*IMPORTANT* CHECK FOR F10 550i OWNERS!!

dpouncey · 10-12-2014, 07:53 PM

After asking my service advisor what the reservoir was that is in the center of the engine near the front of the car/ partially under the engine cover I was told it was just a overflow reservoir. Don't worry about it. It didn't make sense because there is a gauge on the inside, so I called around other dealers with a few saying the same thing until I got the answer I thought was correct; its a turbo reservoir! Use regular BMW coolant to top it off. There is no indicator letting you know it is low so you must check manually. Good news its easy.
1. Pop off your engine cover. It just snaps in place so just pull gently on one corner and it will release and work you way around.
2. The reservoir is partially visible with the engine cover on but when the cover is removed you can unscrew the cap.
3. Look down in the reservoir and you will see the yellow gauge inside that says full on top. If your coolant is not about or level with that indicator you need to add.
4.Pop the engine cover back on and your good to go!

SonicEndeavor · 10-15-2014, 04:27 PM

That's the intercooler expansion tank. It's applicable to the other 5 series models as well.

NickG_TechniqueTuning · 10-16-2014, 07:52 AM

The coolant pumps for that circuit are able to detect when the fluid level is low, based on the resistance the pump is encountering. When a low fluid level is detected, the pump is shut off and a fault code is stored in the DME, and the CEL illuminated. While I agree it is good practice to keep an eye on that level, it's not like there is no form of checks on it.

jedpause · 10-20-2014, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

That's the intercooler expansion tank. It's applicable to the other 5 series models as well.

Hi I had a look at a 550i engine picture, and I think they are different reservoirs. (The OP did say 'centre' of the engine), I don't have one of those in the centre

See the picture below.. the normal coolant is at right of engine... I don't have the one in the centre... but yes, the centre one is the intercooler coolant... (I have a 520d only so that may be why... even thought it is a Turbo engine, it's a diesel not an 'i'

10-12-2014, 07:53 PM	#1
dpouncey DINAN free flow/BMS stage 2/ STIR PLUS- AL Priorit 4 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 550I m sport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (0)	IMPORTANT CHECK FOR F10 550i OWNERS!! After asking my service advisor what the reservoir was that is in the center of the engine near the front of the car/ partially under the engine cover I was told it was just a overflow reservoir. Don't worry about it. It didn't make sense because there is a gauge on the inside, so I called around other dealers with a few saying the same thing until I got the answer I thought was correct; its a turbo reservoir! Use regular BMW coolant to top it off. There is no indicator letting you know it is low so you must check manually. Good news its easy. 1. Pop off your engine cover. It just snaps in place so just pull gently on one corner and it will release and work you way around. 2. The reservoir is partially visible with the engine cover on but when the cover is removed you can unscrew the cap. 3. Look down in the reservoir and you will see the yellow gauge inside that says full on top. If your coolant is not about or level with that indicator you need to add. 4.Pop the engine cover back on and your good to go!
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10-15-2014, 04:27 PM	#2
SonicEndeavor Lieutenant 48 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 2014 535i MSport Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	That's the intercooler expansion tank. It's applicable to the other 5 series models as well. Last edited by SonicEndeavor; 10-15-2014 at 05:11 PM..
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10-16-2014, 07:52 AM	#3
NickG_TechniqueTuning Private 22 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 550i M-Sport Join Date: May 2009 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	The coolant pumps for that circuit are able to detect when the fluid level is low, based on the resistance the pump is encountering. When a low fluid level is detected, the pump is shut off and a fault code is stored in the DME, and the CEL illuminated. While I agree it is good practice to keep an eye on that level, it's not like there is no form of checks on it.
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