First time BMW owner - BMW Forum

CHILEDOG · 12-13-2009, 10:56 PM

I just bought my car 2 weeks ago and i know it'll require some work but I absolutely love my car. I'm having an issue with the coolant system that I cant seem to figure out. The previous owner said he replaced the radiator, expansion tank, water pump, hoses and bled out the coolant system. I dont see or smell any coolant leaks and the car does not smoke from the exhaust, however every 100 miles or so the check coolant level warning comes on the screen. I usually top it off with about 3/4 gallon of 50/50 mix antifreeze.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

witeshark · 12-13-2009, 11:19 PM

Is there any sign of oil in the coolant or the reverse? I hate to point to the head gasket, but that should be checked.

CHILEDOG · 12-13-2009, 11:40 PM

I really have'nt noticed oil in coolant or vice versa. How bad could the bad news really be

?? Or should I ask how much could this cost me?

witeshark · 12-14-2009, 12:20 AM

I'm not really sure; a V8 having 2 heads complicates things.

brettski · 12-14-2009, 02:22 AM

Welcome to the Werkz. Good luck with the problem, there are plenty of well versed people in the support of BMW of all models. Just ask the the questions.

CHILEDOG · 12-14-2009, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the advise...I guess I shoud probably have to pressure test the coolant system and maybe do a compression check. Any other suggestions you can think of for trying to pinpoint my problem.

CHILEDOG · 12-14-2009, 10:36 AM

Whitshark I'm about 100 miles away from Miami...I usually go over at least once a week...any recommendations on a trustworthy mechanic that is not going to put me in the poor house

marti5 · 12-14-2009, 02:59 PM

Hello and welcome to the Werkz, check around the waterpump area for a brown slimey residue, also there is a coolant hose at the rear of the engine which fails around 100k ish and of course age, mine failed at 132k #8 here:

RealOEM.com BMW E38 735i Cooling System Water Hoses

I have the same engine as you have apart from the series and cc.

CHILEDOG · 12-14-2009, 05:34 PM

Thanks I'll look at the water pump and inspect all the hoses as well.

All though every time I park somewhere I cant seem to see or smell any antifreeze.

witeshark · 12-14-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHILEDOG

Whitshark I'm about 100 miles away from Miami...I usually go over at least once a week...any recommendations on a trustworthy mechanic that is not going to put me in the poor house

I'm not sure if the shop is still there, but I had some good work done at a place on NE 79th St in North Miami, at the last eastbound light before the drawbridge. There has been a big project there lately, but the shop was in the circle, on the north side of NE 79th.