"check coolant level"

[mbouwer]

Hi Guys!

My 540 still giving me endless pleasure!

ok so the "check coolant level" message came on... OK... any suggestions of how much coolant would be needed?? And where do I throw it in?? as normal in the radiator or is there some other place I MIGHT not know of???

 

[rabdos]

If the "check coolant level" message come on, STOP immediately (not a kilometre away...) and check. If it is not a burst waterpipe, add coolant. Get your system pressure tested. This is not a message to take in your stride, if it is a burst waterpipe the temperature meter will not show the car overheats; and you will damage the engine beyond economical repair. Add coolant untill the (I think red) float meter is at the mark indicated on the inside of the plastic coolant container (part of the radiator assembly).

 

[Spy007]

check also the Expansion Tank, mine cracked, and I could not c any water leak. I stopped let it cool down and filled with water, 30km light on again. There is a DIY i did on forum if it is the expansion tank.

 

[calypso]

Check thats its not a bad sensor too, they dont last long.

 

[Technician]

Check thats its not a bad sensor too, they dont last long.

+1 my sensor broke also- replaced it and it was sorted.

 

[mbouwer]

Ok.... So I put in coolamnt.. All good.. Then last night "check coolant" comes on again... It is just worse now and somewhere a bit of coolant is leaking (at the top where u put it in)... I had the same issue with my 535i years back.. What is the chance it is the thermostat!? Now... Do u think I should drive the car to the mechanics or not!? In Bloem.. Maybe u guys know. Someone who can come out!?

---

It is a 2003 540i Steptronic.... Can I hook it behind my buddies car so that he can "tow" me in!?

 

[clutchplate]

sorry mbouwer, saw you tried to call me this morning, was still fast asleep .. lol

hmm, its probably just a small leak, I know there are some guys near engineparts that tests radiators and leaks and stuff, but I REALLY can't remember what the place is called.
just fill it up again and drive it to the mechanic ... bloem is really small. just check that the "bleed" screw is screwed in properly and that the water isn't coming out there...

remove that screw while re-filling the car to bleed all the air out, also like, refill the water when the car is cold... and give it a short while to settle all the air while the car is idle'ing before closing the cap tightly...

 

[powertune motorsport]

The tanks on the sides of the radiator core become very brittle over age and are very common to leak. Leave them long enough and they will burst. Yes it did happen to me and yes I did shit myself as i thought I done a head gasket in. Get the system pressure checked. as a rule I always replace the coolant every 2 years.

 

[Lev]

Mine comes on after I drive the car quite hard, but the temp gauge is at half.

When I check the level (after the car cools) its fine, could that be faulty sensor or a damaged expansion tank?

 

[mbouwer]

THanks for all the info guys! It was the little "holder" just behind (left side standing in front of car) that cracked near the top. Fixed it up for only a handful of bob!!