What color coolant should be added to the BMW X1?
2 Answers
BMW X1 should be filled with green coolant. Coolant is a liquid containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and providing year-round protection against scale and corrosion. How to replace coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with special attention to the five-way hose. Coolant flows through the five-way hose and is then distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of coolant in this area, replace the hose 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 the reservoir to allow clean water to flow continuously through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. The water initially draining from the reservoir may appear slightly pinkish; continue adding clean water until the outflowing water is 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, add another bottle of coolant to the coolant reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. At this point, the coolant level will drop slightly as air is expelled from the cooling system. Add more coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
For the BMW X1, it's generally recommended to use blue coolant. As someone who has driven this model for several years, I know that the blue color signifies the original factory-recommended BASF Glysantin G48 specification, which contains specific additives to protect aluminum alloy components and prevent engine overheating or freeze corrosion. As an owner, I regularly check the coolant and replace it every two years. If the color isn't blue anymore, it's a sign that maintenance is needed. If you mistakenly use green or yellow coolant, mixing them might cause scaling or sedimentation, affecting the cooling efficiency, especially in northern winters where it can easily freeze. I often buy the specialized coolant from the 4S shop—one bottle can last tens of thousands of kilometers. It's not expensive but crucial. When topping it up yourself, unscrew the reservoir cap to check the level—don’t overfill or underfill, as low temperatures can cause issues.