What brand of antifreeze is used in the BMW 5 Series?
4 Answers
There is no mandatory regulation on the brand of antifreeze, as long as the same brand is used. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. How to choose antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are the freezing point and boiling point. Market-available antifreeze comes in specifications such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C freezing points. Generally, it is advisable to choose one with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How to determine if antifreeze is low: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it may indicate low antifreeze levels, though it could also be due to excessively high engine temperature. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. Inspect the water level markings on the antifreeze tank. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If it is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of antifreeze.
I've been running an auto repair shop for over a decade, and BMW 5 Series owners frequently come in for coolant changes. The OEM coolant is a blue liquid with BMW's own branding, but it's actually manufactured by BASF in Germany under the model name G48. This coolant is specifically designed for BMW's high-temperature engines, with a boiling point exceeding 110°C. The most stocked item in my shop is this OEM version, though some owners bring Shell coolant that meets the G48 standard for replacement. The key is to look for the BMW LL-12 certification mark on the packaging, as mixing with off-brand products can corrode aluminum radiators. Last week, an F10-chassis 5 Series that used regular coolant ended up with corroded water pump connections that leaked. I recommend checking the freezing point and pH value every two years, and owners in southern regions can appropriately extend the replacement interval.
I've worked in the after-sales department at a BMW 4S store for six years, handling coolant replacements daily. The genuine BMW 5 Series coolant comes in light blue barrels with the BMW logo, sourced directly from the manufacturer. Essentially, its core formula is BASF's G48 technology. Some customers bring their own coolant to avoid 4S store prices, but we require it to meet BMW G48 certification standards, such as certified products from Shell or Würth. The new G30 5 Series is more particular about coolant than older models, requiring higher ethylene glycol content. Special attention must be paid to air bleeding during replacement to prevent electric water pump burnout. Mixing different colored coolants can cause gelling—last time, a customer mixed red coolant, and the entire cooling system got clogged.
I'm a third-generation auto parts dealer specializing in BMW parts wholesale. The wholesale price for genuine BMW coolant is around 35 yuan per liter, but it's just repackaged with labels—it's actually BASF G48 formula. We directly purchase bulk BASF G48 and repackage it ourselves, saving over 10 yuan. Shell OEM's G48-certified coolant is also very popular. Choose the blue-green color variant with a freezing point of -37°C. Note that the new G20 5 Series requires upgraded coolant marked with a star symbol on the packaging. Always keep test pens in stock to check pH levels before customers purchase. Warn against buying no-name brands online—one customer bought cheap coolant that corroded the heater core within six months.
