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Sounds like a blown head gasket to me, if not... (archive)
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Posted by Tim Collins on July 30, 2000 at 01:50:53:

In Reply to: 535i won't start after overheating posted by Sendhil on July 30, 2000 at 01:15:15:

a warped head. And yes, too much anti-freeze will lower the cooling efficiency of the solution. But too much water will lower the life of your water pump (coolant is a lubricant for it).

BTW, the "LOW COOLANT+" message, the + means there's another message. Like if I turn off the car and leave my lights on and leave my keys in it, it'll say "LIGHTS ON+", then, after a second, "KEYS IN IGNITION+" or whatever, and cycle between the two for a second.

Anyhow, looks like at least $1,ooo in repairs. Sorry this happened. When the head gasket cracks, you can get coolant into the cylinder. Coolant isn't a very good lubricant, so I hope he didn't drive it long (hope you didn't crank it long either), as that could have damaged your bottom end. Just have it towed and pressure tested, and cross your fingers.

Just for our info, could you tell us what else happened? Was he in traffic? Driving 35? 65? 105? A/C on or off? Any service records re: water pump or fan clutch? Good luck with your drama, hope it turns out for the best. Sounds like a nice low mileage car worth fixing.

Tim Collins
'90 535i 5-speed, 145,xxx miles

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