e46 318i f/l coolant top-up

[ryanhouston_e46]

Hi guys

The other day on my way home from work, with the heater on and doing 120-ish, my coolant level warning light illuminated. Checked the heat gauge and all seemed normal. So I switched the heater off and the light went off. switched the heater on again and the light returned.

My question is, could the light mean anything other than low coolant level and if it is low coolant level, what is the absolute correct procedure for topping up on this car. BTW I have NO experience with the cooling system of my car. :hammerhead:

Thanks in advance for any help/comments rendered.

 

[Sankekur]

The first thing to do would be to check the coolant level, this can be done by opening the expansion tank on the side of the radiator, there is a float in it that will show you the coolant level. This as also where you will add coolant to top up the coolant system. The mixture of the coolant should be 50/50 antifreeze (can get the BMW antifreeze from the dealers) and distilled water (can get at most hardware stores). If the engine is hot wait a hour or so before opening the expansion tank, and open in slowly. Also when closing the expansion tank be sure to close it properly.

The light might also possibly go on due to a faulty sensor, but I am not sure.

 

[shaunnorth]

what is the correct ratio for engin coolant/water

 

[Legacy]

50% BMW antifreeze and 50% distilled water

 

[shaunnorth]

any idea how much the bmw antifreeze cost now days some body told me i should put 100% antifreeze in ?

 

[Sankekur]

I think it is something R40 (maybe R46 or something) per litre, like a said before the BMW service manual says a one to one mixture of anti-freeze and distilled water.