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I have a 2001 BMW 530i (55,000 miles). Every other day I have to add a bit of anti-freeze otherwise car overheats. This morning it overheated even after adding extra coolant. Mechanic checked radiator/coolant system and cannot find a leak. Upon pressurizing the system, pressure drops a lb every 6 minutes. Obviously there is a leak. Where could it be?

Submitted: 786 days and 7 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Optional Information:
2001 BMW 530i 3.0 (6 cyl)

Already Tried:
car seems to lose a bit more coolant everyday. No signs on the ground of antifreeze. Car mechanic (not BMW) could not find (small) leak. If I add antifreeze to the indicated mark, car does not overheat until this morning, where after adding antifreeze, car overheated after 2 miles. Waited a bit, iddled enginge again for 5-7 min, engine did not overheat. I'm afraid to drive car to BMW independent service garage in philadelphia (4 miles away). Could it be the water pump? or antifreeze going yo the engine? or because of small leak, escaping antifreeze is evaporated (atomized) being under pressure and going through small pinhole?

Accepted Answer

Hi,
The most likely problem is an internal leak, either the intake manifold gasket or the head gasket. Your mechanic will need to do a compression test and block test to determine whether it is the head gasket or the intake gasket.
I would advise having it towed to the BMW shop rather than driving it. If it is a head gasket and not the intake, and it lets go all the way driving over to the BMW shop, you can wind up with more severe damage, such as causing a rod or main bearing to spin out and seizing the engine.
Please click the ACCEPT BUTTON or ask for more help. Positive feedback is always appreciated
This is a Paysite

Expert:	eric
Pos. Feedback:	97.6 %
Accepts:	154
Answered:	1/21/2008

Automotive Repair Shop Manager

Automotive Repair Shop Manager, Technician

786 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you Eric for your answer which I have accepted. Do you have any idea, just an estimate, on how much the compression+block test and repair may run ? I am in Philadelphia (mid Atlantic Region USA). Thank you.

Accepted Answer

Hi,
Compression and Block test will run around $80-100. Repair can run anywhere from $600 up to $1200 depending on whether its an intake manifold gasket or a headgasket

Expert:	eric
Pos. Feedback:	97.6 %
Accepts:	154
Answered:	1/21/2008

Automotive Repair Shop Manager

Automotive Repair Shop Manager, Technician

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Accepted Answer

Reply

Thank you Eric for your answer which I have accepted. Do you have any idea, just an estimate, on how much the compression+block test and repair may run ? I am in Philadelphia (mid Atlantic Region USA). Thank you.

Accepted Answer

Hi,Compression and Block test will run around $80-100. Repair can run anywhere from $600 up to $1200 depending on whether its an intake manifold gasket or a headgasket

Related BMW Questions

Hi,
Compression and Block test will run around $80-100. Repair can run anywhere from $600 up to $1200 depending on whether its an intake manifold gasket or a headgasket