Loosing coolant at an alarming rate!

[PhilUK]

On the second day of owning my X5 the coolant level warning was activated, no big deal I though as I had no idea how long it had been since the previous owner had topped it up. So I proceeded to top up and it took about 2 litres to get it to max level.

All ok I thought but then within 2 days and not many miles the coolant level warning light was back on, it again took almost 2 litres to fill up.  :'( At this point I obviously felt the need to investigate further. There was no water in the oil and no steam from the exhausts but I did then notice a steady drip coming from the centre of the underside of the car.  :blink:

On closer inspection it looks like coolant is dripping from a small outlet pipe (see link to video), is this normal and if so what is it for? I have checked the liquid and it is definitely coolant dripping out.

http://youtu.be/Ji0J-vCTvm4

Any advice will be appreciated.

[gchristofi]

Hi Phil
Definately not normal  :'(

Can't quite make out where that is but assume it's above the engine / trans so you should hopefully be able to dismiss the valley gasket etc as described here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_gjFZJb ... re=related

Is there any pipework leading to the position above the drip?  Could be travelling a fair way horizontal from the actual leak.

[PhilUK]

Hi gchristofi,

The pipe where the drip is coming from is way back towards the middle of the car, sort of in line with the B pillar if that helps at all.

I have not yet been able to properly get under the car to see if I can trace the source.

As it appears to be coming out the end of an open pipe I didn't know if anyone knew what this pipe was intended for.

[fenj66]

that could be the water outlet for the air con . if so its quite normal when air con on.
you need to keep your air con switched off to rule this out of the equation.

[jaynana]

if its comin from a small tube and from your video it looks like condensed water from the aircon which is normal.

if thats the case that's not coolant.

[X5Sport]

Might be worth checking that your coolant cap is sealing properly.....steam escaping whilst driving could cause at least part of the loss.

If it's not obvious then you'll need to pressurise the system (there are pumps that go where the coolant cap does and simulate system operating pressures) and see where coolant is appearing from.

I take it you have looked at the front of the engine from above to check there's nothing coming from the water pump?  No soggy carpets (internal heater matrix leak)?  If you have 4-way climate control, any sign of leaks under the rear of the centre console?  Engine underbody shields all dry?  Nothing obvious at the firewall interfaces where the pipes go?

Richard

[Ubatoid]

Sounds like the valley pan gasket  to me. Tell tale sign is water stains on the bellhousing with water comming from the centre rear of the top of the engine. Be prepared for a good few hours work and think about swapping out the water pump whilst your in there if it hasn't been done recently.

[PhilUK]

Thanks for the responses guys.

As per the video the liquid is definitely coming out of the end of a tube/hose midway underneath the car which would lead me to think that it isn't a leak from a faulty gasket??

Have captured the water dripping from the pipe and it is blue in colour so definitely coolant. 

Also checked all other areas on the car and there are no other signs of leakage or any visible steam.

I guess I will need to get it in to a garage to get a definitive answer but wondered if anyone was aware of what this hose was intended for as that will surely explain where the other end is connected to and why there is coolant dripping from it.  :'(

[fenj66]

I would still guess that the pipe is the aircon outlet. The fact that the water contains blue antifreeze would suggest your leak is in the heater matrix area.

[PhilUK]

[quote="fenj66"]
I would still guess that the pipe is the aircon outlet. The fact that the water contains blue antifreeze would suggest your leak is in the heater matrix area.
[/quote]

Hmmm! Hadn't thought of that!  :blink:

Any way of checking that myself without removing the matrix?

[fenj66]

i think some of the engine firewall can be removed for access to the matrix and fan from behind the cylinder head area. it might be easier to just try some "bars leaks" or similar and see if it will seal the problem..

[Ubatoid]

[quote="fenj66"]
i think some of the engine firewall can be removed for access to the matrix and fan from behind the cylinder head area. it might be easier to just try some "bars leaks" or similar and see if it will seal the problem..
[/quote]

Please dont.

[IanP]

Leak stopper is OK in a cast iron engine, but I really wouldnt use it in a modern aluminium one. Some of the internal waterways are quite small. Ive got some in the engine of my 'runaround' car and the header tank is a nasty sludgy mess.

[PhilUK]

OK... went and had the system pressurised today and turns out the radiator is shot!

Phew! as I was beginning to expect something a lot worse.  :'(

Can anyone advise on a recommended source for a new rad? There are obviously many sellers offering them on ebay but has anyone had any experience of these? Good or bad!

This one looks ok to me...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-3-0-4- ... 600wt_1163

I have been quoted 4 yours to fit one, is this accurate and is it an easy enough DIY job?

[jaynana]

If u r considering used oem I know a good bmw breaker on fleabay.

I know he's good cos the part actually didn't work )

What I mean is, one email and it was replaced no questions asked, no postage costs although it was a heavy item.

I also have a plan to test their long term return policy in a few weeks:)

May even sell new parts I don't know.

Pm me if interested ill send the contact when I get home.