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/...x?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

[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.

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

[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.

[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?

[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