F8X S55 owners BEWARE!!!!

[WeekendWarriorz]

Originally Posted by TrauCon

Thanks WeekendWarriorz.

But does anyone know the function of that hole (insert joke here if you want)? The main reservoir doesn't have it. It is just on the intercooler one.

Also does anyone have their intercooler level above the top plate? I am curious to know if it stays there for you after a week of driving.

The intercooler fluid level does not go above the top plate mark, at least I have never seen that on my buddies car when I was looking at it.

[KevM2]

If you're paranoid and it's something that will drive you insane, just switch it with a more robust aftermarket piece, since even if the dealer replaces it, it will be the same bmw part and that won't resolve your paranoia. That's what I plan to doing to mine anyways.

[TrauCon]

Originally Posted by KevM2

If you're paranoid and it's something that will drive you insane, just switch it with a more robust aftermarket piece, since even if the dealer replaces it, it will be the same bmw part and that won't resolve your paranoia. That's what I plan to doing to mine anyways.

My factory warranty is not over until Dec 2021. I dont plan to introduce any performance parts or tunes to it until then.

[ethannie9696]

So I was looking at my engine bay the other day and this is what I saw (attached picture). I don't seem to find anyone to have the same spillage like mine. I hadn't noticed any warning from the car either. However, I took my car to autox the other day, and after 5 sessions, the car said that engine compartment hot for the first time ever. This morning, I tried to see if the charge air cooler is hot, and it turned out that the charge air cooler is cold to the touch when the car is at operating temperature. I also tried open the cap and check the coolant level; however, I couldn't seem to open the cap as it might be stuck to due the spillage(my assumption).

I wonder if anyone has experienced the same problem? Should I take the car to the dealer to get it check?

[WeekendWarriorz]

Originally Posted by ethannie9696

So I was looking at my engine bay the other day and this is what I saw (attached picture). I don't seem to find anyone to have the same spillage like mine. I hadn't noticed any warning from the car either. However, I took my car to autox the other day, and after 5 sessions, the car said that engine compartment hot for the first time ever. This morning, I tried to see if the charge air cooler is hot, and it turned out that the charge air cooler is cold to the touch when the car is at operating temperature. I also tried open the cap and check the coolant level; however, I couldn't seem to open the cap as it might be stuck to due the spillage(my assumption).

I wonder if anyone has experienced the same problem? Should I take the car to the dealer to get it check?

Seems like it was overfilled and leaked under pressure as the level increases. Take it to service if you physically can't twist it off. And have them check the level of the fluid and verify that it's properly filled.

[ethannie9696]

Originally Posted by WeekendWarriorz

Seems like it was overfilled and leaked under pressure as the level increases. Take it to service if you physically can't twist it off. And have them check the level of the fluid and verify that it's properly filled.

Thx! Will report back afterwards

[TrauCon]

Originally Posted by ethannie9696

Thx! Will report back afterwards

You are the opposite to people here in this thread.. lol.

Did you overfill it (filled it above the top plate in the reservoir) at somepoint? For it to flushed out like that, I assume it was at the very top.

If it is cold to the touch after driving then I think you must have some coolant in there. Maybe you can try to break it loose (dont turn it more than 1/2 a turn) after a drive. then wait until the engine is cold to open it up? Remember it is dangerous to try to open it when it's hot, so do it at your own risk.

[ethannie9696]

After trying to open the cap with various methods, I managed to open the cap by myself. It turned out the level of fluid inside the reservoir is normal as indicated in the picture. Thankfully, it's not leaking.

TrauCon , I never physically filled the reservoir myself. So my guess is that my dealer probably just filled too much fluid when I sent it for service. And as a result of that, it spilled out.

[WeekendWarriorz]

Originally Posted by ethannie9696

After trying to open the cap with various methods, I managed to open the cap by myself. It turned out the level of fluid inside the reservoir is normal as indicated in the picture. Thankfully, it's not leaking.

TrauCon , I never physically filled the reservoir myself. So my guess is that my dealer probably just filled too much fluid when I sent it for service. And as a result of that, it spilled out.

Clean the threads with some water and tooth brush to get the dried up mixture out of there, should slide on and off good after!

[///M Houbi]

After following this thread for quite a while finally checked mine today, luckily its all good.

[ra2289]

Had my coolant refilled a few months ago, at the bottom of the reservoir now. Charge cooler is warm to the touch where it used to be cold. During spark plug change there was residual fluid in my front most charge-pipe.

It's at the dealer now for other issues but they're aware of all of the above. We'll see if a replacement charge cooler is warranted.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by ra2289

Had my coolant refilled a few months ago, at the bottom of the reservoir now. Charge cooler is warm to the touch where it used to be cold. During spark plug change there was residual fluid in my front most charge-pipe.

It's at the dealer now for other issues but they're aware of all of the above. We'll see if a replacement charge cooler is warranted.

It's hit you too? You go to LV or Henderson?

[ra2289]

It seems like it to me.

Went to Henderson. Don't think I'll ever go to LV again. One of the SAs over at LV said I admitted to using low/medium grade gas instead of high grade, which is a lie of course. Didn't even know he said that until Henderson looked at the notes and told me a few days ago.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by ra2289

It seems like it to me.

Went to Henderson. Don't think I'll ever go to LV again. One of the SAs over at LV said I admitted to using low/medium grade gas instead of high grade, which is a lie of course. Didn't even know he said that until Henderson looked at the notes and told me a few days ago.

Yeah. Henderson took care of my charge cooler as well.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by ethannie9696

So I was looking at my engine bay the other day and this is what I saw (attached picture). I don't seem to find anyone to have the same spillage like mine. I hadn't noticed any warning from the car either. However, I took my car to autox the other day, and after 5 sessions, the car said that engine compartment hot for the first time ever. This morning, I tried to see if the charge air cooler is hot, and it turned out that the charge air cooler is cold to the touch when the car is at operating temperature. I also tried open the cap and check the coolant level; however, I couldn't seem to open the cap as it might be stuck to due the spillage(my assumption).

I wonder if anyone has experienced the same problem? Should I take the car to the dealer to get it check?

Went for a drive today and later checked the level to see some dried residue of what must be coolant. Not much. First time noticing it. Some around the side lip and some on the engine cover edge. The level is still at the top as previous checks. Will keep an eye on it.

[swagon]

2016 with 21k miles. It was NOT cold to touch after driving yesterday but the tank is almost full now after having stayed overnight in the garage.

[WeekendWarriorz]

Originally Posted by swagon

2016 with 21k miles. It was NOT cold to touch after driving yesterday but the tank is almost full now after having stayed overnight in the garage.

Keep an eye on it, the charge air cooler should feel cool to touch unless you're just sitting in traffic. Drive the car kind of hard (don't get caught doing anything illegal) after doing a few multi gear pills pull over quickly and immediately place your hand directly on the intercooler core. If it's burning hot then something's happening and that's not normal.

[ra2289]

Here's mine, coupled with just being refilled and the other symptoms I mentioned before...

[KevM2]

Originally Posted by ra2289

Here's mine, coupled with just being refilled and the other symptoms I mentioned before...

What did the dealer say/do yesterday?

[ra2289]

Originally Posted by KevM2

What did the dealer say/do yesterday?

Haven't heard back from the dealer as of yet. I took the picture to show my SA when I took the car in.

[Bluer2]

I have a brand new CSF charge air cooler for sale if anyone is interested. I figure this is the perfect thread to post it in.

[ra2289]

Talked to my SA yesterday and the charge cooler will be replaced in the next few days.