BMW adding coolant - low coolant warning light by froggy

[@1947froggy]

The reservoir is not supposed to be pressurized in a "perfect world" where ever car operates correctly for it's entire service life. Common problems will cause pressure in the reservoir, see my reply to ThatMontmorency, whose world is perfect, very happy for him. :)

[@Sparklebaby2.0]

froggy thank you, this video helped a ton, didn't know what I was doing... One question, I just need to top coolant off, do I mix w/ water or don't mix? thanks

[@1947froggy]

@@Sparklebaby2.0 If the coolant is PRE MIX no, if it's 100% coolant then mix with distilled h2o

[@Sparklebaby2.0]

got it, thanks a million ✨

[@hotcarryy3496]

10 years later and this video was exactly what I needed. I hope all is well with you after all these years, I really do appreciate the video!!

[@allenhernandez8011]

Me today haha

[@cameronredd6972]

Me today lmao😊

[@No_one644]

Me today lol

[@boscoe228]

Me now lol😂

[@himnomonster]

Me rn 🌚

[@LifeCoachJesse]

Thank you for this video you uploaded over a decade ago. Today I watched this video 10.23.2023 for my bmw 650i. I appreciate it. God bless to anyone reading this. 🙏🏻💯

[@Tury2801]

thank you, 12 years later and your video helped me a lot!!

[@1947froggy]

For Bill Flynn, if you see any seepage/leakage around the cap it's time to replace. That means the cap is not holding the pressure it is supposed to. Also clean the cap when you remove it. There can be a buildup of solids at the point where the rubber seal meets the metal/plastic neck of the radiator & it could leak there. I also put a LITTLE silicone paste on the threads so it screws on/off easier.

[@lonexelaa]

The fact that this has over 1m views 😭😭 who’s here in 2023-24

[@1947froggy]

It's my most viewed video & a really basic beginner attempt, go figure.

[@h.l.4723]

Just did my e92 hahaha

[@98770]

also, If BMW coolant is not available there are suitable alternatives. Pentosin NF which is BMW's original supplier in Europe now readily available at many parts stores or recently Beck/Arnley's euro concentrate. both of these coolants are made in Germany.

[@coquettish81]

Thank you. It was super easy I thought I needed a man to do it 😭

[@diablo09121972]

I followed your video to help add coolant to my BMW. All l got left to say is thanks for your video instructions.

[@Kovar99YT]

12 years later and i needed this video ty !!

[@jonphillips416]

"Ooo mouth wash, dont mind if i do!" - last words ever

[@swtx518]

😂😂😂😂

[@diablo09121972]

Lol

[@marleneharveymscelegance]

First of all Froggy I hope you are doing fantastic. I have been learning all I can about my 06 BMW and it’s maintenance because I can’t afford mechanic right now and my husband has feet for hands😉. This video is just what I needed simple and clear. Looking how to add brake fluids next! Thank you so much sir

[@1947froggy]

Marlene, mostly you NEVER add brake fluid. Reason is if you had a leak (danger!) you'd never know because you keep "topping off" brake fluid. When a brake service is done the fluid in the reservoir is set to full. Then it may drop a little over time until the next service. If it drops a LOT you have a problem and get it fixed. :)

[@Jersk]

Thumbs up to Froggy. Topping up my '02 330Ci convertible this afternoon. After reading all comments on temperature sending unit problems I figured I had that scenario but hopefully topping up coolant at very bottom of range will work. Light would go off after 15 minutes of driving. Thanks a gallon!

[@98770]

antifreeze all have the same base, ethylene glycol except that the additives are different. BMW coolant is an HOAT coolant that is also used by the other European makes as well.

[@carlosespinozajr1208]

Best video ever !! Wish they where all straight to the point like this !

[@jamesoverby7961]

Thanks a bunch. Your video was exactly what I needed.👍🏽

[@kingfatiusiii4744]

Just used your insight to find the coolant reservoir on my 2007 328xi, thanks so much! 1/22/24!

[@JustioGaming]

Thanks, this is helpful. I appreciate it very much. Saw a engine overheating/too hot icon & I checked the coolant & it was empty.

