Thanks, Steve! I am doing a little research on BASF coolant and will post the results of my search on the brickboard soon. Here is what I found on one of BMW sites:

BASF makes two (2) european formula coolants. One is sold by VW, Audi, and Mercedes Dealers. The other is sold by BMW, Saab, and Volvo dealers. The reason for the phosphate free formula is basically two-fold:

(1) Cosmetics: Hard water reacts with phosphates in coolant to form scale deposits in overflow bottles. These deposits could form in other parts of the cooling system, causing blockage and overheating (see next part).

(2) Corrosion: Phosphates tend to aggravate any corrosion that might already be present with any aluminum parts in the cooling system. Aluminum Phosphate is formed, which is insoluble in the ethylene glycol solution of the coolant. The aluminum phosphate will tend to settle out in the cooler areas of the cooling system, causing blockage. This can cause overheating of the engine, which will accelerate the aluminum corrosion. In other words, the corrosion will tend to feed on itself until damage is done to the engine or the coolant is replaced (refreshing the inhibitors).

Engine coolant should be REPLACED every two (2) years to refresh the silicates and other corrosion inhibitors contained in the coolant.

Slong,

Please check out the following link for more information on Prestone's Phosphate free claim about their coolant:

http://www.prestone.com/tips/page7.htm


The Prestone® Extended Life 5/150 Antifreeze/Coolant is P & Si03 free from what they say on their webpage. This is the one I am going to put in my own Volvo as soon as I can get the old coolant out. I feel that as long as it is a high quality coolant my Volvo will be okay. Here in Phoenix I wouldn't want to chance the reliability of my cooling sytem sprouting up radaiator leaks etc. Check out that link and let me know what you think.

Thanks for the tip bro! I 'll get under that thing tonight and see if I can find the drain plug.

Azeez