Coolant Question

I was looking through the e39 faq did not find what i was looking for, so therefore im posting this question. Im sure this question has been asked a billion times before, besides the oem bmw coolant what coolant brand do you use, i have a 1998 bmw 528i production date 1/1998. Very good read about when to change your coolant i found in the faq, it links you to pelicanparts site. Props to the poster.

It's as controversial as what oil, spark plugs or distilled/tap water to use.

Most who do not use BMW will recommend Prestone All Makes or Zerex G-05.

BTW, by FAQ did you meant the Best links page? Because it is IN THERE: (under what coolant to use)

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...8&postcount=38

Suggest you bookmark this link it for future reference.

Originally Posted by dvsgene

It's as controversial as what oil, spark plugs or distilled/tap water to use.

Most who do not use BMW will recommend Prestone All Makes or Zerex G-05.

BTW, by FAQ did you meant the Best links page? Because it is IN THERE: (under what coolant to use)

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...8&postcount=38

Suggest you bookmark this link it for future reference.

good stuff, no i wasnt looking at the very best links, i was looking in the e39 faq section thought it might be there.

what about peak global lifetime 50/50 in the gold bottle with red cap

Originally Posted by bkgreene39

what about peak global lifetime 50/50 in the gold bottle with red cap

Yes, I've heard that is acceptable too. Better than the Peak in the blue bottle ones. Supposedly, the Peak GL is closer to the Zerex G-05 formulation. Also hear that the GL is harder to find then the Blue LL ones.

Originally Posted by dvsgene

Yes, I've heard that is acceptable too. Better than the Peak in the blue bottle ones. Supposedly, the Peak GL is closer to the Zerex G-05 formulation. Also hear that the GL is harder to find then the Blue LL ones.

i guess im lucky i can acquire the peak global lifetime gold bottle at a local rite aid near my work, appreciate the input

Originally Posted by bkgreene39

i guess im lucky i can acquire the peak global lifetime gold bottle at a local rite aid near my work, appreciate the input

It would be better and cheaper to get the Full Strength and a bottle of distilled than the 50/50 mix. Bottle of distilled is only $1-$1.50 in most places.

My local NAPA store stocks Pentosin Pentofrost NF. I have heard several say they think Pentosin makes the BMW antifreeze/coolant. I don't know this for a fact so do your own research. I just bought a bottle (full strength) for just over 14 bux.

http://www.pentosin.net/pressrelease...frost_NF_2.pdf

50/50 just means they add the distilled-water for you. I would recommend getting the full strength and adding the dis-water yourself. Don't forget to do your "cooling system overhaul" if it has not been done yet.

I use Prestone and mix with distilled water from any grocery store, you should look up the proper flushing method on the forum, it consists of turning the heater on low or something of that nature. That will ensure no old coolant mixes with the new coolant. The prestone I use say (All Makes and Models) on the bottle, it also states mixes with other colors of coolant, I have used it for two seasons, every winter with no probs.

In the bestlinks is this reference printout for all dozen fluids:
- Glovebox printout: BMW E39 fluid summary printout for your glovebox (1)

Specifically, there's this thread for the coolant:
- Coolant: Coolant, for engine, automatic transmission, power steering, and AC evaporator cooling (1) & bleeding (1) (2) (3) or refilling DIYs (1)

Summary:

E39 Engine coolant: phosphate free (for Europe's high-mineral-content water), amine & nitrite/nitrate free (for USA long-life requirements), & low-silicate or silicate free (for Japan requirements) 50:50 mixture of ethylene glycol & water (the Bentleys say distilled water (Bentley 020-11), aka de-mineralized or de-ionized water, some call it purified water, and the BMW AG TIS 12.11.2007 18:56 specifies water with a pH from 6.5 to 8.0, maximum total hardness of 3.6 mmol Ca++/liter, maximum chloride content 100 mg/liter, and maximum sulphate content 100mg/liter; interestingly the BMW TIS says "potable tap water usually fulfills these requirements". EPA reports show San Jose & NYC tap water easily fulfill these requirements. The BMW TIS expressly states additives are not helpful and are not recommended. BMW lists a score of recommended coolants in their BMW AG TIS 12.11.2007 18:55 which meet the BMW N 600 69.0 standard, some of which are BMW PN:81.22.9.407.454 1.5-liter; BMW PN:88.88.6.900.316 1 gallon; Castrol Anti-Freeze NF; BASF Glysantin Protect Plus G48, & Havoline AFC (BD04); but most of which are not easily found in the USA. Many Bimmerfesters recommend BMW coolant; however other Bimmerfesters recommend Prestone Extended Life 5/150, Valvoline Zerex G-05, and Service Pro Universal Formula. Others (e.g., chiefwej, aioros), have tested Evans NPG+ but be aware propanol entails a different maintenance philosophy than the aqueous fluids listed above and is not compatible with them. [Total Volume: 1997 I6=10.5 quarts (2.6 gallons), 1997 V8=12.0 quarts (3.0 gallons), 1998-2002 I6=11.1 quarts (2.8 gallons), 1998-2002 V8=12.7 quarts (3.2 gallons), 1997-2002 V8 with latent heater=13.5 quarts (3.4 gallons)]. Prestone says the only reason for phosphate free is the extremely high mineral content of water in Europe - and that in the USA, it's not needed. Replacement Interval: Every three years (Bentley page 020-9) or every four years (aforementioned BMW AG TIS) starting from date of manufacture (except for M-Power vehicles which have 3-year intervals). Note: Mixing BMW-recommended coolant brands is permissible; but mixing types is not permissible unless it's an emergency.