The Best Repair Shop in Bellingham for Fix Coolant Leaks in a BMW e46 3 Series

Posted on July 31, 2021 by Carson Wileman

For over one hundred years, BMW has made vehicles renowned for their quality and safety. Having been pioneers first in the field of aircraft design, then spreading to luxury cars, formula one racers, and even motorcycles, the company’s reputation is beyond reproof. Although they are some of the most reliable on the road, there is still routine maintenance that needs to be done, and some issues may arise that require professional attention.

The cooling system is a complex series of components that all work together to keep the engine block at a safe temperature. Multiple sensors connect directly to the engine’s computer chip to let you know if there are any problems, but even these parts can wear out over time.

There are some common issues and symptoms you can look out for to ensure your cooling system is operating as it should be. The primary means of cooling is through the liquid called engine coolant. This is constantly being plumbed through the engine to dissipate heat. As with any system that controls the flow of a liquid, a major issue for the car to run correctly is spotting coolant leaks early.

Common Signs of a Coolant Leak

There are some common signs that it is time to bring in your BMW to see if coolant is leaking from anywhere. Remember, the cooling system has many moving parts, and any issue with one can be a sign that others have sustained damage as a result, causing the entire system to malfunction.

• Leaks in the coolant tank itself: The tank that holds your vehicle’s coolant is made of plastic. This is a heavy duty plastic built to sit inside your engine compartment, but can still sustain damage and begin to leak coolant. Luckily, this is an easy fix. The danger is that if a leak is not spotted early it can spray coolant all over the inside of your engine and leak onto the ground. It is important at any sign of this distinct fluid on your garage floor or left behind in a parking spot that your bring your BMW in and simply have the leaking tank replaced with a new one certified for your make and model.
• Cooling system damage: These are sequential issues, and if your tank has been leaking for any amount of time, it is very likely that other parts have sustained damage. Because the fluid is constantly being pushed through the engine and back to the reservoir to allow heat to dissipate, if the engine is running at any time with less than a full tank of coolant then it has likely run hotter than designed. Just like the tank, parts are designed to operate in conjunction with each other and at a designated temperature and can sustain damage if run for any amount of time above that temperature.
• Testing the system as a whole: After inspecting or replacing the tank, it is important to check the remaining coolant system parts. This is simple and done by pressure testing the system as a whole. If parts have run too hot, it is possible to already have leaks in other places and testing the pressure of the entire system will show if any exist, not just the most visible coolant tank leaks.

Keith Cox Autobahn is Here for Your BMW

It’s important to remember that regular maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs down the road. Having your BMW regularly serviced by a certified technician will give you peace of mind and save money in the long run.

Keith Cox Autobahn specializes in German makes and models. We believe your relationship with your vehicle matters and would rather see proper servicing and repairs done to maintain the life of your car than you restoring to replacing the German vehicle you love. We are dedicated to having highly-trained technicians, state-of-the-art technology, and the most up-to-date and manufacturer recommended tools to do the job right.

Call us or stop by if you are in or near Bellingham, Washington. Let us show you why we are the best in the area to maintain your German brand vehicle.