There are many types of car engine coolants that come in different colors and are made from different substances. They vary, depending on what materials your car’s engine is made out of. BMWs typically need coolants fit to work with steel, aluminum alloys, copper, gray cast iron, brass, and plastic.
Some of the best coolants for BMWs include:
- BMW Antifreeze/ Coolant 81 22 9 407 454 Blue Concentrate
- BMW Antifreeze/ Coolant 82 14 2 209 769 – Genuine Blue
- BMW Antifreeze/ Coolant 82 14 1 467 704 – Grey
- Zerex G-05
- Glysantin G48
How to choose the proper BMW coolant
Most forums, reviews, and die-hard BMW fans always state that using a non-BMW coolant on your BMW will kill the vehicle. But is this true?
BMW vehicles need a coolant that works great with both plastic and aluminum since both of these materials are present in your typical BMW engine. Most other coolants, for example, work better with iron, copper, and brass-based engine parts.
A good coolant that works wonders with aluminum and plastic is the Glysantin G48, or Zerex G-05.
Many people differentiate coolants by colors, but color does not say everything about the holy liquid that keeps our vehicles in order. However, both green and “European blue” types of coolants are okay for the average BMW. If you are wondering what the difference is, the change in color comes from the technique used in forming these liquids.
What should a good BMW coolant be?
Most older BMW cars have a cooling system that requires them to be filled with reputable brand coolants based on ethylene glycol. On a general note, regardless of the year of production of your vehicle, avoid coolants with nitride or phosphate in them, since they are the major corrosion catalysts for the metals of your car’s engine.
Good BMW coolants have to be capable of:
- Protecting the various metals in the engine from corrosion – steel, aluminum alloys, gray cast iron, solder, brass and copper
- Guaranteeing sufficient levels of cooling to the engine
- Preventing the agglomeration of excessive silica gel in the system, which could eventually clog it
- Make sure that the system functions properly during the colder winter months. (Antifreeze)
What does coolant color mean?
Coolants that are derived by using Additive Technology (IAT) are mostly green in color, whereas the orange ones come from either Additive Technology or Organic Acid Technology (OAT). Yellow coolants come from Hybrid Organic Acid Technology and pink ones from Phosphated Hybrid organic acid technology, which also might give you a blue coolant in the end.
The different colors might be confusing, but the best choices for a BMW are mixing the new blue coolant with older green coolant. The advantages of blue coolant are that it protects the metals in your car’s system from corrosion and provides protection to your aluminum parts from the high temperatures reached by your engine’s performance.
Important note: Do not choose your coolant by color only. Check with a mechanic or limit your purchasing options to coolants recommended by your car dealership or manufacturer. The coolants they use must adequately meet the specific requirements of your car’s engine, which are determined by the materials used in manufacturing.
Top 3 best coolant brands for BMWs
BMW is a huge car manufacturer that has released around 2.5 million vehicles per year in the last few years. This means that servicing only BMWs can be a separate business for entrepreneurs. Many have developed specific coolants designed especially for BMWs. Some of these are approved by BMW to use. Make sure to always purchase an approved coolant and antifreeze.
BMW Antifreeze/ Coolant 81 22 9 407 454 – Blue Concentrate
This is an all-season antifreeze that is both phosphate-free and mono-ethylene glycol and amine-based, making it the perfect fit for almost any BMW. Despite being manufactured specifically for BMW’s needs, this coolant is a top pick for Porsche, Hondas, Land Rovers, Jaguars, and Fords alike.
It brings in very high levels of rust protection and this is one of the main reasons why most manufacturers recommend it. It is excellent for use in iron and aluminum engines and is compatible with automotive radiators.
BMW Antifreeze/ Coolant 82 14 2 209 769 – Genuine Blue
The top choice of many reviewers is this coolant antifreeze which comes in a one-liter bottle. It claims to be a fit for all BMW models, but make sure to check the specifics of your vehicle’s engine before going for it. The manufacturer of the coolant recommends diluting it with 50 / 50 distilled water before filling your car’s system with it.
BMW Antifreeze/ Coolant 82 14 1 467 704 – Grey
This is an all-time best-selling antifreeze coolant that fits most BMWs. It greatly lubricates your car’s water pump and protects your engine from corrosion. It is an especially good fit for colder climates and will do really well anti-freezing your vehicle’s engine.
It is a typical blue BMW coolant that works for most BMWs and is produced by the brand itself. It’s best used when mixed in a 50 / 50 ratio with distilled water.
Coolant FAQ
Is it okay to use a normal non-BMW coolant on your BMW?
BMWs are known for having very sensitive coolant systems. Different coolants are manufactured to service different kinds of materials in a given vehicle’s engine. On a general basis, you could any coolant that meets the requirements of your car’s engine listed that are in your car owner manual. However, it’s safer to stick with a BMW-approved coolant, instead of taking any risks with your car’s engine.
Can I use Zerex G-48 Formula Full Strength as a coolant for my BMW?
Yes, Zerex G-48 is one of the best coolants for BMW cars. It is designed for both gasoline and diesel engines and contains very low-silicates and a great pH level. It is developed with an anti-phosphate technology, which allows it to protect all metals used in the manufacturing of a typical BMW engine.
How often should you change the coolant of your BMW?
In general, experts suggest that you change the coolant liquid of your BMW every two to three years, depending on whether you drive the car much or not. Make sure to pick the best and most suitable product for your car’s needs.
