I want to buy a bottle of coolant for my MINI, as a precaution, to keep "just in case" it gets low or whatever, and I need to add some now and then...when (if) it falls below the MIN mark on the bottle. But I can't find "blue" colored coolant anywhere. My other car (Oldsmobible Intrigue) uses the long-life coolant (150,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first), but that is orange in color.

Can anyone recommend the correct brand of coolant to use in the MINI? Or do I have to buy a gallon of propoer"MINI coolant" from the dealer for $14.95 ? It can't be proprietary coolant, could it? It's probably just long-life Prestone or something, dyed blue....right?

Rock on,

-Joe

e-mail: intrigue182@yahoo.com

 

I researched this issue with mini division. They say any antifreeze is ok if it is an AMINE/ NITRATE FREE EXTENDED LIFE product

so far after writing the mfg and checking the web sites the only US brands which meet these criteria are


"HAVOLINE EXTENDED LIFE ANTIFREEZE COOLANT"

"ZEREX EXTREME LIFE ANTIFREEZE" (NOT ZEREX EXTENDED LIFE)

"CHEVRON DEX-COOL"


these are not the same color as MINI coolant, but web sites say that the color is a function of a dye and not the essential ingredients. European and US mfg's color their products differently.

 

Thanks so much, kamakazi!

Motor On,

Joe

 

Heres a link to what type to use and it's cheaper then BMW coolant.

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=11

 

My dealer told me to just add some distilled water if it runs to the low line.

 

>>My dealer told me to just add some distilled water if it runs to the low line.

That might be fine once and for a small amount of addition, but you need to maintain a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. So the more plain distilled water you add, the more you dilute the mixture. At some point you've got to also add coolant :smile:

 

I asked Valvoline (The manufacturer of Zerex Coolant/Antifreeze) what kind of Coolant to use in the MINI Cooper, and they replied with this:

Zerex G-05

Here is the link to the product:

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=10


They say it is approved for worldwide use by Daimler/Chrysler...which makes sense that it is compatible with the MINI, since it uses a Daimler/Chrysler engine. They also sent me a PDF with the technical breakdown of components in this formula. Here is what their Website says about Zerex G-05:

Provides long life protection for new Ford and DaimlerChrysler vehicles

Zerex G-05 is a low-silicate, low-pH, phosphate-free, pre-charged formula that is designed to protect automotive and diesel engines from rust and corrosion. Zerex G05 is approved by Ford and by Daimler-Chrysler for worldwide applications including all MTU and Mercedes engines.

* Approved by Ford and DaimlerChrysler for use in automotive and diesel engines.
* Utilizes hybrid organic acid technology to minimize inhibitor depletion
* Low-silicate, low-pH and phosphate-free formula
* Provides protection against liner pitting and corrosion
* Helps prevent rust and corrosion
* Helps prevent hot weather boil-overs and cold weather freeze-ups
* Protects all cooling system metals, including aluminum

How to Use

Due to the differences in cooling systems, Valvoline recommends that you refer to your vehicle owner's manual for instructions on changing your antifreeze.

How it Works

Zerex G-05 antifreeze/coolant uses the highest quality virgin ethylene glycol for freeze and boilover protection and a hybrid organic acid corrosion inhibitor package to protect your engines from liner pitting and corrosion.

Product Specs

Chrysler MS 9769; MTU approved; Daimler Chrysler approved; Ford WSS-M97B51-A1; Federal Specification A-A-870A; John Deere approved; Case MS 1710; ASTM D3306; SAE J1034, J814; GM 1825M, 1899M

Sizes and Grades
Name G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant
Size 1-Gal
Part ZXG051
UPC 28882-50143

Name G-05 Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant
Size 1-Gal
Part ZXG05RU1
UPC 28882-50127

Name G-05 Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant
Size 55-Gal
Part ZXG05RU2
UPC N/A

Name G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant
Size 55-Gal
Part ZXG052
UPC N/A


So...what is the conclusion then? DO I use Zerex G-05, or do I use Zerex Extreme Life...or, maybe both are fine???

Thanks and Rock On,

Joe

 

valvoline web site states ZEREX EXTREME LIFE is nitrate and amine free which are listed as a requirement in your owners manual by MINI

the web site says G-05 is phosphate silicate free BUT no mention of amine or nitates.