BMW 318 ci 2001 Automatic

MIFITZPA

MEMBER
2001 BMW 318

I have an 318ci 2001 Automatic in Ireland, with 45,000 miles on it and I had it serviced by a main dealer just before chirstmas. After the service the warning lights for the rear lights kept coming on, but there was nothing wrong with them. After a week of this, it finally stopped and the oil warning light started to come on. It would only come on for a few seconds every time the car started cold and then it would go off. Then the radiator warning light started to come on everytime the car started cold and would stay on for a few minutes and then go off. Also, if I drive on a highway for a bit the radiator light comes on again. It seems very odd, as the levels are okay with the oil and the radiator fluid. Any idea what is wrong? Also, is there a particular fluid required in the radiator overflow, or is water adequate. Thank you kindly.

Thursday, April 12th, 2007 AT 3:03 AM

2 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

As far as radiator. Put in a mix of 50-50 or it will freeze or boil. Go back to the dealer and have them run a diagnostic on the computer.

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Tuesday, April 17th, 2007 AT 5:10 AM

MIFITZPA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I went to the dealer and they told me the oil pressure switch had failed and that there was a leak in the overflow bottle and the Thermostat. They were trying to charge a grand to repair it, but I have got the parts online for 150. Now I just need a little guidance as to how to fit them, and whether I will need to refill the oil in the engine, and how much oil is that? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The oil pressure switch looks pretty straight forward, as does the bottle and thermostat, but any guidance on precautions and what tools I should use would be greatly appreciated.

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Wednesday, April 18th, 2007 AT 11:00 AM