I personally don't know if there is a better or just as good coolant but if it is under warranty it would be best to use theirs. I too think it is a lot to pay for the stuff but I paid 18K for the bike so only the best will go in it. Maybe it is something special or maybe just the price.

 

Check the standards organization

All fluids used in motor vehicles have standard ratings that identify the suitability for use in particular applications. As different vehicles have different needs the fluids are selected by the manufacturer of the vehicle to meet those needs. These standard ratings are (normally) posted on the fluid containers. If you choose to substitute an open market brand for the BMW labeled brand make certain that all of the rating certifications meet or exceed those of the BMW labeled fluid.

Happy Hunting

 

I want to try and avoid spending $17/gallon for BMW brand coolant. Is there another coolant brand that is cheaper and equivalent to BMW's?

Thanks,

Alex

Alex

Look at it this way. Your $17.00 investment is good for 2 coolant drain & re-fills. Thats 4 years! And you have the right stuff in there if you ever have a cooling problem.

 

good advice, joez

goog advice! also goes for oil, and brake fluid, although dealer wont level with u. it's called margins.

 

You live in Los Angeles, you can get away with using straight dionized water. I am assuming the bike is garaged and probably will rarely see freezing temperatures. Plus it saves you from having to switch out when you head to the track.

In the end, how much is your sanity worth. It sounds like you are somewhat paranoid, so buy the BMW coolant.

ONON-
Mark

 

It's my understanding that coolant also acts as a water pump lubricant, so I would be careful about using water only, no matter how pure the water is. However, adding deionized water to one's coolant as a way to achieve the proper mix (50/50, 60/40 etc.) as called for by the vehicle's manufacturer is an excellent idea.

Tom

 

Use Prestone Dex-Cool, the orange stuff. It's specifically formulated for aluminum radiators. $10 dollars a gallon but its good for 5 years and it's better rated than BMW coolant.

 

My recipe is 100% Ethylene glycol with inhibitors mixed 50/50 with de-ionised water and a dash of machine shop soluble oil to keep the pump happy.

Straight water is no good. Your hot coolant circulates around your aluminium (+other metals) in the engine, so anti-corrosion properties are very important if you want the motor to last. When the coolant gets air in it or just mixes around, it no longer is neutral pH and looks for something to eat - your expensive new engine!

Motorcycles have small capacity for coolant and the pH balance quickly changes in a fairly short time. Whatever the instructions say on the can, it's worth considering a coolant change every 2 years to flush out the acid building up. If you buy non-oem you can afford to do that for peace of mind. I take the same view with oil - non-oem but change more often.