[Zyzzthetic]

Hey guys,

BMW quoted me like $400 CAD for a coolant flush. This sounded absurdly high so I called around some places and got some reasonable quotes $150-220.

I know BMW uses a machine to cycle and clean the coolant, but this one spot I called up didn't have the machine, but they would use a vacuum or something to clean it + a cleaning solution before adding the new OEM coolant.

Does this sound like its fine or should I opt to find a place that has the coolant flush cycle machine like BMW?

Cheerio

[delvec03]

if you're looking at a coolant flush it's probably time to do your water pump and thermostat. all 3 jobs are easier to accomplish with a drain and fill.

[Zyzzthetic]

Originally Posted by delvec03

if you're looking at a coolant flush it's probably time to do your water pump and thermostat. all 3 jobs are easier to accomplish with a drain and fill.

Really?? My car is at 59,000 KM at the moment, how much would those two run me $? The dealership didn't mention anything other than the coolant flush on my last service.

Edit: Do you mean a water pump flush and thermostat flush?

[delvec03]

Originally Posted by Zyzzthetic

Really?? My car is at 59,000 KM at the moment, how much would those two run me $? The dealership didn't mention anything other than the coolant flush on my last service.

Edit: Do you mean a water pump flush and thermostat flush?

if your 56000km no need to do anything with your coolant.

typically water pumps and thermostats die at 80,000 miles. replacing them requires a full coolant system drain which makes it a good time to replace all those parts and the fluid.

edit: odd that they recommend the flush. they say why? typically maintenance isn't required that early unless the computer calls for it or they have some basis.

[Zyzzthetic]

Originally Posted by delvec03

if your 56000km no need to do anything with your coolant.

typically water pumps and thermostats die at 80,000 miles. replacing them requires a full coolant system drain which makes it a good time to replace all those parts and the fluid.

edit: odd that they recommend the flush. they say why? typically maintenance isn't required that early unless the computer calls for it or they have some basis.

Yeah, I don't think my car mentions anything in the service, but they gave me a document during the service saying I need it and it had all the steps they use to flush it on it as well.

I'm at the cabin, but I'll upload a screenshot when I return. Maybe they're trying to scam >.>

[grocerylist]

It's pretty standard to do a coolant drain and refill about every 2-3 years, no matter what the make of car. If you do it yourself it's really cheap. I definitely wouldn't pay a BMW service shop $400 for a coolant flush. If you can't do it at home look for a self serve garage bay in your area that you could rent for maybe an hour.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by grocerylist

It's pretty standard to do a coolant drain and refill about every 2-3 years

^ This.

[delvec03]

Originally Posted by dradernh

^ This.

meh. I didn't lol

[Shovelman]

Is it easy to get all the air out or can some get trapped in the system if evacuation and fill is not used?

[delvec03]

Originally Posted by Shovelman

Is it easy to get all the air out or can some get trapped in the system if evacuation and fill is not used?

I was worried about that too. I ended up filling the system through the expansion tank, massaging the hoses, utilizing the bleed screws, and the water pump bleed procedure, it was fine. no need to use the vacuum fill system.

[Ajowhan]

Originally Posted by delvec03

I was worried about that too. I ended up filling the system through the expansion tank, massaging the hoses, utilizing the bleed screws, and the water pump bleed procedure, it was fine. no need to use the vacuum fill system.

Read somewhere that "Filling without vacuum filling device (watering can filling) is not permitted for this engine." This is specifically for b58 engine for OP.

Also read that the same warning was not around for the previous model N54 and N55.

[aerobod]

The ISTA does call out for the specific fill procedure with the B58 that doesn't apply to most other engines, the full text is:

"Filling without the vacuum filler device (watering can filling) is not permitted. Non-compliance will result in danger of component damage and/or engine damage.

Filling specification absolutely must be adhered to.

The operation of the vehicle is not permitted unless the filling procedure has been completed. Otherwise, functional limitations (degradation) and/or overheating may occur.

A bleeding procedure is required after a part has been exchanged in the cooling system and/or after refilling the cooling system."

[jzeiler4]

I can see that as the B58 does have two water pumps, one electrical (for turbo) one mechanical and NO thermostat. It has a heat management module instead.

[delvec03]

I recall a similar warning for my n20. maybe find a b58 diy somewhere. see if someone else has had success without the vac fill