BMW has its own classification of coolants. But since most antifreeze manufacturers have agreed to use a generally accepted division depending on the composition, characteristics, and conditions of use (G11 - blue, G12, G12+, G12++ shades of red, G13 - yellow and orange), then any original antifreeze from the BMW line has its own in this classification analogue

The color of the original BMW antifreeze is a bluish tint, but most modern BMW engines (E, F, G series) are suitable for antifreeze of the generally accepted classification G12+ and G12++ (shades of red). But there are exceptions: for example, it is recommended to pour G13 (yellow and orange) into the “seven” in the F01 body. The same class of coolant is recommended for some later M-Power models (for example, M4 or M6). In this material we will talk about how to tell by external signs that it is time to change the antifreeze, what will happen if this is not done, under what conditions the coolant wears out faster and why, if you are not sure about the choice of fluid, it is better to turn to professionals.

BMW antifreeze replacement cost

Antifreeze replacement cost	2000 rub.

Coolant (antifreeze) service life

The coolant on BMW cars should be changed every 4 years (for M-series cars this period is reduced to 3 years). On some models, according to the manufacturer, antifreeze is (formally) filled for the entire service life of the car. But during repair work, according to technology, it is replaced with a new one. Also, before each winter season, the concentration of antifreeze should be checked.

Signs of antifreeze wear

With age, antifreeze loses its natural properties, and the amount of additives in it gradually decreases. Because of this, the coolant dissipates heat less well and corrosion of engine parts increases. Signs of aging can be judged if:

• Due to reduced heat transfer, the engine begins to overheat (indication on the instrument panel);
• Antifreeze has lost its original color (faded);
• The antifreeze has turned reddish-brown (signs of severe corrosion of engine parts);
• The antifreeze separates and flakes appear in it;
• The coolant begins to foam;
• The boiling point of the liquid decreases;
• The radiator fan operates more often.

If the coolant (antifreeze) is not replaced on time

If the situation is urgent and the engine requires repair, then the coolant should be replaced after all the work (it’s difficult to skip the replacement). And if we ignore replacing “just” worn-out antifreeze, then this threatens us:

• Constant overheating of the engine (severe overheating can lead to burnout of the cylinder block gasket, deformation of the cylinder head, etc.);
• Increased corrosion of engine parts (reduction of its service life);
• Increased wear and tear of the cooling system (the radiator fan operates more often).

What is coolant (antifreeze) used for?

Recently, almost all BMW engines have experienced an increase in operating temperature and thermal loads. In such conditions, the life expectancy of the engine is very dependent on uninterrupted cooling. It is provided by a forced fluid circulation system. The liquid in this system is antifreeze.

The cooling system is filled year-round with a mixture of water and antifreeze with an anti-corrosion additive from the VW/SEAT concern. This mixture prevents freezing and corrosion of the cooling system, salt deposits and, in addition, increases the boiling point of the coolant. In the circulation circuit, as a result of the expansion of the liquid when heated, increased pressure is created, which also contributes to an increase in the boiling point of the coolant. The pressure is limited by a valve located in the expansion tank cap, which opens at a pressure of 1.4 - 1.6 bar. For the engine cooling system to function flawlessly, a high boiling point of the coolant is required. If the boiling point is too low, vapor locks can form, causing poor engine cooling. Therefore, the cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze all year round.

It is necessary to use antifreeze G12 Plus (purple color, exact designation G 012 A8F) or another concentrate marked “in accordance with VW/SEAT-TL-VW-774-F”, for example, Glysantin-Alu-Protect-Premium/G30.

If the cooling system is filled with a mixture containing G12 antifreeze (red, exact designation G 012 A8D), then red G12 antifreeze or another concentrate marked “according to VW/AUDI-TL-VW-” can also be used to replenish the coolant level. 774-D", for example Glysantin-Alu-Protect/G30. Note: G12 purple can be mixed with G12 red.

Caution: Do not mix red G12 antifreeze with the older green G11 antifreeze, as this can cause severe engine damage. The coolant is brown (the result of mixing antifreeze G12 and G11), replace it immediately.

Note: If a liquid with an antifreeze additive of the wrong specification accidentally ends up in the cooling system, the system must be flushed. To do this, all liquid from the cooling system should be completely drained and the system filled with clean water. Leave the engine idling for two minutes. Drain the water again and blow out the system from the side of the expansion tank with compressed air to completely empty it. Close the drain plug and fill the cooling system with a mixture of water and G12-Plus antifreeze.

Attention: To replenish the cooling system (also in the warm season), only use a mixture of G12-Plus (purple) with soft, clean water. The proportion of antifreeze, also in summer, should not be lower than 40%. Therefore, when refilling the cooling system Antifreeze should always be added to water.

