Expert: Josh Fields - 12/4/2005

Question
Hi Josh,  I have a 1996 328i convertible and as of yesterday it is leaking antifreeze.  The car seems to cool (although it is cold out) and from what i can tell so far, my heater is not working either.  Any advise on what it could be?

Rahim

Answer
Rahim,
 The only way to fix this, is to actually look under the hood and find where the leak is coming from.  Once you know where it's leaking, then you can fix the problem.  The cooling systems are not very complex, so finding the leak should be easy.
 Fill the coolant tank, and start the engine.  Let the engine come up to operating temperature (it will build pressure) and start looking for leaks.  You might have to get on the ground and look under the car as well.  Hopefully it's a rubber hose that has a pin hole in it, as that is an easy fix (10 minutes).  
 If you cant fix this soon, make sure that the coolant tank stays full.  The easiest way to ruin an engine is to let it run out of coolant, and then run hot.  If you let the coolant get too low, you will get air in the system, and will have to bleed air out.  Air will cause problems as well, such as your "no heat" situation.  
 This is a serious issue, and needs attention as soon as possible.  Just for a little info, always keep an eye on the temp guage, even in a new car, I glance at it quite often.  Your car's temp should run in the middle of the gauge and stay there.  If you notice it dropping or rising, you have something wrong in the cooling system (which is relatively easy to fix).  If you notice the temp going up, watch it closely. NEVER LET IT GET ABOVE 3/4 (75%) HOT.  If it is at 3/4, PULL OVER and let it cool.  Like I said this will ruin the engine, and cost thousands of dollars to replace.
 I hope this helps,  
 Josh