My coolant level indicator keeps acting up. I've added distilled water (a few ounces) but it keeps saying that the level is low. There is no apparent leak and the engine does not overheat. What could the deal be? Bad sensor? Anything serious?

Hey old friend!

I JUST had this issue. One of my buddies told me that I should add some distilled water to see if it would be the remedy, but it failed. Apparently my sensor was loose (the one right next to the coolant cap).

Ultimately I suspect my malevolent mechanic for slightly disconnecting the sensor from it's proper latched position.

...If this is not the case for you, it's a bad sensor which needs to be replaced.

It could also be your water pump. Mine was yelling about low coolant after I'd add some and it turned out the water pump had given up the ghost. It still had the original pump at 120k miles, so it's not too suprising.

Hmmmmmm im at 125k on my 92. I have the SAME damn thing. Anyone know how much, what item #, and a possibly better one then the OEM water pump?

Hmmmmmm im at 125k on my 92. I have the SAME damn thing. Anyone know how much, what item #, and a possibly better one then the OEM water pump?
Part numbers are easy to look up using the online parts database (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/). The water pump diagram is located under ENGINE (manin group) ENGINE COOLING (sub group)...here's the diagram after inputing info for a 92 525i auto tranny w/mfg date of 1/1992: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD63&mospid=47404&btnr=11_1503&hg=11&fg=35

You can shop around for price quotes form your local dealer, online vendors, online dealers, etc.

I got a new one for 50$ when I was rebuilding an M30 for my '72 3.0CS from Carl Nelson in california.

My coolant level indicator keeps acting up. I've added distilled water (a few ounces) but it keeps saying that the level is low. There is no apparent leak and the engine does not overheat. What could the deal be? Bad sensor? Anything serious?

If this is one your 540, you may have had the same problem I just experienced in my 740. There are 2 lines that connect to the block, located directly under the coolant box. Both of my lines were swollen like microwaved hot dogs. Considering your car is 11 years old and they were probably never replaced, they may be expereicing fatigue like mine did.

Mine slowly dripped coolant out. Enough to trip the sensor about once a month. I caught the 1st one in time to make a repair. The 2nd one exploded on the highway and I lost all of my coolant.

Check both of these lines, one is on the drivers side, the other on the passangers side. The lines connect directly to the tranny. Unfortunately they are not a cheap repair if you are not mechanically inclined. They use a pressure fitting connected to a hose.

Well, I'm looking at the old service records and the water pump was replaced during the 120k service. I think the previous owner replaced EVERYTHING at the 120k mile serivce :eek: