Where to Add Coolant for BMW 5 Series?
4 Answers
BMW 5 Series coolant adding method: After opening the car hood, there is a black reservoir on the left side of the engine. Open the reservoir cap to add coolant. The full name of coolant is antifreeze coolant, which has antifreeze function. The following is a detailed introduction to coolant: 1. Coolant can not only protect the engine cooling system and improve heat dissipation efficiency, but also enhance engine performance and extend its service life. 2. Coolant should generally be replaced once a year, while vehicles with shorter running times can replace it every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. 3. When adding coolant, the liquid level should be between the MAX and MIN marks. 4. Be careful not to mix different types of coolant. Due to different compositions, different types of coolant have different freezing points, so choose according to the temperature conditions of the vehicle's operating environment. Generally, the freezing point of the selected antifreeze should be 10-15°C lower than the local minimum temperature to prevent the antifreeze from losing its antifreeze function.
The coolant filler port of the BMW 5 Series is particularly easy to locate. It's positioned on the right side of the engine compartment, marked by a blue circular cap with a wave line and thermometer symbol printed on it. I usually wait until the engine has completely cooled down before proceeding. The blue cap is immediately visible upon opening the hood. Simply unscrew the cap and pour in the coolant—just remember to use BMW-specific blue coolant and avoid mixing it with other colors. During regular car washes, I take a quick glance at the coolant reservoir; the ideal level is between the two marked lines. If you notice the fluid level dropping too rapidly, it might indicate a leak, and you should promptly visit a repair shop to check the pipes. The maintenance manual recommends changing it every two years, but in practice, the schedule can be more flexible depending on usage.
I've been driving a 5 Series for six years and always top up the coolant myself. On the left side of the engine compartment near the windshield, that small blue cap is the coolant filler port. Two key points to note: first, always perform this when the engine is cold to prevent burns, and second, make sure to buy the correct type and never mix it with water. Once before a road trip, I noticed the coolant was low, so I just grabbed a bottle of the OEM coolant and poured it in as an emergency measure. When pouring, watch the level lines on the transparent reservoir—don't exceed the MAX mark. Veteran drivers recommend checking it every year before winter, especially in northern regions, as insufficient antifreeze concentration can lead to freezing in winter, which is a big problem.
The BMW coolant reservoir is highly visible, featuring a blue cap with a water temperature indicator, located on the driver's side of the engine bay. When adding coolant myself, I first turn off the engine and wait for half an hour, then use a cloth to pad while unscrewing the cap to prevent steam burns. Always use the OEM-specified blue coolant, as mixing different brands can easily clog the pipes. After each top-up, check if the plastic tube of the overflow tank has turned white or deformed—this part is particularly prone to aging and leakage. During maintenance, ask the technician to test the freezing point with a tester; anything above -35°C is acceptable. I perform a thorough deep maintenance on the entire cooling system every 30,000 kilometers.