[@1947froggy]

Glad to help :)

[@1985safraz]

Make sure it's the blue antifreeze and please please be sure it's premixed 50/50

[@helengibson5197]

Hi I had no idea what the warning light meant. I looked through lots of symbols to try and find it. I wasn’t having much luck until I came across this video. Thankyou all the way from the Isle of Man

[@1947froggy]

Wow long reach out, welcome ;)

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

another reason for checking it cold, is when the engine is cold, the reservoir SUCKS back the water in the system, raising the float, if your top-up with a hot engine the level WILL be LOWER and you will then be overfilling it

[@1947froggy]

You will be reducing the freeze protection by adding just water. Might come back to haunt you next winter if you live in a cold (freezing) climate. Also the proper coolant has additives that lubricate the water pump and protect from corrosion in the cooling system. :)

[@dustymanjuiice4445]

11 year almost 12 still helping out thanks

[@ll2300]

Thank you very much for showing everyone the how to. I just got the low coolant warning light and this is extremely helpful! Much appreciated! =D

[@1947froggy]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@jayc5764]

You still need to add more the float on my 2009 328xi comes up a lot higher than that. Could be why your light comes on or you could have a leakage. Common spot is on the radiator.

[@1947froggy]

These days they sell antifreeze that is already 50/50 or antifreeze that is 100%. If you buy the 100% then cut it with 50% distilled water. If you buy 50/50 then just pour it in. If you just add a little 100% without the distilled water, it won't hurt anything, but you NEVER want to run 100% antifreeze. :) You can test the concentration also with a tool.

[@98770]

if BMW coolant is not available you can use Pentosin NF same as BMW coolant and it is actually a supplier to BMW in Europe.

[@dktherealist4777]

Thank you first time having problem making sure do it right

[@jawill220]

This video was very helpful for me this morning after all this time. Thanks for sharing!

[@1947froggy]

Why do you prefer the premix? Where I live it's about the same price as 100% antifreeze so you are basically paying double the price to have the manufacturer dilute the mix with water (I do recommend distilled, but that's about a buck a gallon). Also you "may" prefer to run some mix other than 50/50. Some of the guys I track with use 25% coolant, 75% distilled, & a dash of water wetter. It cools better than 50/50, but that's a little advanced for this channel. Thanks for the post!

[@Conejito775]

Did you check the upper and lower(temp sensor) hoses.. Also check underneath where the radiator sit. All those places are places where you might have a leak. If you need to add more coolant anytime then you will have a leak on one of those. I did and I had to replace my radiator.

[@1947froggy]

Conejito775 It was the cheap crappy heater core. BMW reliability sucks.

[@eleanoronaele]

thanks froggy i don’t understand my car but this helped a lot

[@1947froggy]

For Alex, you should use distilled water mixed 50/50 with correct coolant. Straight water will DILUTE the mix & you will take a chance of the mixture freezing & it will not protect the cooling passages from corrosion. :)

[@1947froggy]

That's fine, in case of emergency. I had a cooling system leak decades ago on a ski trip in New England. Got home by adding melted snow from the sides of the road!

[@lovedeathdisco]

⁠​⁠@@1947froggythat's some new england thinking hahaha thanks for this helpful vid 🙌🏼

[@PiraRajadurai]

You probably don't want to mix water with your anti freeze If you live in cold area (Canada) where the temperature goes below 0 degree Celsius. Thanks Jaimee for your video. This helped me to confirm the location of the antifreeze tank.

[@1947froggy]

Even in freezing cold locations, you would never run straight anti freeze, please verify with YOUR LOCAL dealer. :)

[@willyt7241]

Pira Rajadurai The coolant is actually more effective when mied to a 50/50 ratio. 100% coolant is NOT as effective.

[@jeremygoddard6752]

@@1947froggythose OFTEN come “ready to use for any vehicle” especially the yellow prestone ones most come ready and sat “DONT ADD WATER” my mini (with bmw engine) ran ready to go antifreeze+coolant ready to go in container without adding water

[@sherettareed8459]

Thank you so much for this video!! Very easy & simple!!

[@1947froggy]

welcome:)

[@m.rahman5225]

Thanks for this amazing video! You just saved me a lot of money and stress. May God bless you!

[@1947froggy]

Welcome!

[@jasonpittmon2036]

Finally a video that I didn't take 40 minutes to explain what to do

[@1947froggy]

Haha, some of my others ARE longer. Try to show how to do a brake job in 3 minutes. Thanks for viewing! :)

[@handle-e5u]

Exactly what I was looking for lol

[@superbug1977]

Good video. Thank you. I just use 50/50 whatever. I've also been using regular fuel (not premium or mid-grade). My 2011 BMW 328i X-Drive seems to prefer the lower grade fuel, and it is smoother from zero to 30 than it once was. Of course, this could be related to any number of things. Again, good video.

