coolant answer from Valvoline

[shogun]

Just found this written by Shayne on roadfly:

Coolant answer from Valvoline

Message: Our Zerex G48 is tested and certified for use in BMW vehicles. We have other products that will protect all the parts in the engine, but they have not gone through the formal approval process.

Shayne
525iTA
533iM

[Springfield1952]

Here's the technical sheet from Valvoline http://www.valvoline-technology.com/data/valv/valvtechnology.nsf/fsZerex?OpenFrameSet. Click on the G48 link.

Now the question is, where do you get this stuff? I don't think the local auto store has it in stock. Has anyone found this?

Curt.

[FWinNH]

G48 is the blue stuff. It is what is in the bottle when you buy BMW coolant from the stealer. It is also the same stuff in the bottles labeled for SAAB, VW and Volvo, so long as it is blue. Some later models of the Swedish cars call for G30 (red stuff) but that will be repackaged Valvoline product also, so you just need to ne sure of the color. I buy the SAAB coolant because I can get it easier, it's a few dollars less (no big deal) and I have 2 SAABs as well as 3 BMWs to pour the stuff into on a regular basis.

-Fred W

[Bill R.]

same part number on the bottle. The only problem i had years ago when we tried to get it was , when contacting all the local valvoline distributors the only way you could order it was in large lots, ie 55 gallon drums.





Here's the technical sheet from Valvoline http://www.valvoline-technology.com/data/valv/valvtechnology.nsf/fsZerex?OpenFrameSet. Click on the G48 link.

Now the question is, where do you get this stuff? I don't think the local auto store has it in stock. Has anyone found this?

Curt.

[bfd]

G48 is the blue stuff. It is what is in the bottle when you buy BMW coolant from the stealer. It is also the same stuff in the bottles labeled for SAAB, VW and Volvo, so long as it is blue. Some later models of the Swedish cars call for G30 (red stuff) but that will be repackaged Valvoline product also, so you just need to ne sure of the color. I buy the SAAB coolant because I can get it easier, it's a few dollars less (no big deal) and I have 2 SAABs as well as 3 BMWs to pour the stuff into on a regular basis.

-Fred W

In the SF Bay Area, there's a big difference in price between official BMW blue stuff and official SAAB blue stuff. Try $24-30/gal for BMW; about $12/gal for SAAB. I am buying SAAB blue from now on.

[FWinNH]

In the SF Bay Area, there's a big difference in price between official BMW blue stuff and official SAAB blue stuff. Try $24-30/gal for BMW; about $12/gal for SAAB. I am buying SAAB blue from now on.

I'm pretty sure that the BMW blue is available for around $16-18 / gal. here on the "right" coast. :p

But as I said, it's the exact same stuff in a different bottle. Actually, the bottles might even be the same with different caps and labels.

-Fred W

[Jeff N.]

couldn't resist...used to work for a Saab dealership years ago. Interesting quirky cars. I loved the first out 900 Turbo 16 valve. Fun car to drive, loads of space.



G48 is the blue stuff. It is what is in the bottle when you buy BMW coolant from the stealer. It is also the same stuff in the bottles labeled for SAAB, VW and Volvo, so long as it is blue. Some later models of the Swedish cars call for G30 (red stuff) but that will be repackaged Valvoline product also, so you just need to ne sure of the color. I buy the SAAB coolant because I can get it easier, it's a few dollars less (no big deal) and I have 2 SAABs as well as 3 BMWs to pour the stuff into on a regular basis.

-Fred W

[DanDombrowski]

Hey Bill, I got one for ya. In inspecting the e46 vert I want to buy, I asked the service tech what coolant he used (as I didn't want the remaining BMW warranty voided). He said that BMW used Dexcool coolant. I felt weak and had to sit down.

[Springfield1952]

So it sounds like you cannot buy this coolant with a Zerex label, only private labeled for SAAB, BMW, etc., correct? That is except for the 55 gallon drum that Bill R. found.

Curt.

[DaCan23]

So Bill's gonna buy a couple drums, we send him empty bottles, he fills em up and ships em back?


So it sounds like you cannot buy this coolant with a Zerex label, only private labeled for SAAB, BMW, etc., correct? That is except for the 55 gallon drum that Bill R. found.

Curt.

[Zeuk in Oz]

I loved the first out 900 Turbo 16 valve. Fun car to drive, loads of space.

