Weird Coolant Level Issue

[007_e350]

hey folks, so our x5 D 2012 had a leak when we bought it, took it to the dealer and they replaced water pump (30k miles), pressurized the system and all good ... few days ago I checked the fluid level in the morning before starting the car and I couldn't see ANY coolant, I could read MIN clearly...
yesterday took it to the dealer, he popped the hood and opened the coolant bottle, and the level was at MAX... I can almost swear there was no coolant before starting... do you guys see it the same way ??

[mhkm]

Since none of the forum gurus have replied...

I'm not trying to sound like a dork, but you DID take into consideration that the coolant level in a cool engine is going to be quite lower than with the engine warmed up, right? That's why engines have an expansion tank, to let the fluid rise and fall with differing temps...

Just fill it to max with the engine cold and you should be OK if you don't have a leak.

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by mhkm

Since none of the forum gurus have replied...

I'm not trying to sound like a dork, but you DID take into consideration that the coolant level in a cool engine is going to be quite lower than with the engine warmed up, right? That's why engines have an expansion tank, to let the fluid rise and fall with differing temps...

Just fill it to max with the engine cold and you should be OK if you don't have a leak.

ok but our 335i has coolant level always constant, open it hot or cold ... off course with caution when hot

[mhkm]

Perhaps, but this level is the same because it is pressurized when hot, so remember if you open the cap with the engine hot, you will find the coolant to be quite under pressure, and it may even overflow (hence the reason for the warning not to open when engine is hot).
When the engine overheats, the pressure of the coolant will exceed the spring pressure in the cap and you will see the classic "steam" emitting from underneath the hood of you car...