[@hubcityprince310]

Fuuuck🤣😭. Do u still have her ?

[@TVTara]

Thanks, froggy! This was very helpful!!!

[@1947froggy]

TVTara My pleasure pretty lady!

[@queteacher]

Thanks Froggy. This video was right on time.

[@1947froggy]

+Queteacher Que Thanks Queteacher Que

[@MOBROOKS]

Thank you for pointing out the o-rings.

[@Sparklebaby2.0]

thank you @froggy , this video helped a ton, didn't know what I was doing... One question, I just need to top coolant off, do I mix w/ water or don't mix? thanks

[@eljjtp]

Thank you Froggy. Very helpful for people like me who know little how these things work,

[@1947froggy]

Very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@AjaksBeats]

BMWs are just complicated for everyone man 😂

[@1947froggy]

No, when you top off at the overflow tank, you do not need to bleed. On most cars you can even open the radiator cap and not bleed. A bleed is done when you drain coolant and "some" coolant comes out of the block or other coolant passages and then air gets into those passages. The air can get trapped and cause coolant FLOW problems. Bleeding gets the trapped air out. Next time I change coolant (drain) I'll do a bleed video. There are a couple of tricks but it's not hard. :)

[@OceanJackson40]

Thanks, This vid was helpful and would you recommend using Prestone in place of BMW antifreeze if you're not close to a dealership?

[@1947froggy]

+Blkhorse1 I would only recommend the (blue color) BMW coolant. Never mix coolants. :)

[@tannerduncan1592]

Thank you for this video. I experienced a low coolant light this morning and need to top off. How common is it to have to top off the coolant? Does this mean there is a bigger problem with the cooling system, or just apart of maintenance. Thanks again.

[@1947froggy]

If it's a small amount once/twice a year then that's normal. If it's monthly or more and/or a large amount it's leaking. :)

[@philmjwacu2299]

Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.

[@1947froggy]

For Bill Flynn, if you are just topping off, no you don't have to do that. For a full coolant replacement, yes.

[@Mike0in0Texas]

Thanks for video. I added the coolant. It's a 2007. 328i. Just not sure why I need coolant. I do not see any leaks. It's has 116k. Last time I changed our coolant was at 60k. Maybe just normal.

[@1947froggy]

If you only added a few ounces it's normal. A leak means you would be adding quarts.

[@Vin-Revenue-Pro]

Thanks for the help. Could using regular antifreeze cause the car to not start?

[@1947froggy]

Very unlikely.

[@Vin-Revenue-Pro]

@@1947froggy Strange, I just added coolant (antifreeze) went to start the car and now it won’t turn over. What are your thoughts? I feel terrible it’s my sons car 😳 What would you do next? BTW I really appreciate the response 👊🏻

[@1947froggy]

@@Vin-Revenue-Pro You are not giving me much to go by. What sound does it make when you turn key/press start button. If nothing, ck the fob/replace fob battery

[@latoryanettles451]

Thanks. Now I can add my coolant.

[@1947froggy]

Suggest bmw brand 50/50 premix

[@UrbanPugilist]

Is it necessary to dilute the coolant to the 50/50 mixture?

[@Adelocity]

So you should top off the overflow tank when the car is turned off right?

[@1947froggy]

yes.

[@1947froggy]

That is a LOT of coolant to add if the car has no leaks. If you add that much you also need to do a bleed procedure. :) I would also be looking MORE for a leak.

[@selfclose9341]

I'm on go go

[@111kingy1111]

You the man froggy!!

[@MIMI-MINE]

Thank you! Other video(s) did not show where you have to mix it so very helpful.

[@1947froggy]

Welcome!

[@mangoKush12]

thx 4 the upload but shouldnt mix with DISTILLED water?? I heard regular water contains minerals and it could cause internal parts to rust

[@1947froggy]

Thanks, I do have a small leak & was just topping off until I have time to fix the leak. :)

[@aprilbramlett1610]

Thank you for doing the video it really helped me a lot.

[@1947froggy]

Welcome pretty lady. :)

[@Dantachi]

Thx boss 11 years later lol

[@joelane4670]

Perhaps that stick is inside my tank still...lol...Yeah I've seen plenty of videos on this car..Thanks again..Cheers!!!

