2000 323i coolant light help

[amyhulse]

just bought the car allready lights been on & off 2x's in 2 weeks.when i check level its bone dry.i have no leaks anywhere.anyone know what i can do and where is the resivor tank located.

 

[Big Daddy]

The expansion tank is on the side of the radiator, there is no recovery tank. You either have a leak or a blown head gasket otherwise where would the coolant go? Do you have steamy looking exhaust?

 

[amyhulse]

the exhaust has no color to it.there is no antifreeze in the oil.

the first time the coolant light came on the day i bought it the EML light came on to but this doesnt have anything to do with the coolant.the resevior tank is to the right of the radiator?if so its completly empty.

 

[amyhulse]

there is no coolant anywhere on the ground.

 

[Big Daddy]

In the diagram below you will see the tank #5, described by BMW as the "expansion" tank, there is no other tank. If it is not leaking and you are not losing it through the engine than explain to me where it is going? It has to be one or the other or both...right?

Here is an article regarding "disappering coolant", not in a BMW but worth a read:
http://www.bobcerullo.com/Articles/CoolingSystems.htm

And this one from Pelican Parts:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Coolant_Flush/E36-Coolant-Flush.htm