You get a ton of benefits if you own a BMW, like riding in pure luxury, being sporty, and enjoying a touch of technology.
In spite of this, I have learned over the years working in the automotive industry that owning bmw cars is not without its drawbacks.
In the Idrive infotainment system, you will see the coolant level indication light.
The error can be caused by a number of factors. I will explain what this warning means, the main causes, as well as how to resolve it.
Why Does a BMW Have a Low Coolant Level Warning?
First of all, it is essential that you understand what coolant is in order to comprehend what this message truly means.
In order to keep your engine running at optimal temperatures, coolant, also known as antifreeze, circulates through your engine as a lubricant and coolant.
In addition to lowering temperature and preventing corrosion, this fluid also cleans the engine.
In your BMW, you have a sensor that measures the amount of coolant in the system (Coolant Level Sensor).
It will inform you if the level falls to a low value by sending you this warning message.
Therefore, the message you’ve seen on the dashboard of your BMW informing you that you need to fill up your coolant is simply the vehicle indicating a low level of coolant has been detected.
Causes of BMW Low Coolant Level Alert
The low coolant level warning message is an important warning that tells you that there is a low level of coolant in the system.
I have experienced several causes that trigger this alert, so let’s review the most common ones.
If your BMW is alerting you that its coolant level is low, there are three possible reasons for it:
1. Use of normal coolant results in low coolant levels
You’ll deplete the coolant as you drive your BMW because it generates high temperatures as it circulates through the engine to keep it comfortable.
In order to maintain the optimal performance of your BMW, BMW recommends checking your coolant level every six months.
2. BMW cooling system leak
This low coolant warning light is also caused by a leak in the cooling system, especially if the antifreeze is running out quickly.
The following are the most common places where coolant leaks can appear on a BMW, based on my extensive experience working on BMWs:
Reservoir cracked:
In the engine bay, there’s a plastic coolant reservoir that cracks.
It is important to have your reservoir inspected carefully if there are any traces of hairline cracks or thicker fissures in it. It is possible for coolant to leak even through small cracks.
The intake manifold has a faulty pipe connection:
It is common for BMWs, especially 3 series models, to have a plastic pipe connection between the rubber water hose and the engine head under the intake manifold.
Despite being hidden, this plastic pipe cracks and fails over time. In the end, your system gets drained quickly due to a major coolant leak.
Coolant leaks can occur if this connection fails, and it’s a common issue.
Housing crack on thermostat:
You should also check your projector’s thermostat housing for leaks.
In the cooling system of your BMW, the thermostat housing plays a crucial role.
In this part, the thermostat is located, which regulates how much coolant flows through the system.
A plastic housing can crack after being subjected to many heat cycles. Leaks can result from these cracks.
Leaky Radiator:
As a result of dissipating the heat produced by the coolant in your BMW, the radiator prevents your engine from overheating.
In the long run, cracks or holes may develop in these components, allowing coolant to leak out.
Water pumps, radiator hoses, and other coolant pipes in your German machine may also leak, so you should also keep an eye on them. The following list is by no means exhaustive.
3. Sensor for coolant level malfunctioning
“Engine coolant level too low” is the final common cause. This message indicates a faulty coolant level sensor, so top up the coolant as soon as possible.
This sensor measures how much coolant is in your engine, as I mentioned earlier.
Water, debris, and heat can lead to the failure of this sensor located under your coolant tank over time.
This sensor is designed to send false readings to the BMW’s ECM if it fails, leading the ECM to believe that there isn’t enough coolant to run the engine.
Using your coolant level as a guide, you can decide if a sensor is malfunctioning. A sensor problem is likely to exist if you still receive a warning despite the level remaining between minimum and maximum.
BMW Low Coolant Level Alert: How to Fix and Reset
Here is how you can fix this problem now that we have identified the leading causes of it.
Here are the steps I recommend you follow:
Step 1: Top Up the Coolant
You should always make sure the cooling system is filled to the minimum mark. If it isn’t, then top it off and drive for a while. The engine should then be turned off while the battery terminals should be disconnected and reconnected.
There should be no longer a warning about “Coolant Level Too Low”. Step two will be taken if not.
Step 2: Change the coolant level sensor
The sensor is likely to be the main cause of this issue if the coolant level is fine.
As the water bottle has a new sensor, I recommend replacing the whole thing.
The problem should be fixed by doing this.
Step 3: Find leaks by performing a pressure test
As long as you have followed the above steps but the problem persists, eventually you may have to replace the antifreeze.
If your cooling system leaks, then it could be due to a malfunction.
It will be easier to find leaks if you have a pressure test performed,
If you want to get your BMW fixed, take it to one of our BMW dealers or an independent auto technician like me.
