So as posted elsewhere on this very forum, I’ve successfully replaced my pulleys, alternator, water pump and ac compressor.
While there I decide to do a coolant flush a few times as it had a coolant/oil leak at some point and still had some lingering crap.

So, as part of the RAVE process I pulled the hoses from the bottom of the main and smaller radiator (I don’t have a drain plug) but paid no attention to how much came out of the car.
After a few weeks of waiting for parts, time from work and weather I complete my work and refill the coolant tank taking care to follow the RAVE instructions. RAVE states it needs 17l from dry, and I purchased enough to cover that.

So far the car has taken between 7-8l of coolant. The bleed valve is running air free, I’ve tried burping the pipes to dislodge any potential air locks… to no avail. It’s been taken for a few drives and she gets warm quickly (I’m sure quicker than before) and stays warm with the temp needle exactly where it needs to be.

All in all, I’m sure I don’t have an air lock, and she just needed 7l as that’s all that came out???

Is this as expected? Or is there any other advice on what I can do or check??

I’m off to halfrauds at the weekend to get a coolant tester and then adding concentrate as if there is lots of water that wouldn’t come out, then it will be diluted and needs topping up. Currently driving: 2012 L322 SE Overfinch 4.4 tdv8

Past rides:
2014 Audi Q7 3.0d (good riddance)
2010 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged
2011 L320 HSE 3.0 sdv6
2014 Jaguar XF-RS 5.0 supercharged
2007 BMW 535D
2005 Mini Cooper S

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic59478.html

I bought the Halfords coolant tester and checked my coolant mix.

It doesn’t show the mix as a percentage, but as a low temperature the mix can sustain. My coolant mix is rated at “3 balls” which is -23 degrees.
It’s not the 50/50 mix it should be (to get to -34 as rated by the premixed coolant used) but not too far off at least. Currently driving: 2012 L322 SE Overfinch 4.4 tdv8

Past rides:
2014 Audi Q7 3.0d (good riddance)
2010 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged
2011 L320 HSE 3.0 sdv6
2014 Jaguar XF-RS 5.0 supercharged
2007 BMW 535D
2005 Mini Cooper S

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic59478.html

Mine took 8 litres too top up properly but mine was a pig and had an air lock. Good starting point would be get a few bricks and drive the front wheels on to them so gravity starts too take an effect then its simply a case of running the car up to temp letting it cool down and adding more coolant. That's how I done mine

Cheers @bean
I’ve heard the s/c can be a pig to bleed, and read that jacking the front up helps. I’m under the impression it’s a s/c only trick… but what the hey, let’s give it a go! Currently driving: 2012 L322 SE Overfinch 4.4 tdv8

Past rides:
2014 Audi Q7 3.0d (good riddance)
2010 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged
2011 L320 HSE 3.0 sdv6
2014 Jaguar XF-RS 5.0 supercharged
2007 BMW 535D
2005 Mini Cooper S

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic59478.html

I haven't done an L322 Super Charged yet. But my gosh that little BMW E30 1.8 four cylinder of my daughter had a few surprises for me as well. I was confident it was all empty, therefore I was also confident that despite the car holding temperature and heat coming through at the half way point it couldn't be right. It took me nearly four hours to get the air out, using the old fashioned way of leaving the pressure release valve off let it bubble a little bit and try and be quick to shut it off, and keep massaging the hoses. Fours hours later I had all fluids in, but at least I knew everything was in. And the car has been running so stable and sweet that I think the previous owners gave up too soon.

My point being, if it has been drained well then all fluids must go back in. If you aren't sure, I'd start again.

Tbh mate I don't see any reason why not it shouldn't work on any car. I'd get it if the expansion bottle was in the boot but that's never been the case unless you own a beetle or a squashed beetle (porsche). Give it a try mate and see where it leads you too. I remember seeing a while ago from a completely drained engine it takes 10litres too fill it up properly but that's including loosing all the coolant in the impossible places like in the valley pan on a 4.4 m62.

Another good trick if you've got the 50/50 coolant is too fill the radiator up with water till its just free flowing out the highest point, refit the top hose and then start pouring all your coolant in then. Loads of techniques to use and try. Sadly it can take a while