[irinnaaa]

I am kinda in a sticky situation. I need to replace the radiator in my car as well as put coolant in. being how it is labor day weekend bmw will be closed until Tuesday. I need to get the car running by Tuesday for work. So is there any other coolants that i can substitue for the bmw coolant or is that a no no?

[tylerboland01]

I believe pentosin NF meets the requirements, but don't qoute me on that.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by tylerboland01

I believe pentosin NF meets the requirements, but don't qoute me on that.

You're correct. Therefore I will quote you on that

BMW-compatible coolants:

1. Zerex G-05 (can be found at auto parts stores)
2. Pentosin NF
3. Castrol NF
4. Volvo (seriously!)
5. Glysantin G48
6. Any other nitrate free, phosphate free coolant (also known as a HOAT coolant)

Your easiest solution will be G-05 since it's almost everywhere.

[tylerboland01]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

You're correct. Therefore I will quote you on that

BMW-compatible coolants:

1. Zerex G-05 (can be found at auto parts stores)
2. Pentosin NF
3. Castrol NF
4. Volvo (seriously!)
5. Glysantin G48
6. Any other nitrate free, phosphate free coolant (also known as a HOAT coolant)

Your easiest solution will be G-05 since it's almost everywhere.

Funny, I've never seen G-05 on the shelves in my area. Pentosin NF on the other hand is pretty much stocked everywhere.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by tylerboland01

Funny, I've never seen G-05 on the shelves in my area. Pentosin NF on the other hand is pretty much stocked everywhere.

Haha, oddly I have the opposite problem I have been seeing a lot more Pentosin stocked at auto parts stores now, though, which is really awesome.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

4. Volvo (seriously!)

I'm currently running Volvo 31439821 coolant in my E90. I'm almost certain this, BMW 82141467704 and MB Q1030004 coolant are the same.

[tylerboland01]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

I'm currently running Volvo 31439821 coolant in my E90. I'm almost certain this, BMW 82141467704 and MB Q1030004 coolant are the same.

I'm not sure how many coolant producers there are, but if it's like car batteries ( 3 standard producers, 4 agm producers), it all probably comes from a few manufacturers.

Edit: nevermind I just looked it up, there are currently 47 coolant manufacturers currently operational.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by tylerboland01

I'm not sure how many coolant producers there are, but if it's like car batteries ( 3 standard producers, 4 agm producers), it all probably comes from a few manufacturers.

Edit: nevermind I just looked it up, there are currently 47 coolant manufacturers currently operational.

I looked up the MSDS for them and while they're not exactly the same, they should be compatible as they're all ethylene glycol-based G48

[F22_Raptor]

+1 for Pentosin NF

Its what I used when I replaced my waterpump and Tstat

[Shane335]

Pentosin NF is what I am running right now. I have all but the Volvo coolant easily accessible to me. The Pentosin was a lot cheaper than the BMW stuff and basically the same

[Mus22]

Coolant is coolant mate there is nothing to it.

[08TUNDRA]

Running Mercedes blue coolant in mine for years with no adverse effects.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Mus22

Coolant is coolant mate there is nothing to it.

This is not true. Oil, yes, but not coolant.

Coolant is extremely specific on what it's compatible with. Certain types of coolants cannot ever be mixed, and certain types of engine blocks cannot use certain types of coolant. The result of mixing incompatible coolants or using incorrect coolant ranges from forming a gel-like sludge to pitting metal in extreme cases.

[mweisdorfer]

You can use Amsoil Coolant.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

This is not true. Oil, yes, but not coolant.

Coolant is extremely specific on what it's compatible with. Certain types of coolants cannot ever be mixed, and certain types of engine blocks cannot use certain types of coolant. The result of mixing incompatible coolants or using incorrect coolant ranges from coming a gel-like sludge to pitting metal in extreme cases.

It is also not true for oil. Each oil producer starts with a base oil that is the same across the board and then mix in their "concoctions" for detergents, anti-foaming, etc. Quaker State use to gum up engines like the La Brea Tar Pits.

Just like gasoline have various mixtures depending on brand and octane ratings. My car loves Shell or Mobile... hates Sunoco.

[Mus22]

Oil Is very specific. But as for coolant from my knowledge and experience is coolant if for example you didn't have cold weather you wouldn't need coolant.

[IllSic_Design]

Originally Posted by tylerboland01

Funny, I've never seen G-05 on the shelves in my area. Pentosin NF on the other hand is pretty much stocked everywhere.

Same here, Zerex G05(and G48, which I have used the last 2 times changing coolant) is always on the shelf at the local O'reillys. I have never seen Pentosin at any auto parts store.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

Same here, Zerex G05(and G48, which I have used the last 2 times changing coolant) is always on the shelf at the local O'reillys. I have never seen Pentosin at any auto parts store.

Autozone carriers the Pentosin coolant and power steering fluid.

[IllSic_Design]

Originally Posted by Greyfox

Autozone carriers the Pentosin coolant and power steering fluid.

Not my local autozone, they don't carry much beside the usual brands. It's the first store I usually go to as it is the closest.

[Greyfox]

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

Not my local autozone, they don't carry much beside the usual brands. It's the first store I usually go to as it is the closest.

Interesting. The manager told me that Autozone was going to start carrying a lot of the Pentosin products.

Just checked online for my local store and they have the power steering fluid, brake fluid, multiple coolants, and hydraulic fluid from Pentosin in store stock.

[Meeni]

There are multiple coolants that are suitable. However, finding one that's right can be difficult. You definitely want one that's phosphate free, and compatible with aluminum radiators. There are a number of options, but many of the widely available at the local autozone won't work. The BMW sourced coolant is not overpriced, and removes the guesswork.

If you use the wrong coolant, it may corrode the inside of the engine and/or clog the radiator and the AC heat exchanger.

[68vert]

I changed my waterpump and thermostat this weekend and 3 quarts of BMW coolant was not enough so I added a quart of Pentofrost blue from autozone and the car runs cooler than previously.