Since using the wrong anti-freeze can be very expensive, I have chose to stick with BMW p/n antifreeze. I purchase the coolant for $12 a gal. Good aftermarket anti-freeze will cost $8 a gal.

Have to flush/fill the coolant in my coupe this weekend and was wondering what the best anti-freeze/ coolants were on the market to use in our cars. Mostly what I know is that anti-freeze should be Phosphate-Free, but I don't see anything alluding to this on the run-of-the-mill Prestone container. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as to what is the best to use, as well as hot tips on how to do this with minimal mess. Thanks in advance. Regards, Chris

Since using the wrong anti-freeze can be very expensive, I have chose to stick with BMW p/n antifreeze. I purchase the BMW coolant for $12 a gal. Good aftermarket anti-freeze will cost $8 a gal, not much of a savings vs compatability risk advantage.

BMW has an Operating Fluid Specification manual that contains some information on antifreeze specifications.
Ethylene glycol long term without nitrites, phosphates and high silicate formulations.
Coolant change every two years.

This article from Motor magazine has information about the world coolant types and compatibility that will help.
http://www.motor.com/MAGAZINE/Articles/081999_11.html

Also see BMW service Bulletin 17 01 88 for additional information.

There is also a water specification. I use distilled water to stay on the safe side, even though my tap water is excellent.

Regards,
Rod...