{"id":34516,"date":"2024-11-11T02:27:40","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T10:27:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?p=34516"},"modified":"2025-07-08T12:21:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:21:07","slug":"how-do-you-refill-the-coolant-in-a-bmw","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/how-do-you-refill-the-coolant-in-a-bmw\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Refill The Coolant In A BMW?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question:<\/strong> My BMW needs some more coolant, and I usually have this done at the mechanic when I get my car serviced, but there doesn\u2019t seem to be anything else going on with my car. I don\u2019t want to take the car in just to get more coolant. Is there a way I can top off the coolant myself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer:<\/strong> Coolant is a fluid used in your BMW\u2019s cooling system, primarily designed to transfer heat and protect the engine from damage caused by freezing or boiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a BMW, you will know that you have to add coolant when your coolant warning light comes on. According to BMW of Warwick, it can either be a warning message, on your dashboard or iDrive, that tells you to refill coolant or you will see an orange icon. The orange icon looks like a container with fluid in it, with a spout on the top right. Finally, if your engine is overheating, low coolant levels could also be a suspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to put coolant in BMW?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the 2023 BMW X3 manual, you should only work on the cooling system when the engine is cool because hot coolant can scald you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BMW coolant reservoir location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your engine compartment could have up to two coolant reservoirs, and they are located on either the right or left side of the engine compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check coolant levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Let the engine cool and open the hood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly counterclockwise to allow pressure to dissipate, then open it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Check if the coolant level is within required levels by making sure it\u2019s between the minimum and maximum marks in the filler neck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant to the specified filled level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Close the lid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The X3 manual also states that if you notice coolant loss, you should eliminate the cause as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What type of coolant to use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    BMW makes its own OEM coolant that\u2019s sold in a gray or white, one-gallon container. According to BMW parts dealer, Bimmers, they recommend using genuine BMW coolant because they have been made in close cooperation with BMW, and they say it\u2019s unlikely you would find a coolant that prevents damage to your engine\u2019s seals and metals like the official BMW coolant. The downside is that it will cost more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In your manual, you will find further recommendations on what to use. For example, in a 2023 BMW X3 manual, BMW recommends that you use a coolant with the BMW LC-18 specification and avoid mixing additives of different colors. Make sure to dilute to a 50:50 water to additive ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n