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re: antifreeze
There is no "older corrosive formula".
There are two kinds of antifreeze, phosphate (the older formula) and
non-phosphate (the newer formula). It's not like phosphates are something
to avoid, there are just two ways of doing the job.
Either will protect iron and aluminum from corrosion; there is even some
evidence the older phosphate formulas are better in this respect. (ask
Cummins) But...
o Phosphate antifreezes lose their corrosion inhibitors quickly, and they
must be changed yearly. Non-phosphate coolants last for at least 3 years.
o The two types must not be mixed.
o BMW specifies Non-phosphate.
Because of the last two items, you should be using non-phosphate coolant
in your BMW's. (FWIW, all non-phosphate coolant sold in the US is licensed
by Texaco, which is a partner in the Equilon venture with the European
patent holder.) The easiest way to get phosphate-free coolant is to look
for a product that meets the US auto industry "Dex-Cool" specification. It
will always be orange.
- -tc
> Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 13:19:37 -0500
> From: "Sanders, Ron" <[email protected]>
> Subject: antifreeze
>
> Tis the season. Has anyone found a suitable coolant/antifreeze
alternative
> for BMW cooling systems? Many manufacturers use aluminum and plastic
> cooling system parts similar to BMW that don't respond well to some of
the
> older corrosive coolant formulas. If possible, I would like to avoid a
trip
> to the dealer for a jug of $10 coolant if I can buy a comparable
substitute
> at the local auto parts store.
>
> Ron Sanders
> [email protected]
>
> 93 325is
> 92 525
- --
Ted Crum
1988 735i 5-speed
[email protected]
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