BMW Coolant

[bmwqc]

Is BMW coolant really superior to the other major brands of antifreeze on the market? And is it much more expensive?

[dalva]

Automotive coolant is basically Ethylene Glycol with some anti-rust additive, there is no reason why BMW should have a special coolant.
Of course, any BMW branded product will cost more, as for the reasons I may have a few sarcastic resons.

[Emre]

Is BMW coolant really superior to the other major brands of antifreeze on the market? And is it much more expensive?My understanding is that the BMW stuff is phosphate-free, therefore causing less corrosion to aluminum components (including the radiator core). I know that guys who used generic anti-freeze had profile gasket failures on the M42 engine much earlier than those who used BMW anti-freeze and flushed it regularly. So, I guess there is a difference between the BMW stuff and generic Prestone.

But I'm not convinced that any other brand of phosphate-free anti-freeze would be any worse. Personally, I do use the BMW stuff and I mix it 50:50 with de-ionized water. In the past, I've also tried adding some Redline Water Wetter, but I've never noticed a difference in my coolant temp even on the track in the middle of summer.

Emre

[wyze]

well i haven't used the bmw coolant, and i've already had to replace rads and am now having to replace the coolant/intake gasket

i didn't know that bmw made its own coolant, definately worth a try

[Andrei]

i didn't know that bmw made its own coolant, definately worth a try

It is not made by BMW but by a supplier for BMW and then branded BMW. You could find the same coolant elsewhere under its original name (I have no idea what it is).

[Nano]

....I've also tried adding some Redline Water Wetter, but I've never noticed a difference in my coolant temp even on the track in the middle of summer.

Emre

that's good to know, I was going to try that.

[wyze]

kk, alright

gonna have to find out who supplies it to bmw



It is not made by BMW but by a supplier for BMW and then branded BMW. You could find the same coolant elsewhere under its original name (I have no idea what it is).

[bmwqc]

Has anyone ever purchased BMW coolant from a BMW dealer and what do they charge for a 4 liter jug?

[Emre]

Has anyone ever purchased BMW coolant from a BMW dealer and what do they charge for a 4 liter jug?IIRC, it runs close to $50 per gallon. Quite expenive, actually.

Emre

[bmwqc]

Wow! That more than 3 x the price of the domestic stuff

[Emre]

Wow! That more than 3 x the price of the domestic stuffI was at Helmut's shop today and I noticed he has a box full of BMW antifreeze. I forgot to ask him the price. I'm, sure it's cheaper than through the dealers.

Emre

[bmwqc]

I just called Canbec - their price is $22.80 (plus taxes)