My uncle was driving my 535i today in Las Vegas (USA), where the outside temp was 110+ F. He noticed the "COOLANT LEVEL+" message on the instrument console. He then noticed smoke from the engine, and the "CHECK ENGINE" sign came on.

He immediately pulled the car over, and called me. I rushed over to the scene with some coolant, and had to add about 0.5 gallons to top it off. I then tried starting the engine after a while, but it wouldn't start. I also noticed that the cranking sound was not the usual, but sounded different. I then had the car towed home.

I just had the coolant flushed and the thermostat replaced 5 days ago by my mechanic. I purchased the car in January this year from Chicago, where it is much cooler that Las Vegas. My mechanic noticed that the coolant was almost entitrely anti-freeze (as opposed to the 50/50 mixture with water). Would that have anything to do with it ?

Why wouldn't the car start ? Could the engine be damaged ? I am taking the car to my mechanic on Monday, but I am anxious to find out what could be wrong.

Car: 1991 535i Auto 70K miles

Thanks for your time.

- Sendhil