1989 BMW 5 Series coolant capacity
The 1989 BMW 5 Series holds about 6.4 to 14.1 quarts of coolant, depending on the engine - the full cooling-system capacity when cold.
Key takeaways
- The 1989 BMW 5 Series holds about 6.4 to 14.1 quarts of coolant total, depending on engine.
- This is the full cooling-system fill with the engine cold.
- Refill to the marked level, and use the coolant type your owner's manual specifies.
| Engine | Capacity | Liters |
|---|---|---|
| 518i | 6.4 qt | 6.1 L |
| 520i-24V | 11.1 qt | 10.5 L |
| 520i | 11.6 qt | 11 L |
| 524td | 12.7 qt | 12 L |
| 530i V8 | 13.2 qt | 12.5 L |
| M5 | 14.1 qt | 13.3 L |
What a coolant change costs
At roughly 1.6 to 3.6 gallons of capacity, the coolant itself is about $24 to $108. A shop charges $70 to $120 for a drain and fill, or $100 to $250 for a full flush. Use the specification the manufacturer lists - mixing coolant chemistries is what turns a cheap service into a water-pump job.
Ranges aggregated from published 2026 US repair-cost and parts price guides, including RepairPal and Car Talk. Prices vary by region, brand, and vehicle - treat these as a sanity check on a quote, not a fixed price. Drain and fill vs flush →
Coolant for your 1989 BMW 5 Series
Buy the coolant type your owner's manual specifies and check it on the jug - the wrong type can gel or corrode the system. Amazon's results are filtered to this vehicle, but the type is on you to match. To compare prices and reviews:
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