Massive Coolant leak-2001 540i

[The D]

Yesterday I was passing someone and got the engine revs way up while doing so. After coming to a stop light I noticed steam and smelled coolant. I went to accelerate and the traction control came on as I drove away! After that everything seemed fine and I went home so I thought maybe coolant went through an overflow of some kind?

The next day I drove it and it steamed again and the temp went to redline, then back down again, then redline, etc. It then stayed at redline and I pulled over. Eventually limped home and about 6 blocks from home I drove it on redline (I know-stupid to do)!

The leak appears to be coming from near the transmission fluid lines, underneath the car towards the drivers side. Any ideas what I am up against here? Thanks for any help you can give.

[witeshark]

That could be a leak associated with the heater core.

[The D]

I was thinking the same thing. There is the hose that runs right through there to the heater core I think?

[witeshark]

Have a look at realoem.com

[The D]

I'll give that site a look. I just hope I didn't fry the engine!

[marti5]

I would be looking more at the radiator where the trans line connect to....

[The D]

There does appear to be some dried up coolant in that area. But when I popped the hood during the overheat, it did appear that most of the steam was coming from the area of the firewall, in front of the drivers side. But when I looked in there yesterday, I did not see any obvious sign of a problem there at all. Not sure what the heck is going on but at this point I'm bringing it in. If it was something I could see, then fine, I can probably handle it. But I can't find anything that sticks out as being the problem. Sucks!