New BMW Owner

[A_Studer]

Hi all,

My name is Andrew and I am so new to BMW's its pretty much laughable. At least; that's what I think ^^; 

I have an automatic 1.8 litre, 316i. I don't know much about BMW's, but I have been having a problem and I just had to find like-minded people who could lend a hand.

Basically the problem goes like this:

I had the coolant warning light show up on the dashboard; the one which looks like a swimming pool. So; I added Anti-Freeze + Coolant (1 Litre) and then I added some water. Now; I keep getting the coolant light illuminating on the dashboard almost every time I switch the car on. However, it is intermittent. After the car has been driving for a little while (10+ minutes) and/or warmed up - The light goes away. But it comes back every so often.

I have attached a picture showing what it looked like the other day. I'm not sure if this is normal, or if its a dangerous sign.

I can't really afford to have it serviced this week; but, would that help it?

I hear these cars have bulletproof engines; so that's why I bought one ^^

I have attached also a secondary picture showing the look of my 316i. I know you all probably know them; I just wanted to make sure ^^

I am brand new to this forum - So, any help, whatsoever; would be GREATLY appreciated :) 

Best Wishes,

Andrew

[Greydog]

Morning Andrew

Welcome to the Forum

The picture seems to show it is over filled plus not sure what the bits are, the coolant should be clean? 

First a litre+ is a lot of coolant so I would suspect a leak somewhere, the bits may well be where someone has added a leak stopper at some time. Have you noticed any drips/water under the car?

If the car is not overheating (temp gauge sits in the middle) either keep an eye on the level (Note only open and check the coolant when the engine is cold) then it should be OK until you get it serviced (assuming you can't or don't want to DIY) Coolant should be G48 or possibly BMW Blue.

A garage would pressure test the system to find any small leaks the warning light could be the level sensor at fault if the coolant level is OK

I hope this helps

Dave

[A_Studer]

Good morning Dave,

I haven't noticed any drips/water under the car; and the car is not overheating either. I am keeping an eye on the engine temp as I drive; just to make sure that if it does start getting hot, that I stop, and allow it time to cool down.

Thanks for your help. So, it's okay to drive until I can get it serviced? Provided I keep an eye on the coolant level?

[Greydog]

Hi Andrew

I would say yes, as you don't have any obvious leaks and the levels are OK just keep an eye on it

Dave

[A_Studer]

Okay. Thanks for your help Dave. I'll definitely keep an eye on it. I like my 316i a little too much now methinks 😄

[A_Studer]

Hello again,

Earlier this evening I experienced my 316i cut out as I pressed the accelerator pedal. There was literally no warning lights on the dashboard, etc. 

Any ideas? I don't really want to sell the car if I can help it 🙂

Please let me know what you guys think!

[Greydog]

Morning Andrew

You need the codes read a good Independent garage or BMW specialist will be cheaper than a BMW Dealer, without fault codes everyone is guessing.

A diagnostic scan will help a lot.

Dave

[X5smw]

Hi, did the car start up again ok as soon as it cut out? Was it running rough idle? 

[A_Studer]

It started up fine. It doesn't rough idle, which I find odd.