[cstavaru]

Hi,

I got the low coolant level warning. Went to the dealer and bought some coolant thinking that I can top it off myself, which I did. But i don't understand the instructions on the coolant reservoir (and my manual is in German which I do not understand). I put coolant until the gauge exited a bit from the reservoir, that's how I translated the "instructions"...did I do ok or have I added too much ? Or too little ? Attached are the pics with the gauge after I put the cooland and with the instructions on the reservoir. Thanks !

[SpmnE9zero]

A better question is why are you low? Hmmm?

[scottp999]

I just got the low warning 2 weeks ago, while parked on an unlevel area. Then I got it again, when parked on a hill. I ordered the coolant from tisher, and it was only down a quart.

I guess that's not too bad for a car that runs this hot, after 26 months. I only have about 10600 miles. How many do you have on your 2009?

[cstavaru]

I have 14.000 miles...I supposed its normal for the level to lower, in hot weather its almost impossible for vapors not to escape, I suppose.

But I still need answers regarding the gauge level, is it right or not ?

[kptaylor]

If the coolant is cold, you're fine. You can have the gauge between the top of the opening and where yours is. That's how I understand the instructions.

Just got the same thing and filled mine up!

[rc'Z]

Ya done good! Leave it alone now and enjoy your ride.

[XPO186]

I had the low coolant light come on last night, and it was indeed low when I checked this morning.

Can someone post the pn for oem coolant... Or better yet can I top it off with some water wetter instead?

[mdxh99]

one the 2nd picture, you see how there are 2 circles on the bobbing gauge, just fill the coolant so that the gauge does not stick out beyond the bottom bigger circle

[TurboSid]

bmw will top it off for you or u can pickup coolant from them and add it yourself. Typically it'll take 1qrt.

[joec500]

Just use some Distilled water to top it off, it should be fine. MAKE SURE it's DISTILLED though, can be had at the grocery store for about a buck a gallon.

[HighVoltage]

If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank..

[joec500]

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank..

2nd....They are generally made of plastic and at least in Audis, prone to leak.

[Gumby_F80]

7000 miles

[XPO186]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

bmw will top it off for you or u can pickup coolant from them and add it yourself. Typically it'll take 1qrt.

Interesting... the implication then is that the low coolant warning does not come on until it is down 1qt?

Originally Posted by HighVoltage

If it becomes a persistent problem you should get someone to check your expansion tank..

+2

I just brought the car in for my 30k and no problems at all for the 1.5ish yrs I've had it. (knock on wood). No signs of leaks anywhere... I'm wondering if that much coolant is lost to vapor.