Leak

[Alpine650]

I was just searching this forum for info on a possible coolant leak. I read here that BMW coolant is blue - and my leak is yellow. Any idea what fluid is yellow? I haven't checked under the hood since it had 18 inches of snow on it but the snow directly under engine center was yellow. I realize it could drip along various hoses, etc.

[Opie55]

Depends on what you mean by yellow. Brake fluid can look sort of yellow. The coolant is Windex color unless it was changed for some reason. You have two coolant reservoirs - one dead center under the engine cover and one at the rear corner on the driver's side. Roll up the corner of a white paper towel and stick it in there and see if it's blue.

[Opie55]

Some washer fluid is yellow. Check that too.

[Mnfamilyguy2020]

I completed a trans flush and the fluid came out a bit yellow.

[Alpine650]

Thanks guys. Coolant is blue, as is my windshield wash. Need to change to that orange windshield wash to avoid confusion. Oil and brake fluid change both due so I will find out what it is next week.

[Alpine650]

Actually, as I was typing that response it didn't make sense that BMW would use both BLUE windshield washer fluid and BLUE radiator coolant. I said blue because someone told me the coolant was blue. I need to check. Also, I read somewhere BMW radiator coolant is Yellow.

[Alpine650]

Source: BMW Dealer Website

Red: Transmission Fluid or Power Steering Fluid
Orange: Transmission Fluid or Radiator Coolant
Yellow: Radiator Coolant
Green: Antifreeze from Water Pump, Hoses, or Radiator
Blue: Windshield Wiper Fluid
Pink: Power Steering Fluid or Transmission Fluid
Dark Brown: Brake Fluid or Older Engine Oil
Light Brown: Newer Engine Oil or Gear Lubricant

[dagoo98]

Originally Posted by Alpine650

Actually, as I was typing that response it didn't make sense that BMW would use both BLUE windshield washer fluid and BLUE radiator coolant. I said blue because someone told me the coolant was blue. I need to check. Also, I read somewhere BMW radiator coolant is Yellow.

BMW coolant is blue.

[Alpine650]

Well SA said no leaks found. I'm wondering if a stray cat spent a cold night in the engine compartment and had to pee.

[Opie55]

That color chart you posted does not pertain to our cars. The coolant is windex blue - I own a bottle and have added some various times. The PS fluid is not red b/c our cars do not use tranny fluid as PS fluid - some cars do. Ours use Pentosin CHS11-S, which is mineral oil based, and is light green.

[Walt White Coupe]

Originally Posted by Alpine650

Well SA said no leaks found. I'm wondering if a stray cat spent a cold night in the engine compartment and had to pee.

That's what I was thinking when I first read your post, but I thought squirrel.

[Angry Ketchup]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Some washer fluid is yellow. Check that too.

Yeah - the windscreen washer fluid I use in Euroland is yellow. In The States I think it's greenish/blue? I can't remember what I bought last.



I think this is one of the best I've used, whether ready-mixed or in concentrate. I like the smell of it a lot too... lol