Opinion on changing coolant

Andrew517 · 09-16-2014, 08:21 AM

I planned to flush out the old coolant which I did that 3 years ago. I brought it up to the dealer upon the service schedule. However, the representative told me to leave it untouched if it is fine so far.
I have hesitation on his suggestion. Therefore, I would like to seek a second opinion in this forum. Does it really harm the system if I refresh the coolant.
Thank you!

Freon · 09-16-2014, 09:29 AM

I don't see how it would be harmful if done properly.

e36addict · 09-16-2014, 10:44 AM

I recommend it every 2 years with OE coolant....

Flot · 09-16-2014, 12:46 PM

Since the water pumps seem to have a problem with only lasting 4 years / 50k miles, seems like you could get by only changing the coolant when you do the pump - assuming that the coolant still "looks" good...

F80_M3llow · 09-16-2014, 06:56 PM

Just remove the lower hose that goes to the water pump and remove the petcock from the radiator. Refill with 50/50 mix perform the bleeding procedure and your done.

andnkuhn · 09-16-2014, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flot

Since the water pumps seem to have a problem with only lasting 4 years / 50k miles, seems like you could get by only changing the coolant when you do the pump - assuming that the coolant still "looks" good...

Hahah I laughed. (I also just replaced my water pump at 48k miles)

Miko226 · 09-16-2014, 08:14 PM

Change all fluids in half the time or less than what BMW insist. Lifetime fluids are supposably 100k fluids but i have changed or flushed them sooner as i plan to with transmission very soon.

inline sex · 09-16-2014, 09:03 PM

FWIW my SA recommended a flush every 4 years.
It's only $20/gal and super easy. I think he quoted me $270ish lol

Andrew517 · 09-17-2014, 02:34 AM

The coolant still looks good (light green), so I better to leave it at this moment. Right?

Flot · 09-17-2014, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miko226

Change all fluids in half the time or less than what BMW insist. Lifetime fluids are supposably 100k fluids but i have changed or flushed them sooner as i plan to with transmission very soon.

Miko, are you planning on taking your car somewhere for the transmission or DIY? I'm very interested in how this goes / what it costs you - I'm assuming you'll be replacing the pan and filter assembly.

I do agree that it makes sense to do the transmission sometime before 100k miles.

e36addict · 09-17-2014, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew517

The coolant still looks good (light green), so I better to leave it at this moment. Right?

Color of the coolant isn't exactly the way to judge it.. Yes, it can look bad with age but the chemicals still degrade over time while retaining a blueish color.

Miko226 · 09-17-2014, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flot

Miko, are you planning on taking your car somewhere for the transmission or DIY? I'm very interested in how this goes / what it costs you - I'm assuming you'll be replacing the pan and filter assembly.

I do agree that it makes sense to do the transmission sometime before 100k miles.

I'm am likely doing it with my more mechanically inclined friend and yes the pan and filter assembly i believe has to be replaced when changing fluid.

Im getting some rough shifts at times that is likely due to dirty tranny fluid

Miko226 · 09-17-2014, 11:45 AM

i believe the pan and oil come out to about the $200 range

Dackelone · 09-17-2014, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miko226

I'm am likely doing it with my more mechanically inclined friend and yes the pan and filter assembly i believe has to be replaced when changing fluid.

Im getting some rough shifts at times that is likely due to dirty tranny fluid

You can buy the ZF trans fluid and filter kits here...

http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=home

Miko226 · 09-17-2014, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

You can buy the ZF trans fluid and filter kits here...

http://www.thectsc.com/index.php?p=home

Thanks for that link. Best price i've come across

09-16-2014, 08:21 AM	#1
Andrew517 Private 7 Rep 61 Posts Drives: BMW135 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: HONG KONG iTrader: (0)	Opinion on changing coolant I planned to flush out the old coolant which I did that 3 years ago. I brought it up to the dealer upon the service schedule. However, the representative told me to leave it untouched if it is fine so far. I have hesitation on his suggestion. Therefore, I would like to seek a second opinion in this forum. Does it really harm the system if I refresh the coolant. Thank you!
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09-16-2014, 09:29 AM	#2
Freon Major 81 Rep 1,051 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (3)	I don't see how it would be harmful if done properly. __________________ 2009 BMW 135i 6MT Sport, AFE intake, Cobb AP, Apex 18x8.5+9.5, 255/275 PSS
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09-16-2014, 10:44 AM	#3
e36addict Captain 137 Rep 952 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 35iX Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Tim @ BMW of Dallas iTrader: (5)	I recommend it every 2 years with OE coolant.... __________________ 13 X1 35iX, 98 Z3 2.8, 01 M Coupe, 96 Z3 1.9 DASC, 95 318ti, 13 smart fortwo
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09-16-2014, 12:46 PM	#4
Flot Private 14 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: S Florida iTrader: (2)	Since the water pumps seem to have a problem with only lasting 4 years / 50k miles, seems like you could get by only changing the coolant when you do the pump - assuming that the coolant still "looks" good...
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09-16-2014, 06:56 PM	#5
F80_M3llow Lieutenant Colonel 201 Rep 1,714 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT iTrader: (14) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 135i [7.00]	Just remove the lower hose that goes to the water pump and remove the petcock from the radiator. Refill with 50/50 mix perform the bleeding procedure and your done.
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09-16-2014, 08:14 PM	#7
Miko226 Captain 61 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 11' 335d Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Boca Raton, FL iTrader: (0)	Change all fluids in half the time or less than what BMW insist. Lifetime fluids are supposably 100k fluids but i have changed or flushed them sooner as i plan to with transmission very soon. __________________ 11' m57 335d 165k Miles - JR 2, ATM Full Exhaust & Intake, Wagner FMIC, AAR Boost Pipe, AAR Swirl Delete, AAR EGR Delete 08' n54 135i FBO E85 - SOLD
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09-16-2014, 09:03 PM	#8
inline sex Private First Class 9 Rep 150 Posts Drives: SGM 135I 6MT Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	FWIW my SA recommended a flush every 4 years. It's only $20/gal and super easy. I think he quoted me $270ish lol
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09-17-2014, 02:34 AM	#9
Andrew517 Private 7 Rep 61 Posts Drives: BMW135 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: HONG KONG iTrader: (0)	The coolant still looks good (light green), so I better to leave it at this moment. Right?
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09-17-2014, 11:45 AM	#13
Miko226 Captain 61 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 11' 335d Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Boca Raton, FL iTrader: (0)	i believe the pan and oil come out to about the $200 range __________________ 11' m57 335d 165k Miles - JR 2, ATM Full Exhaust & Intake, Wagner FMIC, AAR Boost Pipe, AAR Swirl Delete, AAR EGR Delete 08' n54 135i FBO E85 - SOLD
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