So Capt. Slow is at the shop

"KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs" (kusabisensei) 07/08/2015 at 12:21 • Filed to: None

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BMW Condition Based Service is now calling for an oil and filter change for Capt. Slow. It is also calling for rear brakes to be replaced. However, upon the shop pulling the rear wheels to examine the brakes, it turns out there is 9mm of pad remaining.

Condition Based Service is therefore pants. Mr. Slowly is slowly communicating with the Vaterland (Munich) over the Internet to determine what is going goofy with the CBS system.

Also, the service advisor noted that the coolant level looked low in the surge tank. I pointed out to him that since it’s a closed system, coolant use means a leak, and if it isn’t coming out and dripping, that means head gasket, and I wouldn’t likely be really happy if it ate a head gasket before 30K miles.

*sigh*

CB > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 12:22

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And yet I still want that car.

DrScientist > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 12:30

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it could be a very slow coolant leak. slow enough that it evaporates before the drips collect enough to fall to the ground.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > CB 07/08/2015 at 12:31

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Indeed. My not-private lusting for one of these was one of the reasons he got one (he’s an RL college buddy).

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 12:33

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It could also be a water pump, I suppose.

Steve in Manhattan > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 14:20

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Could be that the system only leaks when under pressure. They should put a pressure tester on it.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Steve in Manhattan 07/08/2015 at 19:37

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They did. It holds pressure, and so they topped it off. I also note there has not been any sign of coolant being burned, and they did not report chocolate milkshake coming out during the oil change.

Still I’d be quite surprised if it was actually leaking this soon in its life.

Steve in Manhattan > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 20:05

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Huh ... a neighbor needed some coolant?

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Steve in Manhattan 07/08/2015 at 20:06

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My working theory is that since the car was bought new by me, some of the water was absorbed by various seals as they were seating during break in.

It’s as reasonable an explanation as any.

Steve in Manhattan > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 20:16

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It would explain it, although I have no idea how much liquid would be absorbed by seals. Is there a dump valve if the system overheats?

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Steve in Manhattan 07/08/2015 at 20:23

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The surge tank cap is the pressure relief valve on the system, and it dumps to the outside.

I can’t imagine there being a whole lot absorbed during seal seating, but it could also be a “Whoops, the Brits forgot to fill it up all the way”.

Steve in Manhattan > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 07/08/2015 at 21:52

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I prefer to blame the Germans. They’ve given us a lot of trouble over the years.