BMW makes some of the most beautifully designed vehicles on the market. Their cars are also known for their precision, exceptional performance, and outstanding handling. Despite all the good things about BMW, these cars are also one of the least reliable. One of the common issues BMW faces is cooling system problems.
The cooling system in a car is responsible for keeping the engine from overheating by transferring the heat to the air. It does this by blending water and coolant throughout the engine. As a result, it helps to control the engine’s temperature and prevent it from overheating.
When the cooling system has issues, the engine will overheat and it will also affect several parts connected to it. Nonetheless, what are some of the common BMW cooling system problems?
Common BMW cooling system issues are a faulty water pump, radiator leak, a leaky radiator, and a bad thermostat. Fixing these parts will help to fix the cooling system.
What are the common cooling system problems with BMW?
A faulty water pump
A water pump is designed to continually circulate coolant from the radiator to the car’s engine block to prevent overheating. It uses liquid cooling in the form of water flowing through several hoses to reduce the heat. Therefore, if the water pump fails, your engine won’t be cooled properly and it will overheat.
Signs of a faulty water pump are coolant leak, engine overheating, whining noises, and corroded water pump. If your cooling system is having problems because of a faulty water pump, you will have to fix the water pump to fix the problem.
Most BMW water pumps fail because of age or heavy use of the vehicle. That’s why most BMW water pump problems or cooling system issues are more common in older cars than in new ones.
Radiator leak
The radiator helps to get rid of excess heat from the engine. It is part of the cooling system with the water pump, fan, radiator hoses, and thermostat. Thus, if the radiator has a leakage, it will affect your car’s cooling system. Some of the signs of a bad radiator are engine overheating, sludge build-up in the radiator, low coolant levels, and leaking coolant.
You will have to replace a leaky or damaged radiator to avert this problem. If you don’t, it will also affect the radiator hoses and cause more cooling system problems.
Leaky radiator hoses
If the radiator and water pump are good, but the radiator hoses are damaged or leaking, then your BMW’s cooling system will still have problems. The water that cools the engine flows through several radiator hoses. So, if one of the hoses is damaged or has a leak, the water won’t have the ideal pressure to cool the engine and it may also drain out.
As a result, the engine will start to overheat as it won’t be cooled sufficiently. One of the common signs of a bad radiator hose is coolant leakage. You will have to replace the leaky or damaged radiator hoses. Radiator hoses should be changed every 60,000 miles or four years.
A bad thermostat
The thermostat is also another major part of BMW’s cooling system problems. Since the thermostat plays an important role in cooling your car, you need to replace it when it becomes bad, faulty or fails. The purpose of the thermostat is to regulate the amount of coolant that is recirculated back into the engine.
Symptoms of a bad thermostat are engine overheating, heater fluctuations, rising temperatures, temperature fluctuations, and leakages. Note that when your engine is hot, the thermostat opens wide to allow it to cool, but when the engine is cold, it remains closed to allow the engine to heat up to the ideal temperature.
FAQ
What are the common signs of problems with your BMW’s coolant system?
Identifying whether your BMW cooling system has an issue is not very difficult as there are several symptoms to look out for. Common signs of a coolant system with problems are steaming hood, coolant leaks, white exhaust smoke, and high engine temperature. If you happen to notice one of these signs, take your car to the mechanic.
Which BMW models are synonymous with cooling system problems?
Coolant system problems are common in all BMW models. Nonetheless, there are some models with more coolant problems than others, such as the 1999 to 2005 BMW 3-Series (E46), 2006 to 2011 BMW 3-Series, and the 2007 to 2012 BMW X5 models. Owners of these BMW models should pay close attention to their car’s cooling system.
Why does my BMW keep losing coolant?
If your BMW is losing coolant, it is a sign that there is a leak somewhere in the coolant system. Some of the suspects are a bad head gasket, a damaged radiator, or a weak radiator cap. If you notice you have a coolant leak, you should visit your mechanic before it leads to serious issues that will cost you a lot.
After how long should I flush my BMW coolant?
Like any other fluid in your car, changing or flushing out the old coolant is very important for the smooth running of your BMW. It is recommended to flush coolant every 30,000 miles or every two years. However, there are a few cases where the BMW can go without a flush for an extended period of time.
How do I tell if my coolant hose is clogged?
Start by removing the radiator cap when your car is cold. Next, turn on your smartphone flashlight and look inside the radiator. If the radiator fluid looks like mud water or smells like rubber, or if the radiator fins are corroded with white crusty deposits, then your radiator hose is clogged. Have a mechanic look at it and unclog it.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the common BMW cooling system issues, you should ensure to have your BMW inspected and serviced as recommended. Most of BMW’s cooling system problems occur because of negligence or lack of proper care. With proper care and maintenance, most of these problems can be avoided.
Additionally, BMW users should ensure they have the right coolant fluid level and flush it every 30,000 miles or so.
