Cooling system refresh / Overhaul - which kit, or put together my own? 2001 3.0i

shedtastic · #1 11-30-2016, 11:59 PM

So, I figure I ought to refresh the whole cooling system, and I'd rather do it once.. It looks like all the cooling system parts on my 2001 X5 are still the originals, so do I just buy a kit from someone like ECS?

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E53-X5...ngine/Cooling/

Has anyone had any issues with their non-OEM parts?
(A friend once had issues with Pelican parts components not fitting together correctly..)

Thnx.

Neil.

bcredliner · #2 12-01-2016, 01:18 AM

I think parts that are from an EOM supplier are OK. I prefer to purchase genuine BMW parts but in many cases I don't think they warrant the additional expense. I don't think it is a good idea to purchase other than OEM or genuine BMW parts. Certainly there are some exceptions but generally that's a good practice.

80stech · #3 12-01-2016, 03:39 AM

I would stay away from the "kits" as they usually put together cheaper parts at a cheaper price. Just replace what you think is need and do a little research as far as quality is concerned. A lot of things like the original hoses even after 200,000 km are less likely to give trouble as some of cheap replacement parts.

X53Jay4.8is · #4 12-01-2016, 10:12 AM

Here's my approach. I generally go to bmwfansinfo get all part numbers and then order all my parts from an online bmw dealer. Since it's the cooling system Of your BMW I would go with OE parts from bmw.

tmv · #5 12-01-2016, 10:33 AM

Here is my approach:
- Get part# from real OEM
- Put in Furiousmethod.com - BMW Parts Price Comparison to find best deal.
- Buy from OE supplied manufactures

Scott ZHP · #6 12-01-2016, 11:37 AM

For the M54, I'd suggest...

Stewart water pump (it's the last one you'll ever need)
Wahler thermostat (engine and trans)
Modine expansion tank, Behr E30 cap
Rein hoses
Continental belts
INA tensioners/idler (hydraulic for main drive, mechanical/spring for AC)
Sachs fan clutch
Behr or Febi fan
Nissens or Behr rad if more than 160k miles

and believe it or not...

URO alloy water pump and PS pulleys (they are surprisingly well made).

80stech · #7 12-01-2016, 11:45 AM

I agree with most of that. Not the Rein hoses though and I wasn't impressed with the URO water pump pulley that I recieved. The Sachs fan clutch looks good and is probably really dependable but it seems to be on the stiff side and runs the fan probably more than it needs to, but I guess it's better to err on the side of caution.

bcredliner · #8 12-01-2016, 01:21 PM

ECS is a very reputable supplier. The link you posted doesn't take me there so I went to the site to take a look for you. As in your case, ECS often offers three levels of quality in kits.

They consider the middle kit equal to or better than OE and it saves a lot of $$$. The lowest cost kit is deemed the economy kit but it is not a junk offering so if this is a budget issue or you don't drive tons of miles a year, it is not a foolish purchase.

There are some parts in the middle kit that aren't imperative to replace, such as the water pump pulley and fan switch unless the existing pulley is a problem or the switch has failed but won't hurt anything to do so. Or, you can ask them to pull out or replace some of the parts with your preference from either of the two other kits. I suggest rather than ordering online that you call them. They are very helpful and informative and in my experience they don't up sell.

I am very careful to purchase good quality parts because at this time I have no intention of ever selling my X5. I get a great discount from my BMW parts source but even then there are times that I can't justify paying the BMW cost and am entirely comfortably with OEM parts. That is unless I can find an aftermarket high performance part that compliments other mods I have done (my preference).

I would have no apprehension taking a cross country trip with the middle kit parts. While personal preference or anecdotal experience of members will certainly differ and adamantly with this, I think you will be fine with the middle kit offering.

80stech · #9 12-01-2016, 01:28 PM

Yes, the fan switch is not imparitive to replace but the o-ring is.

shedtastic · #10 12-03-2016, 12:00 PM

Thanks for teh feedback, I also got this reply from cn90:

I posted the "best bang for the bucks" in the DIY below.
It is a mix of aftermarket (HEPU WP, BMW reservoir etc. etc.):

DIY: 2006 BMW X5 3.0i PARTIAL Cooling Overhaul @ 116K miles
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...16k-miles.html

PS: You can link this in your thread, I cannot post it at work.

cn90
__________________
1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT

I think I will start from there!