How to Replace Coolant in BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
BMW 5 Series coolant replacement procedure is as follows: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in all pipelines, with special attention to the five-way water pipe. The coolant is distributed to different parts of the car through this pipe to function. If there is any coolant leakage in this section, replace the water pipe or re-secure the connection as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continue adding water to ensure it flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water flowing out from the reservoir will be slightly pinkish. Continue adding clean water until the discharged water runs clear. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. Approximately one hour after draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose. Then, pour another container of coolant into the coolant reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the coolant level will drop. Add more coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
Last year, I changed the coolant for my BMW 5 Series by myself, and the process went quite smoothly. First, I parked the car in a shaded area for at least four hours to ensure the engine was completely cooled. Then, I opened the hood, wore gloves and goggles to avoid burns. I located the small drain plug at the bottom of the radiator, usually near the front, placed a bucket underneath, and unscrewed the plug. The old coolant slowly drained into the bucket, taking about fifteen minutes. After draining, if you want to flush the system, add water, run the engine for two minutes, and drain it again. For the new coolant, I bought the BMW-recommended specific type, mixed it 50/50 with water, and slowly poured it into the radiator opening using a funnel to prevent splashing. After filling, I started the car and let it idle for ten minutes to release air bubbles, then checked the fluid level and topped it up to the MAX line. The whole process took forty minutes, saving over two hundred dollars in repair costs. Coolant should be changed every two years to prevent engine freezing or overheating, making daily driving more worry-free. Note that old coolant is toxic—keep it away from children. I always store it in old containers and take it to a recycling center.
