I have a coolant leak in my 330i BMW with 65,000 miles. What could be wrong and how much could the repairs cost? Also, please let me know if you know any trustworthy repair shops in the Deerfield/ Delray/ Boca Raton FL area being that I am a young girl and have "take advantage of me posted on my forehead".
2006-10-25 08:34:16 · 9 answers · asked by mandeline28 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Coolant leaks can come from numerous places. Could be hose fitting or the hose itself. could be at the water pump or the lines that go to the heater, where they come out of the block.Or the radiator or even the overflow if you or someone overfilled the coolant reservoir. Have you tried looking to see where the leak is coming from?
To get a reliable shop check with AAA, if you are a member or look for shops in the yellow pages that are AAA approved. They check them out and must meet certain requirements plus they will help you if you have a problem with the shop. If you know some one who is in a car club or call the club itself ro refererals to local shops that are trustworthy
2006-10-25 08:43:36 · answer #1 · answered by gary o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As others have pointed out, a coolant leak can come from almost anywhere within the cooling system. It will be much cheaper if it is a hose or clamp, but much more expensive if it is a radiator, heater core or head gasket. The important thing is for you to have it diagnosed quickly before your engine is damaged.
The 3.3 liter is a very sophisticated engine, one you do not want to have to repair.
Finding a reputable mechanic is always difficult. First, ask your friends who they use. Second, make sure that whoever you choose has worked on a BMW before. Third, spend the time and get several places to look at it. This will help ensure that what they are saying is really what is wrong with it. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by the person who says it will cost the least. Ultimately you can only trust someone to decipher the problem and be honest.
Personally, I would stay away from dealers, but sometimes places that specialize in BMW's and the like already mark up their prices accordingly. Lastly, if you are worried about being taken for an easy mark by a mechanic who wants to sell you muffler bearings or some such nonsensical parts, find someone who can talk to them and take him with you.
You have a very nice car and you should find a mechanic who will be part of your upkeep regimen and repairs in the future. Let him know that you are looking for an honest appraisal and that you will be back if you are satisfied. Businesses exist on repeat business.
2006-10-25 09:07:04 · answer #2 · answered by Bentley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
liable for whats leaking sorry not really liable unless you can prove he done something wrong..is it same part he replace no part went bad sorry man parts break and who can say what is bad with out looking at it an dsure most coolant leak are easy depending on what is leaking but most anyone can do with a few tools a hose all you need is a screwdriver a water pump sure a few more tools but really most are easy to replace or fix just knowing what you need done the hard part many people do their own work to save money and just for fun my wife does all her own repairs even gets mad if i want to help her really
2016-05-22 13:25:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Know anyone who knows about cars? If it's just a busted hose, then it's easy to replace. If it's like a waterpump, and you don't have a warranty, you might be in for some $$.
Keep replacing the coolant so you don't overheat and get a couple of opinions before you decide on a course of action.
Call your local BMW dealer, use your feminine wiles (sp?), they may let you drive it in for a free diagnostic.
2006-10-25 08:45:48 · answer #4 · answered by Wil T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously you need a new radiator. Couple things to check so you don't get taken advantage of. Have someone show you where your radiator is you don't already know. There's a hose that goes on top and a hose connected to the bottom. There is metal band clasps that tighten with a screwdriver. Make sure it is not leaking from one of these hoses. (One could be bad, or clasp loose) This could be the difference of 5.00 and 500.00
2006-10-25 08:41:34 · answer #5 · answered by Andrew B. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The repairs can be anywhere from a smile for the guy who tightened a clamp to $1500 for bad freeze plugs or a blown head gasket.. You need to find the leak
2006-10-25 12:03:49 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on where it's leaking from if it is somewhere obvious you or a friend could go to an auto parts store buy the part and you or a friend could replace it yourself but if you take it to a shop it's going to be expensive on a bmw. but if you dont want to fool with it look in the phone book and call around to get the best price on fixing it and go with the best price. but thats just my opinion. good luck
2006-10-25 08:45:09 · answer #7 · answered by michael f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont over look the obvious take a auto course even if you git straight e's youll learn something or git videos from the library but a forgien auto costs 3 times as much to repair than american
2006-10-25 08:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by peter w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop in Autozone and someone will help you with your problem. 3 or 4 will if you are hot
2006-10-25 08:49:10 · answer #9 · answered by - 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