[@1947froggy]

Thanks for viewing. :)

[@mindsetcoachingwithgenelle]

Do you have a float stick in your coolant reservoir? My 2006 535 xi is missing it

[@1947froggy]

Yes a short one does not come out, use a flashlight, yours might be way down low.

[@PublicDudeBaby]

Perfect thank you!

[@gecko4310]

Thanks Froggy. Isn’t the float supposed to extent beyond the top lip?

[@1947froggy]

You could add a little more yes & make the float higher. :)

[@gecko4310]

Thanks Froggy. How often do you need to top off and how often? I want to see what is considered “normal” coolant loss

[@1947froggy]

@@gecko4310 Well on a brand new car with no issues it should be almost zero loss. Going by my vehicles 2004 & 2013 vette zero, 2002 suburban maybe a few oz every 6 months (known leak near stat) 2015 merc zero.

[@KendallByrd]

Thanks Froggy

[@andrewblackman1801]

Nice how you didn't disclose where you can get that Blue BMW Coolant

[@1947froggy]

Not available to the public. Seriously? You want me to plug the BMW dealer? Come on dude.

[@deeannaroot8982]

Thanks Froggy!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@1947froggy]

Welcome!

[@georgiagoult4415]

Thank you for this!

[@Kikibfancy]

Thank u, this video was very useful

[@1947froggy]

thanks kiki!

[@bobbyliu6891]

First of all, thank you Froggy for sharing information. I am a first time owner of a 535i BMW. This is the first time that the low coolant warning light went on. My question is, is it common to refill the coolant on BMW or do I need to get it check?

[@1947froggy]

It is common if the amount added is small and if it is not too frequent. If you need to add 1/2 gallon every month (for example) it's bad & get it checked.

[@bobbyliu6891]

I brought it into the BMW dealer and they'd checked and refilled the coolant for free. Thank you :)

[@1947froggy]

OK, I would suggest you check it yourself if you can, don't just rely on the dash light. Also look under the car for leaks every so often. Do not confuse with the A/C condensation drips which are normal.

[@1947froggy]

If you add straight coolant to top off that's ok you are esentially raising the freeze temp, but don't fill the whole system with 100% coolant as it's won't function correctly for cooling. If you add premix it already has water in it.

[@bilalahmed2123]

Often times, my BMW Mechanic has to top the coolant off at every oil change (every 5000km-7500km). This has been with every bmw I have owned.

[@1947froggy]

I would not worry much, if the amount is maybe a qt or so, A pressure test might show a serious leak if there is one. But my cars with high mileage also need a top off once in a while. Thanks for viewing!

[@yvanreich9648]

Hi...is it essential to have 50/50 water mix?? Or can I fill it completely with the antifreeze??

[@1947froggy]

Close to 50/50 not straight antifreeze. Some stores sell 50/50 pre mixed. Go shop.

[@Solja88]

Thanks for this video, my BMW warning message is that engine is too hot , not low coolant. Should I just take it to the garage.

[@1947froggy]

Yes immediately many things can go wrong with BMW cooling systems

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

can't make out, due to the video, but the float looks lower than what the diagrame says it should be

[@LxkknTV]

I’ve replaced my radiator that had a leak and got a new one 328xi ‘07 no more leaks but coolant light still comes on any information? Checked the antifreeze and it’s at the top I didn’t “bleed it or whatever that is after the radiator change ? Is that what I have to do to stop getting the coolant light on the dashboard ?

[@1947froggy]

Well it has to be a sensor but I don't know where it is, look around the coolant reservoir for a wired bit. :) Look near BOTTOM

[@LxkknTV]

@@1947froggy thanks ❤️‍🔥

[@shrov1811]

Thanks a lot,yea i phone BMW and gave all the details,they said it can be used :) thanks again :)

[@adassaslovesite6037]

Thank you for your video!! It helps a lot and you have saved us a huge amount of money.

[@raykang957]

Your car just looks like mine :D Thanks for the video!

[@1947froggy]

:)

[@venomtang]

Thanks Froggy!

[@1947froggy]

No problem! :)

[@christiant2134]

I can’t see the floater anymore. Does that mean that it is just way too low?

[@1947froggy]

Probably, use a flashlight.

[@hdidane00]

anyone knoes what other brand coolant is recommended besides the BMW brand that is of equal or superior quality?