I agree. I owned an '86 900 Turbo 16 valve 5 speed in '88. What an amazing car ! Only car I have owned that I almost cried over when I sold it.
Its performance and fun value where out of this world. Shame it didn't have a chasis and brakes to match.

[PeterInSTL]

Here is a response that I got from valvoline...

"You will need to use our product called Zerex G05 to replace the G48 in the
aftermarket."

There are some small differences in the make-up, but can anyone attest as to why this could not be an alternative to the impossibly hard to find G-48?

I would love to be able to attach the two charts, but the file is too large. If anyone could compare the two and let me know if they see any alarming differences other than color, I would appreciate it.






Here's the technical sheet from Valvoline http://www.valvoline-technology.com/data/valv/valvtechnology.nsf/fsZerex?OpenFrameSet. Click on the G48 link.

Now the question is, where do you get this stuff? I don't think the local auto store has it in stock. Has anyone found this?

Curt.

[dacoyote]

Hey Bill, I got one for ya. In inspecting the e46 vert I want to buy, I asked the service tech what coolant he used (as I didn't want the remaining BMW warranty voided). He said that BMW used Dexcool coolant. I felt weak and had to sit down.

mix it with some green.. and put the car out of it's misry...

[htspecialist]

I picked up my gallon of Saab blue antifreeze coolant as others have recommended. Seems to be the same coolant as BMW sells. Saab also sells an extended life antifreeze coolant which you probable do not want. I am in SF bay area and the Oakland Saab parts dept quoted me $14.50 a gallon. I bought from the Walnut Creek Saab dealer who sold it for MSRP of $12.50 a gallon. I noticed their internal paperwork stated that "invoice" for the item was $8. The (blue) Saab Antifreeze Coolant part number is 0268177.

[genphreak]

Here is a response that I got from valvoline...

"You will need to use our product called Zerex G05 to replace the G48 in the
aftermarket."

There are some small differences in the make-up, but can anyone attest as to why this could not be an alternative to the impossibly hard to find G-48?

I would love to be able to attach the two charts, but the file is too large. If anyone could compare the two and let me know if they see any alarming differences other than color, I would appreciate it.Gee we'd love to see your chart. Maybe setup an account here (http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/) and post it using your browser? However you will need to use Photoshop or the free picasa from www.picasa.google.com (http://www.picasa.google.com). to reduce the size and or resolution of the image if it is over 1024x768 in size or higher than 150dpi resolution.

Is it not somewhere available online ie like here (https://www.valvoline-technology.com/data/valv/valvtechnology.nsf/fsZerex?OpenFrameSet)?

Cheers, :) Nick

[632 Regal]

I spend the money and use cool blue, no worries, no failures and I only have to invest less than half a tank of gas every 2 or 3 years...who wants to play the guessing game? I did research years ago and it isnt worth the time for a given.

[genphreak]

I spend the money and use cool blue, no worries, no failures and I only have to invest less than half a tank of gas every 2 or 3 years...who wants to play the guessing game? I did research years ago and it isnt worth the time for a given.OK thanks, I was of the same opinion till I just read this thread 4 the first time... so thanks for the gentle reminder (ie BMW DIY'ers golden slogan; don't **** too much with what you don't ****en know... so its back to BMW we go... ) whistle... :p It's never worth finding out one was indeed bit more stupid than at present- when a few years ago when you substituted this for that and now you have to bare the consequences! (New radiator, heater core, valves, blocked coolnat passages. etc)

[Spasso]

Reading on another forum there was some pretty in-depth research into compatibility issues and similarities of various coolant products. From what I remember the Zerex G05 very closely matches the specifications of G48.

I don't have a bottle in front of me but from memory I recall Daimler-Chrysler, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes Benz and a host of others (including various diesels), that G05 was approved for use in these vehicles.

So in theory, could the components of modern day cooling systems between all of these European auto makers be so different that they would require such a unique and specific liquid that would void and destroy the system otherwise?. Personally I don't think so.

They all have aluminum engines, heat exchangers, cores, plastic tanks, fittings and rubber hoses. From what I have read, as long as the coolant is phosphate free and has the necesssary anti-corrosive and lubrication properties in them that most of our cars would require, then the various quality equivilents should work okay without harm to the system with the exception of cheap junk and Dexcool of course.

I could be wrong about some of this because I am not a chemist but this is my conclusion from looking at it from a logical stand point.

DJ

[632 Regal]

why waste the time?