[Rob_G77]

I got the low coolant warning on my 2022 M850 and had it topped up by the dealership. They used the blue formula which is not the correct type for this new of a vehicle - they should have been using green.

I'm more than a bit annoyed that the person topping up the fluid didn't know the difference when I asked him so I researched it when I got home.

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This new green-colored coolant was introduced in 2018 and is used instead of the older blue-colored coolant. Green is backwards compatible with blue and can be used on cars before 2018. However, BMW does not advise using the older blue formula on cars made after January, 2018.

The green coolant includes silicates, which add extra protection for cooling internals but the coolant must be replaced every two years.
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The car will be due for second service late fall, maybe november. I think it's probably just a safe bet to tell them to do the coolant replacement now since they used the wrong stuff in the car. I don't think it's going to hurt anything since it's just a top up, but still this shit shouldn't happen.

Rob

[AP]

I’d get the coolant system checked as it should be losing any amount
Similar issue seen frequently in the 5 forums here

If it’s the same parts , the reservoirs are a good possibility, just a small crack but enough to lose coolant over time

Get it replace under warranty if it’s still within it

[Qsilver7]

Just an FYI…the old blue (G48) & new green (HT-12) are compatible…so both can be used. There’s also a magenta colored HT-12 coolant that was used briefly…which is also compatible.

What worries me is what color do you end up with if they mix it? :dunno:

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Just an FYI…the old blue (G48) & new green (HT-12) are compatible…so both can be used. There’s also a magenta colored HT-12 coolant that was used briefly…which is also compatible.

What worries me is what color do you end up with if they mix it? :dunno:

Thanks for that info! When I got the low coolant alert back in late 2020 on my M850i with a 10/2019 build date it became a science experiment to figure out what coolant to buy so just had the dealer top it off.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by AP

I’d get the coolant system checked as it should be losing any amount
Similar issue seen frequently in the 5 forums here

If it’s the same parts , the reservoirs are a good possibility, just a small crack but enough to lose coolant over time

Get it replace under warranty if it’s still within it

Could be but in my case for late 2019 delivery apparently the VPC didn't properly fill it in the first place. After the initial low warning and top off it's never happened again.

[AP]

Ok
Fair enough. For reference if there is an issue with the reservoirs, it leaks very slowly.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by AP

Ok
Fair enough. For reference if there is an issue with the reservoirs, it leaks very slowly.

Agreed as if it continues albeit slowly outside of the initial top off and triggers again there is most likely an issue.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Just an FYI…the old blue (G48) & new green (HT-12) are compatible…so both can be used. There’s also a magenta colored HT-12 coolant that was used briefly…which is also compatible.

What worries me is what color do you end up with if they mix it? :dunno:

My dealership doesn't even have green.

Everything I read says the green is for newer vehicles and has to be replaced every 2 years. It is also what is currently in my car. I asked if coolant replacement is part of the included service and was told that it isn't. So you drive the first 3 or 4 years on coolant that is rated to last only 2 years?

I'm thinking WTF?

Rob

[snowbimmer]

I asked my service guy. He said the shop told him 5 Yeats until flush. Hmmmmm.....