[@mainguy29]

I just now seen this comment but here is a good brand called Pento -frost NF-

[@tiffy1103]

Hi is it the pentftost nf blue or pink?

[@ultraegovegeta5401]

Tiffany Rubalcaba blue

[@tiffy1103]

William Berroa thank you!

[@SuperCR45]

Nothing I wouldn’t risk it lucky for my i have a indie shop that sells BMW coolant

[@rexmonte1683]

Did you use tap water for the mix?

[@1947froggy]

I use distilled.

[@mohamedmkosman8585]

Can I add coolant, while the level of the coolant gauge is medium?? ( no warning light ) , Or I have to wait till the warning light comes on??

[@1947froggy]

You can "top it off", yes. If you are doing it often, you have a leak.

[@joelane4670]

Just wondering how long that stick is? But I should be good. Thanks for your help..

[@1947froggy]

It's about 2 inches, there are lots of pictures or find another bmw and look. Not a rare car. :)

[@sharanjeetkaur9788]

great job. thanks froggy for your help.

[@It_is_showtime621]

Hey bro quick question My car is parked on the street and its been really hot but the light for the coolant hasnt turn on yet I wanna to add antifreezer for my bmw , When its cold and not hot like youre saying, Should I do it every other month? Or only when the car tells me

[@1947froggy]

Don't OVERFILL. Don't wait for the light, use the little float "dipstick".

[@It_is_showtime621]

froggy got you thankss !!

[@himbazamaurice7031]

Does this work for a bmw 116i 2009 msport? Or i have to bleed it after?

[@1947froggy]

I would really recommend sourcing an owner's manual & see what it says.

[@edwardmoreno6865]

Hey, my low coolant light just came on today on an 06 325i, bmw brank is $25 and a pre mix Peak is $17. You think one gallon of pre mix should be enough, or should I get the original BMW brand and buy distilled water?

[@1947froggy]

Buy the oem & mix with distilled IMO.

[@1947froggy]

Depends on how much distilled water you need to add, but for small amounts, yes. :)

[@alibakr6176]

Do I have to empty the tank first? Or can I just add more coolant on top of it? I'm asking this because I'm doing yourself and don't really have equipment

[@1947froggy]

No need to empty tank, just add fluid. The full coolant amount should be changed per the schedule in your owners manual. That is a DIFFERENT procedure. :)

[@juhvenchy]

How much water should you mix with it?

[@1947froggy]

None if it premixed 50/50 if 100 % coolant read the bottle.

[@janaybaker8734]

Thank you!

[@KharieTheangelwhosin]

Thank you so much i never knew what that mean and today my car was a bit smoky just to find out i had very very low to no coolant

[@1947froggy]

Please learn more about maintenance on the car. :)

[@KPBigBoss]

So, what you did was mix the BMW coolant antifreeze with distilled water 50/50? @froggy

[@1947froggy]

yes because the coolant I BOUGHT was 100% undiluted.

[@KPBigBoss]

froggy do you shake it? or do you just pour them in 50/50?

[@1947froggy]

A little shake is ok, but they mix just fine. :)

[@lesliefierling4756]

Is it necessary to dilute coolant with 50% water or any amount of water?

[@1947froggy]

You MUST determine if the coolant already has water in it (ready to use) or not. If NOT (pure antifreeze liquid) add 50% DISTILLED water.

[@sandyallen4398]

I have a universal 50/50 that says it's compatible with all makes and models. Can I use it just to top off this once until I'm able to purchase the BMW brand?

[@1947froggy]

I wish you would not, it might work but for sure the chemistry's are different. I know it's less expensive than the dealer bmw stuff, but in this case I'd spend the $$$. You could change out the whole coolant to a compatible good aftermarket brand and going forward be done with the dealer.

[@ImBlackIvy]

Question , why you add water with the coolant ?

[@1947froggy]

Steven Sharpe To make a 50%/50% mixture.

[@islesbelarus]

Can I just add distilled water (will remember exact amount) and once my BMW 100% concentration coolant arrives in 5-10 days I'll just add the same amount of coolant (unmixed)? Thank you, Froggy, for informative video!

[@karlstokes874]

Yes you can. But be aware that if you add just water to top up the reservoir, you are technically diluting the antifreeze in the system. You'll be fine doing this, providing you dont live somewhere where it gets really cold (well below freezing point) Hope this helps?