Coolant level sensor float broken loose.

[Gene in NC]

Coolant level sensor float broken loose. Barrel shaped float with hole in center is loose in the '89 525. CAn this be reattached or do I need a new assy?

[russiankid]

Most likely a new assembly. Or just bypass it as you don't really need it.

[shogun]

coolant level control is important, better buy a new float.

[russiankid]

Many cars don't have it and they don't have any problems. If you check the fluids periodically then you'll be fine.

[shogun]

well, you know that you have to check it periodically, but I am sure my wife does not know ;-)

So I am happy that we have all the gimmicks with alarms, then she will tell me.

[DaveVoorhis]

Coolant level sensor float broken loose. Barrel shaped float with hole in center is loose in the '89 525. CAn this be reattached or do I need a new assy?
You can fix it with creative application of heat and a paperclip:
http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/525i/27Aug05/i8270436.jpg

[JD525IA]

Coolant level sensor float broken loose. Barrel shaped float with hole in center is loose in the '89 525. CAn this be reattached or do I need a new assy?


Those barbs are cheap plastic ****! Both of my barbs broke off last weekend and I got the Coolant Level message and BING every time I start or stop the engine. Probably from years of stewing in the intense Arizona heat - cooked it good.

BMA has them for about $12 (their part # is BMW026980).

Can you replace this without removing the radiator?

I tried real quick to reach it from below but it seemed tight - got hands dirty.

JD

[DaveVoorhis]

Can you replace this without removing the radiator?
Probably, but it's going to be awkward and you're going to want to drain the radiator first. Once you've done that, it's only a few minutes more work to pull the radiator and change the sensor in comfort.