[boafriend]

Has anyone else had reoccuring issues with their coolant warning? I have read that the coolant tank is a pain point with BMWs, especially with the F30.

My coolant tank leaked earlier this year in June and I had it completely replaced at a private auto shop that I go to. Problem solved.

In September, I started having false warnings for a low coolant. I say false because there were no signs of a leak or any type of overheating. The coolant level was also at max. I had the coolant tank replaced again (for free) since it was surmised that the coolant sensor could be faulty -- but the warning kept coming back on.

It was now October. The auto shop I went to said maybe the coolant tank cap had some wear and replaced it for me. Warning kept coming back on. Mid-October, a technician at the place I was going to finally found that there was corrosion in the wiring of the connector cable. I had that connector cable replaced and there were no more stupid warnings.

Suddenly just today, I started my car (didn't drive it at all yesterday) and the low coolant warning came on. I have driven it maybe 3 weeks now since the last repair with no warnings.

Any ideas? This is really stupid. It's not a dangerous issue, but is frustrating. My car is over 100k miles, if that helps.

[Astone22]

Are you sure the shop bled the system? Sounds like you could have air in the system

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by Astone22

Are you sure the shop bled the system? Sounds like you could have air in the system

They did when they did the second tank replacement in September. I don't know if they did anything on this most recent connector cable fix.

[eddymerckx3]

Originally Posted by boafriend

I have read that the coolant tank is a pain point with BMWs, especially with the F30.

...I think the coolant issues u have read about r more specific to the B58 engine, not the n20/26 4 cylinder engines.

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by eddymerckx3

...I think the coolant issues u have read about r more specific to the B58 engine, not the n20/26 4 cylinder engines.

Oh, really? I remember seeing some online about this particular model. My auto place also said in general, Beemers have coolant issues.

[boafriend]

So I've observed the past few days and my low coolant warning comes up everyday on the first start of my car. My auto shop said if the warning comes on on the first start, that means the sensor in the coolant tank is working properly. That makes zero sense to me.

Any thoughts from anyone?

[mreiksZA]

I also have a coolant warning that just keeps on coming on our 2013 328i. Its got 133000KMs on the clock. They car was in for an oil service at the dealership yesterday and the coolant warning came on as I got home from the dealership. It shows up every time I switch on the ignition. The expansion tank is on max and there are no overheating problems so far. I took it in today to the same dealership and they told me I need to replace all the pipes and the expansion tank. I absolutely do not trust them. I am taking my car to another dealership on Monday.

[pshovest]

You need to determine whether or not you have a coolant leak. If you are absolutely certain you don't have a coolant leak, then you should change the level sensor in the expansion tank. Confirm that the level is on max when coolant is COLD. Check this before you start car in morning. Fill to max and check for falling level over next few days/weeks.

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by pshovest

You need to determine whether or not you have a coolant leak. If you are absolutely certain you don't have a coolant leak, then you should change the level sensor in the expansion tank. Confirm that the level is on max when coolant is COLD. Check this before you start car in morning. Fill to max and check for falling level over next few days/weeks.

Thanks. Yes, have had these issues checked for previously. There currently is no leak either. On cold, the coolant level looks exactly the same as it has been previously (I purposely put a little over max last time). I am about to take it to the shop I go to. Just wanted to hop on here before going for any more advice.

[boafriend]

Ok, came back from the auto place. It appears I may need a re-flash done to reset the computer system. They'll need a BMW specialist to bring the right equipment to get it done. Will update.

[pshovest]

Not sure why re-flash would be required. Consider disconnecting the battery for several hours or over night if possible, and reconnect. This sometimes fixes strange electrical problems at near zero cost. Remember not to close the truck or you may not be able to get in to reconnect.

[boafriend]

Originally Posted by pshovest

Not sure why re-flash would be required. Consider disconnecting the battery for several hours or over night if possible, and reconnect. This sometimes fixes strange electrical problems at near zero cost. Remember not to close the truck or you may not be able to get in to reconnect.

Okay, thanks. I'll have to see how to get this done (I don't know shit about cars and am not handy at all). My auto shop was clueless and was suggesting I reach out to a dealership for the re-flash.

I decided to leave the problem alone for now. The dealership charges $180 ish to just have to car looked at. Not worth it for a problem like this that technically isn't affecting drive performance or my safety. I need to get rid of this car.

[bryanbrian]

Anybody find a solution to the erroneous low coolant alarm? My 2012 328i gets this alarm every time i start the car.