In our latitudes, the coolant should provide protection against freezing down to -25 °C, or even better - down to -35 °C. The proportion of antifreeze should not exceed 60% (antifreeze protection of the coolant down to -40 °C), otherwise the antifreeze protection and cooling effect of the liquid are reduced. Note: Depending on the equipment of the vehicle, the amount of coolant filled may differ slightly from the values ​​​​indicated in the table

Ratio of coolant components in liters

In recent years, owners of not only high-mileage cars, but also relatively new cars have been faced with the problem of coolant leakage from the system. Increased antifreeze consumption is observed on discontinued BMW models: E46 (3 Series), E31 Gran Turismo (8 Series), E38 and E39 (5 ​​Series). And if in used cars this problem is explained by high wear and tear, then a fluid leak in the modern version of the F10 clearly indicates that someone at BMW is getting their money in vain.

Why does the cooling system break down on a BMW?

A sensor on the dashboard warns about increased consumption of antifreeze in a BMW car, which can turn off after the engine warms up or tops up. Other signs of a fluid leak from the cooling system are:

• The car leaves wet spots on the road or in the garage.
• White smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe.
• When starting or stopping the engine, “gurgling” sounds are heard.
• There is a smell of antifreeze in the car interior.
• The engine oil level in the crankcase has increased.

Upon careful inspection, fresh stains can be found on the engine block, which should be cleaned periodically. Traces of coolant are also found at the junctions of pipes and hoses.

Causes of coolant leaks

Coolant consumption on BMW cars is due to depressurization of the system. The most common causes of antifreeze leaks for the models mentioned in the article are as follows:

E46 - defective plug and cracks in the expansion tank.

E31 with M60 engine - rapid wear of the pump shaft oil seal.

E38 and E39 with M62 engines - incorrect operation of the programmable thermostat.

F10 - depressurization of the radiator at the junction of the aluminum heat exchanger and plastic tanks.

Also, antifreeze sometimes leaks through a broken cylinder head gasket. Depending on the location of the destruction, the coolant may enter the outer surface of the engine, into the oil channel and into the combustion chamber. Which is not good in any case.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

Finding an antifreeze leak is not an easy task. Diagnostics of the cooling system is carried out in different ways - the methods used largely depend on the level of equipment of the car service center (or garage). It is recommended to start by checking the joints of pipes, hoses, and sealing gaskets by wiping them with a clean cloth. There are traces of antifreeze left on it - you shouldn’t be afraid of that.

You can also diagnose a breakdown by adding a coloring pigment, visible in UV rays, to the coolant, followed by pressing the system. A leak of working fluid is detected when the engine compartment is illuminated with a special lamp.

The last method is the most effective - when using it, you do not have to spend a lot of time monitoring the condition of the car.

• Repair of the cooling system in the vast majority of cases involves the replacement of defective parts and assemblies:
• Expansion tank and plug when cracks are detected.
• Coolant pump and sealing gasket.
• Programmable thermostat (with or without ECU flashing).
• Cylinder head gaskets with preliminary dismantling.
• Main radiator, heat exchanger and interior heater valve.

During troubleshooting, it is recommended to install new hoses and pipes and fill the system with fresh antifreeze.

In BMW cars, you should only use coolants recommended by the manufacturer. Ignoring the manufacturer's requirements can lead to serious damage and denial of warranty repair of the machine.

It is the main component that we use in vehicle maintenance. After all, in its absence, stable operation of its engine is not possible. In Soviet times, car enthusiasts used antifreeze, which was intended for the domestic automobile industry. These days, there are a huge number of foreign cars driving on the streets, and for each model there is a specific antifreeze.

With prolonged use for BMWs, it gradually loses its qualities: protection of the engine system from overheating and the cooling system from corrosion becomes minimal. Therefore, experts recommend replacing it after 60-80 thousand kilometers. However, a small number of car enthusiasts adhere to this rule, which leads to a decrease in engine performance.

In order to make antifreeze yourself, you will need the following items:

a spanner wrench, a hydraulic lift, a small amount of water, a container for waste coolant, and an O-ring for the drain plug located on the cylinder block.

If you make a replacement at a service station, please note that some specialists fill the barrel 50% with new fluid; this is incorrect and can harm your car. Therefore, try to fill the barrel almost completely.

When replacing antifreeze for BMW, the following requirements must be met:

1. do not mix coolants intended for different models, as this will subsequently lead to catastrophic consequences;
2. it is forbidden to open the barrel cap if the engine is hot, you need to wait until it cools down and only then fill in the liquid;
3. replacement must occur in the exact sequence indicated in the instructions for the coolant;
4. Antifreeze is a very dangerous substance for human health, so it is necessary to prevent its contact with human skin. Otherwise, rinse the affected areas with plenty of water and bandage with a sterile bandage.

So, if you have replaced the antifreeze, the only unresolved question remains: what to do with the used fluid? Under no circumstances should you pour it onto the ground or into the sewer, but contact a special service that deals with the disposal of harmful substances.