Topping Off Coolant

[tg_mkv]

Hey Guys, got a low coolant notification the other day and wanted to double check what the procedure is for topping it off. I see in the manual that we just top off the reservoir and cap it, but the actually coolant bottle from BMW specifies to run the engine with the coolant cap off until it warms up. Can anyone please confirm the correct process?

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[Evolution]

I topped mine off when the engine was cold and not running.

 

[Rocksandblues]

just top it off

 

[Supra_UK_]

Hey Guys, got a low coolant notification the other day and wanted to double check what the procedure is for topping it off. I see in the manual that we just top off the reservoir and cap it, but the actually coolant bottle from BMW specifies to run the engine with the coolant cap off until it warms up. Can anyone please confirm the correct process?

That's strange - I never heard of that process before.
I just go with the 'MAX' level in the larger reservoir of the two, but always with the car totally cold.

 

[mortavious]

Recently happened to me ~20k miles on a 2021. Added about a cup of distilled water while the engine was cold.

 

[skyviper80]

That's strange - I never heard of that process before.
I just go with the 'MAX' level in the larger reservoir of the two, but always with the car totally cold.

The car has a lower cooling and an upper cooling system. Make sure to fill each as needed to prevent over heating. They are two independent cooling systems and reservoirs.

 

[SavagePassenger]

I had that happen recently and got some of the BMW HT-12 coolant. I noticed that step on the bottle too, but from everything I could find that's not necessary for topping off. i'm guessing that might be needed if you are refilling the whole system after flushing it. I went ahead and mixed it 50/50 with deionized/purified water and topped off to just under the max level when the car was cold.

 

[razorlab]

It's topping off coolant people. Not rocket science. Let's talk about oil.

 

[D3ad_Hand]

It's topping off coolant people. Not rocket science. Let's talk about oil.

What is the procedure to topping off oil?

 

[J29DB03]

It's topping off coolant people. Not rocket science. Let's talk about oil.

But we’re not finished talking about manual vs automatic yet…

 

[jchadwell]

I just put my oil in that tub thing with a screw on cap. Am I doing it wrong? I’m using 30 weight from Tractor Supply. That’s good, right?

 

[tg_mkv]

I had that happen recently and got some of the BMW HT-12 coolant. I noticed that step on the bottle too, but from everything I could find that's not necessary for topping off. i'm guessing that might be needed if you are refilling the whole system after flushing it. I went ahead and mixed it 50/50 with deionized/purified water and topped off to just under the max level when the car was cold.

Okay great, that's what I was confused about. Topped it up exactly the same and so far so good

I'm a little convinced my cap might be bad (which is apparently a common issue) as there's quite a bit of dried up residue on the threads.

 

[Daemon]

It's topping off coolant people. Not rocket science. Let's talk about oil.

What's the best brand? I've been using Pompeian but want to switch it up

 

[FuzzyRev]

What's the best brand? I've been using Pompeian but want to switch it up

 

[razorlab]

Finally, truth in advertising!

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