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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Leaking Fluid
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      08-07-2018, 09:03 PM   #1
saysak
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I have a 2012 528i and noticed yesterday morning that there was a blueish greenish fluid leaking from under the car. About 3 weeks ago, the car displayed a message saying the car was low on coolant. We took it to the dealership and they topped the coolant off but the person who filled it up for us went a good bit over the Max fill line (not sure if this is a problem). I'll attach pictures of what the leaking fluid from yesterday looked like. I'm not the most experienced person so I'd appreciate any help.

Highest level coolant picture is from when we got it topped off.

Medium level is from today.

Lowest level is from 3 weeks ago when the car popped up the low coolant message.

Person at the dealership said the car uses coolant just like it uses anything else? Normal stuff?
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      08-08-2018, 12:06 AM   #2
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Uses coolant - nonsense. If coolant is used, it's a problem.
Based on your pics and description the overfill reservoir has less coolant from the time it was topped off. That tells me you have a leak somewhere. Have you touched, smelled the leaking trail you got on concrete? Is it a bit greasy but watery to a touch? If so, it's coolant. This needs to be taken care ASAP to avoid overheating and/or extensive damage down the road. The leak could be coming from many areas (thermostat, water pump, hoses, turbo cooling lines, etc.,).
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      08-08-2018, 01:07 AM   #3
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Oops please look below.
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      08-08-2018, 01:07 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geminiys View Post
Uses coolant - nonsense. If coolant is used, it's a problem.
Based on your pics and description the overfill reservoir has less coolant from the time it was topped off. That tells me you have a leak somewhere. Have you touched, smelled the leaking trail you got on concrete? Is it a bit greasy but watery to a touch? If so, it's coolant. This needs to be taken care ASAP to avoid overheating and/or extensive damage down the road. The leak could be coming from many areas (thermostat, water pump, hoses, turbo cooling lines, etc.,).
Ah okay. I was hoping there was no leak but "coolant is used just like everything else" didn't sound right to me either. What's odd is that I have never had a puddle at home after coming home and parking it. The only reason I noticed something coming out was because I drove to school (quick 2 minute drive) and was sitting in the parking lot for maybe 20 minutes with the engine running and when I stepped out, I saw the fluid coming from the bottom. I'll get that checked out then.

Again I'm not really the most experienced but from what I've researched, if the coolant was leaking out the bottom, it's safe to say that it's not being mixed in with engine oil or anything like that?

Also would the dealership be the best place to take it?

I appreciate all the help, thanks.
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      08-08-2018, 01:12 AM   #5
geminiys
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saysak View Post
Ah okay. I was hoping there was no leak but "coolant is used just like everything else" didn't sound right to me either. What's odd is that I have never had a puddle at home after coming home and parking it. The only reason I noticed something coming out was because I drove to school (quick 2 minute drive) and was sitting in the parking lot for maybe 20 minutes with the engine running and when I stepped out, I saw the fluid coming from the bottom. I'll get that checked out then.

Again I'm not really the most experienced but from what I've researched, if the coolant was leaking out the bottom, it's safe to say that it's not being mixed in with engine oil or anything like that?

Also would the dealership be the best place to take it?

I appreciate all the help, thanks.
I wouldn't take it to a dealer but find an Indy that specializes in BMW. It will be cheaper. Where are you in California? If Bay Area, I can recommend one.
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      08-08-2018, 01:18 AM   #6
saysak
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geminiys View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by saysak View Post
Ah okay. I was hoping there was no leak but "coolant is used just like everything else" didn't sound right to me either. What's odd is that I have never had a puddle at home after coming home and parking it. The only reason I noticed something coming out was because I drove to school (quick 2 minute drive) and was sitting in the parking lot for maybe 20 minutes with the engine running and when I stepped out, I saw the fluid coming from the bottom. I'll get that checked out then.

Again I'm not really the most experienced but from what I've researched, if the coolant was leaking out the bottom, it's safe to say that it's not being mixed in with engine oil or anything like that?

Also would the dealership be the best place to take it?

I appreciate all the help, thanks.
I wouldn't take it to a dealer but find an Indy that specializes in BMW. It will be cheaper. Where are you in California? If Bay Area, I can recommend one.
I'm actually located in Southern California in Riverside, CA. I'll include a picture of the potential service shops around me but are there any specific names that you'd recommend that I could look for down here? Doesn't have to be in Riverside, anywhere around would be great too.
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      08-08-2018, 10:04 AM   #7
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I am not familiar with South Cal and will let other forum members to chime in who are from that region. You need to look for an independent mechanic that specializes in BMW, preferred certified by BMW, or at least specializes on German cars. The list you provided are generic places and some are Body Shops and not mechanics. Try Yelp in your area or Google Search for BMW specialists.
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      08-08-2018, 12:56 PM   #8
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Yelp is a good source...

https://www.yelp.com/search?find_des...iverside%2C+CA

In my case my dealer is marginally; and in some instances cheaper; more expensive than the indy that's within a mile or so. Don't be afraid to pit your dealer against an indy; that is if you like your dealer's service.
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