The great coolant debate !!

[PhilUK]

OK so just ordered my new radiator (old one sprung a leak) 

After reading many conflicting views, is there a resounding opinion on whether it is worth going for OEM coolant over a regular brand?

Second question: Does the coolant need to be red or blue for my 2001 4.4i?

Third question: How much coolant do I need?

Fourth question: From what I have read it needs to be 1 part coolant to one part water, presuming distilled water is the way forward so as to avoid any lime-scale is Halfords the best (cheapest) place to buy it?

Fourth question: Is replacing the radiator an easy enough DIY job? Have searched but can't seem to find a "How to" on this subject! How long should the job take from start to finish?

Lastly: How do I go about flushing the system, is this a simple DIY job or best left to the pro's?

Thanks Amigo's 

[X5Sport]

1.  OEM - that way you know it has the right chemicals in it.

2.  See above as you'll have the right one (mine is Blue) - but I have the all alloy engine.

3.  At least 50% of the coolant system capacity - more coolant = lower (better) temp coverage.  Total system capacity is approx 12-litres.

4.  Ideally, yes - not much point in spending money on coolant and chucking tap water in there.

4. How to from the BMW TIS here. 

5.  You can use normal water and a flushing agent.  In the old days I would have taken the thermostat out and made the water flow backwards through the system.  The official way from the TIS is here.

Draining coolant instructions are here.

FYI...There's a sticky link to the TIS from the Forum under the General Discussion thread....

[AW8]

12/02 build 4.4i E53. Mine blue & Comma G48 which is fine .......many independents use it & it's to BMW spec afaik.

Most auto/ motor factors stock it & many can be haggled closer to trade prices.

[PhilUK]

Thanks for the info chaps! 

Fluids purchased, instructions printed and a few hours reserved tonight to get the job done. 


I went for Comma G48 coolant, £30 inc delivery for 6L from eBay:

5L: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300622419382

1L: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290631619280


Distilled Water was £8 for 10L from Halfords:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 55205#tab1

[AW8]

Good Luck.............hopefully my G48 recomendation fine especialloy when savings considered.

Just make sure all old crap out first if needs be flush with tap water if  not too paranoid before final fill with G48 & distilled,

To think that in days past & on cars passt it might have been a couple of eggs in the top of a radiator or maybe some radweld to sort the same issue followed by some tap water and maybe some halfords own antifreeze.

Be patient bleeding,  (heater on demist full power, initially cap removed until warm then bleed screw vent screw used) - I did mine 2 or 3 times after changing header tank & kept  an eye on collant level afterwards.