Quote:
Originally Posted by JCL
If BMW had installed a 4 bar cap from the factory there would logically have to be some other reason for it, since the system wouldn't normally get to those pressures. But if it was factory supplied then I would expect that the cooling system was designed for those pressures and that all components subject to higher pressures were validated during the development phase. So yes, although it is an artificial example, I would leave it there.
I used to lead an engineering product development team for a tier 1 automotive supplier. Automotive components are usually spec'd for a reason. The important thing is to know the reason for a performance spec before attempting to redesign a portion of an integrated system. Always watch out for unintended consequences.
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BINGO!!!!!!
So they (BMW) have the SAME 2 bar cap for all model range cars built between 1997-2003, but not so for different other years. One more thing to make this confusing is the fact that the 2 bar cap was used on 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder engines. Each with different temperature AND pressure related specs for their cooling system. Enter the bean counters, and the result is: use the 2 bar cap for every model lineup, no matter the engine displacement, cooling spec etc. It's much cheaper......
And I think even for the v8 the 2bar cap is overkill. Also loosing coolant slowly might allow you to salvage the engine vs. a sudden rupture of any of the cooling components with a total loss of coolant. The temp needle and the "gong" will be there in both cases.
just sayin'