Warning Signs Of Radiator/pump Failure?

[Eric S.]

Please forgive my newbie-ness coupled with just enough research to be dangerous, but I am currently living in fear of a catastrophic failure of my coolant system any day now in my virginal 105K-mile 1999 540i/6, based on the info postings/stories I've read here and at other sites.

I've had no trouble so far, and in fact have not seen any drop in coolant level since I initially topped off the radiator right after buying my car in October. I am on my original radiator and all hoses, and per service records, there's never been a problem with this system in my car. It's just that I've just read these bits about the radiator letting go in hi-mile 540's, or the water pump blowing up, and/or one or more heater hoses or radiator hoses going South in a manner requiring a tow to the nearest BMW shop.

I plan to do a total coolant replacement in the next two weeks while off from work, using genuine BMW coolant and distilled water, of course.

My question/requests:
1) Am I being too paranoid?
2) If not, are there any warning signs prior to should I watch for prior to catastrophic failure? Will I notice coolant disappearing first?
3) Should I go ahead and just pre-emptively replace everything?

[billB]

Originally posted by Eric S.@Dec 17 2004, 11:38 PM
Please forgive my newbie-ness coupled with just enough research to be dangerous, but I am currently living in fear of a catastrophic failure of my coolant system any day now in my virginal 105K-mile 1999 540i/6, based on the info postings/stories I've read here and at other sites.

I've had no trouble so far, and in fact have not seen any drop in coolant level since I initially topped off the radiator right after buying my car in October.* I am on my original radiator and all hoses, and per service records, there's never been a problem with this system in my car.* It's just that I've just read these bits about the radiator letting go in hi-mile 540's, or the water pump blowing up, and/or one or more heater hoses or radiator hoses going South in a manner requiring a tow to the nearest BMW shop.

I plan to do a total coolant replacement in the next two weeks while off from work, using genuine BMW coolant and distilled water, of course.

My question/requests:
1) Am I being too paranoid?
2) If not, are there any warning signs prior to should I watch for prior to catastrophic failure?* Will I notice coolant disappearing first?
3) Should I go ahead and just pre-emptively replace everything?

[snapback]253424[/snapback]

Hey Eric long time no see
Let me try to answer your 3 questions hoping many will disagree with me to your benefits:
1. yes you are. Sorry pal
2. yes for warning signs also. look at all hoses/clamps etc, feel them (when cold) I am sure you can tell by the way it looks/feels if it is going south!
3. No. If it is not broken don't.......fill in the blank.
billb

[d3ity]

Heres your warning sign.

If the temp guage goes over half...pull over, let the car cool, and get it to a mechanic in short order.

[rsn48]

IF you are paranoid, why do a radiator flush. Coolant that is old wrecks coolant systems. Rad flushes are cheap enough.

[Eric S.]

Originally posted by rsn48@Dec 18 2004, 05:41 PM
IF you are paranoid, why do a radiator flush. Coolant that is old wrecks coolant systems. Rad flushes are cheap enough.

[snapback]253884[/snapback]

I'm doing a coolant flush because I have an 11/98 build date car that requires the coolant to be changed every three years, and I don't think anyone's ever touched it on my car. Even if they DID flush it in late 2002, it wouldn't hurt to git at it again now...

Good tips, thanks guys!

Since I am symptomless right now, it sounds as though if a problem does come up there will be little warnings like mysterious leakage or temp needle climbing past 1/2-way. OK, I feel a little better now...