Having to add coolant...no smoke or smell

Kermdaddy · 03-05-2023, 01:48 AM

I keep having to add coolant about every week (2016 550i). Doesn't run hot, smell, or smoke. I took the plastic cover off the engine and saw this.

You think this is my issue?

SWFLf10 · 03-05-2023, 04:56 AM

That’s a common issue from what I’ve read. I believe some have replaced the stock T with something a bit stronger. Definitely is leaking there, but I couldn’t say just how much. I’d start there though and keep monitoring. Make sure to bleed the coolant system afterwards and keep checking.

Hoa · 03-05-2023, 05:41 AM

Yes, common fail point on 550. You can go to hardware store and get brass fitting to make it a one time replacement.

Kermdaddy · 03-05-2023, 07:42 PM

Thanks guys. That is what I thought but just wanted to make sure I didn't end up down a deep expensive hole for no good reason.

I'll just replace the hoses, tees, etc.with the other maintenance things I need to do. Brakes being one of them. But hey how else could I have spent my tax return? Wish there was enough ro throw some catless downpipes with it lol.

kohsin · 03-06-2023, 10:51 AM

Make sure you also look for the Y adapter down under between the valley where the turbos sit. That one is harder to locate but usually fails . That one will cost you an arm and leg to replace as the turbos need to be removed.

Kermdaddy · 03-11-2023, 01:43 PM

Thanks for the heads up. My future brother-in-law is a mechanic so hopefully I can swindle my way into borrowing the lift.

03-05-2023, 01:48 AM	#1
Kermdaddy New Member 8 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2016 550I Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Shelbyville, TN iTrader: (0)	Having to add coolant...no smoke or smell I keep having to add coolant about every week (2016 550i). Doesn't run hot, smell, or smoke. I took the plastic cover off the engine and saw this. You think this is my issue? Attached Images
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03-05-2023, 04:56 AM	#2
SWFLf10 Captain 372 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 2016 Alpina B6, 2015 535i Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW Alpina B6 ... [10.00] 2015 BMW 535i [8.83]	That’s a common issue from what I’ve read. I believe some have replaced the stock T with something a bit stronger. Definitely is leaking there, but I couldn’t say just how much. I’d start there though and keep monitoring. Make sure to bleed the coolant system afterwards and keep checking.
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03-05-2023, 05:41 AM	#3
Hoa Major 513 Rep 1,356 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: May 2010 Location: GA iTrader: (9)	Yes, common fail point on 550. You can go to hardware store and get brass fitting to make it a one time replacement.
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03-05-2023, 07:42 PM	#4
Kermdaddy New Member 8 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2016 550I Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Shelbyville, TN iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. That is what I thought but just wanted to make sure I didn't end up down a deep expensive hole for no good reason. I'll just replace the hoses, tees, etc.with the other maintenance things I need to do. Brakes being one of them. But hey how else could I have spent my tax return? Wish there was enough ro throw some catless downpipes with it lol.
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03-06-2023, 10:51 AM	#5
kohsin Private First Class 49 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 550ix Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Make sure you also look for the Y adapter down under between the valley where the turbos sit. That one is harder to locate but usually fails . That one will cost you an arm and leg to replace as the turbos need to be removed.
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03-11-2023, 01:43 PM	#6
Kermdaddy New Member 8 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2016 550I Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Shelbyville, TN iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the heads up. My future brother-in-law is a mechanic so hopefully I can swindle my way into borrowing the lift.
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