The E53 maintenance 'curse' strikes again

[PropellerHead]

This was *supposed* to be an easy stop. Got some *very* nice rear style 87's after a *great* time hanging with another member. (Thanks, Jay!) My 12 or 13 year itch for staggered style 87's on each corner was gonna get scratched and *BOY* was I excited! (OK, I still am)

So, some juggling around and I dropped it by the shop to swap the new tires from my old wheels. In a bit of serendipity, my 530 was there since we'd been in a vendor booth at a car show this past weekend. Man, what a balanced ride that thing is. No speed demon, but just absorbs asphalt like it was meant to.

Of course, I'd had an error appear on the E53 dash- Check Coolant. So, I topped it off, but mentioned it. "Have a look. See what you see."

"Water pump. Let's keep it for the weekend." Sure. No problem. And then, I did what I always end up doing.

"Hey, but we're just 2 months from our December trip. Take a look and confirm that those cooling hoses aren't the ones from the big overhaul in 2012."

Good news! They're not!

That was part of the silliness that I worked myself into last December. "If you're taking off the head, replace any belt, hose or pulley with new," I said. And boy did they. The hoses have a 2016 stamp.

But, that radiator, they say. 123k miles. Plastic is fading a bit. And, well.. 123k miles on a V8. As far away from home as I might find myself- and my family- they know I do not hesitate to make it right.

Helllooooo, Zionsville. I placed the order tonight. No word yet on ETA. This is my 2nd Zionsville. The 1st has been in my SC'd 540 for about 12 years now. Of course, not too many miles as it is far from a daily- or even monthly. But, I'm happy to share some of that peace of mind with my E53.

I'll keep this thread updated with install and pics where I am able to get them.

Edit: Any suggestions on other things to add? Higher temp TStat? Different water pump than OE? (But I mean, 123k miles.. )