warning light came on?

And whats exactly cause the fault? I always drive VERY carefully.

Many thanks!

lalvevo · 03-10-2007, 11:13 PM

I beleive your expansion tank(for coolant) has cracked. It happened to me not too long ago, just like last month. I had bought the tank from BMW dealer and costed me $100.00 and also bought the sensor that cost $15.00. and I had replaced it myself and had a garage bleed the system for me. but is not really easy to replace it, well to me atleast. it took me like 2 hours just to get the old one out and another hour to put the new one in. so next tiem if it happens to me again, ill just let the pros do it, and keep myself clean.

jllphan · 03-11-2007, 10:00 AM

first off, stop running your car! obviously your loosing coolant, if you keep running it, car can overheat which means bad things $$$!

secondly, could be an expansion tank, could be just a hose. get under the car and see if you can localize the leak. if your local autohaus is nearby, you might be able to fashion a short term patch (Via thermal tape) so that you can drive it to the autohaus for repair, if not, i would have it towed.

regardless it's no big deal, but could be a huge deal if you run the car devoid of coolant. hope this helps.

Hootie · 03-13-2007, 08:38 AM

I agree with jllphan. Check the reservoir and see if your coolant level is still at the minimum. If not, fill the reservoir and see if that produces any leaks. If not, turn the car on and run the engine, but don't drive it. As the engine temperature rises, keep an eye on the area in question. If you see coolant leaking from one place, you've found your culprit.

joe30530 · 03-13-2007, 12:10 PM

Thanks for all your reply guys.

Had the car checked and repaired at our local BMW specialist garage today, found expansion tank cracked, replaced new one, cost me 130 pounds for all.

But have no idea about why it happend?!

Hootie · 03-14-2007, 09:08 AM

Probably too great a pressure build up. Fluid levels too high? Too much water in the mixture? Shotty piece? I wouldn't worry about it unless it happens again. If it does, start looking elsewhere for what could have caused the internal pressure to build so high.

Count your blessings man. It could have been a head-gasket.