[BabelFish]

Hi guys,

Just bought an 09 G6 GT coupe, black on black w/sun & sound package. I love the car. I have a BMW 535i and wanted another car as a daily driver with firm steering and suspension, at 30% of the price tag... I looked at everything but couldn't find anything close to the G6's appeal, fun-to-drive feel, and features, at that price... I plan to keep this baby for a long long time so I will be posting here a lot... I will post pics soon...

One of my main concerns is Dex-Cool, the notorious GM coolant... I already bought a refractometer and plan on monitoring it closely...more on that to come later...

Cheers

 

[BabelFish]

What's a refractometer?

Change your coolant at least every 5 years and never mix any other coolants except Dex-Cool then you should be fine. Dex-Cool is not compatible with anything else.

A refractometer is a device that measures the index of refraction of a liquid. Based on the index of refraction, you can determine the composition of your coolant and its exact freezing and boiling point. I also have a digital multimeter that is another safety test (positive in coolant, negative on body, and voltage should be less than 0.5V, otherwise coolant is bad).

The manufacturer recommends every 5 years but I don't trust that, especially in the extreme cold/heat area I live in. I'm planning on doing it every two years or even earlier based on the two tests above.

The two tests above are essential when you flush your coolant and re-fill it. Due to residues and water stuck in engine block, you need to measure the exact mix to make sure it's 50/50 otherwise you're in for some trouble. The best flushing method is to keep running water (distilled) until no orange residue is left; then add pure dex-cool and measure and then calibrate until you get 50/50 mix. It's a 2-3 hour job but I'm going to do it because I've heard horror stories about dex-cool and sludge and blown gaskets and water pumps, etc...

 

[BabelFish]

Welcome and what year 535i...?
I work for a BMW dealership.

Thanks man..it's an 09... check it out here:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324568

 

[BabelFish]

And here's the new beauty: