BMW continued using pink OAT coolant for two decades across their lineup. But by 2016, they decided it was time to switch things up again. This time, BMW moved to an orange OAT formula designed for even longer service intervals – up to 15 years! It was branded as BMW “Longlife” coolant, intended for their latest high-performance engines.

BMW LL refers to “Longlife” coolant, which is the orange fluid designed to last up to 15 years. Don’t confuse LL with the old pink coolant. Always use orange LL coolant as specified by BMW for 2016+ models. Can I mix different BMW coolant colors?In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about BMW coolant colors – what they mean, when BMW switched between colors, how to choose the right one, and plenty of FAQs. You’ll learn how to avoid expensive mistakes and use the proper coolant recommended for your BMW model and engine. A Brief History of BMW Coolant Colors Fortunately, while you won’t find the blue coolant on BMW dealer shelves today, it is still available from specialty suppliers online for servicing classic BMWs. Make sure to use a genuine OEM fluid, not generic blue. Pink Coolant: For 1990s-2010s Aluminum Engines

Like the old blue, BMW’s pink antifreeze/coolant is obsolete for the newest BMW models. However, it’s still ideal for models that had it as the factory fill. If your BMW was built between 1996-2016, be sure to use the proper pink fluid for servicing the cooling system. Mixing with generic coolants or the newer orange will cause corrosion. Orange Coolant: For 2016+ BMW Models John Symes, owner of specialist car custom business Symes in Bournemouth, Dorset, began spraying cars pink seven years ago. He tells us: “I was a MINI dealer, and every week someone would call wanting a pink MINI. I had a car that had been keyed, so I sprayed it pink and it sold within 24 hours.” This doesn’t tell the whole story, though, as many cars that have been sprayed pink or covered in PVC wraps will have their original colour on the V5. Yes, it’s critical to use the proper BMW coolant even after a system flush. That ensures you refill with the ideal anti-corrosion formula designed for your BMW’s engine. Flushing doesn’t remove the need to use the correct color. What about using universal coolant in a BMW?The most popular cars to spray pink are the MINI and VW Beetle Cabriolet. John’s also sprayed a 500 in Razr Pink – a more vibrant shade than Fiat’s own Idol Pink, which makes up two per cent of the colour mix. Spire Automotive Limited - Spire Lakeside Limited - Beadles Sidcup Limited - Think One Limited - Hodgson Automotive Limited Make sure to always use Genuine BMW Orange Longlife coolant if your model came filled with it from the factory. Mixing with other coolant types or generic brands will compromise protection. Never mix orange and older pink or blue inside your BMW. How to Choose the Right BMW Coolant? The most modern BMW coolant color is orange, which was introduced in 2016. This newest OAT formula is designed for extended service life of up to 15 years or 150,000 miles before needing replacement. For this reason, BMW markets it as “Longlife” coolant.