check coolant level / coolant temp

[mrebean]

to whom it may concern:

a month ago i purchased a 1999 540i. drove it from va to fl and when i was there, the "check coolant level" computer message came on. i poured in as much coolant as possible (not from bmw), and the light went away. a couple weeks later the message came on again. i waited overnight to put coolant in, and i noticed that the floater does not go level even though i cannot fill any more liquid in.

well today the light came on again, but it i was on the way to work. on luch i put in a little bit of coolant, and after work the "coolant temperature" light came on. once i pulled into my driveway, i popped the hood and there was a small amount of smoke coming from the engine and a liquid sound coming from the hoses.

ive made an appointment @the dealership for tomorrow. any suggestions on what the problem might be or what i have in store for me?

many thanx in advance...

jR

 

[MadMacs]

Have you noticed any water in your parking spots?
I've had the expansion tank replaced due to cracking, then recently the bleeder screw popped it's top off. No way I was going to risk driving as it would overheat in 1 mile or less. The 540's (maybe all BMW's) have quite a temper when pressurization is lost in the coolant system. Maybe you'll get lucky and it's just hoses.
The bleed screw (including labor) was a whopping $12.61, but I had to add the tow-in service.
The expansion tank, misc clamps, antifreeze, cap, and labor was $281.18

You bought in VA - how were the prices in relation to here in FLA? Or have you been scouting them.

 

[mrebean]

thanx for the response,

last night before the thunderstorms hit, i decided to pour a lil coolant in before i took it to the dealer the next morning. i noticed that the floater wasnt visible at all now, and a small stream poured from the bottom.

as far as prices in va, i didnt scout around too much, but i got a great deal. one owner car w/ 71k miles and in perfect condition costs me 21 large. the owner was a friend of the family

thanx again for the advise, ill let you know what happens at the dealership today.

jR