Check Cooland Level..

[ejb14]

Hello I have a '96 328i Sedan - I am constantly getting a 'check coolant level'. When I check, the coolant level doesn't seem to be low to me. Its always at the 'cold' marker. However, when I do 'top it off' with some water, I've noticed that it seems to make its way back down to the cold marker again.. Do I have a slow leak in my radiator or something? Thanks!

[blkongry]

You have a bleed off on the system that will release any extra coolant you have. It is set up so the coolant line should reside at the cold marker when cool... if you add more, it will simply bleed it off and reset. So, you should be fine with your coolant level, and it sounds like your sensor may be going bad... could be corrosion, heat fatigue, or just something gone awry in it.

[Jeron]

The sensor is about $25 at Pelican which is a good price. You will have to drain the reservior to swap the sensor and since you've been adding water you might want to just change the coolant. Pelican has a DIY article on it.

BMW coolant is $18 a gallon. Dont mix BMW coolant with any other coolant. Use distilled water.

[ejb14]

Thanks guys - much appreciated!