Alloy Radiator

[Hammystuff]

Hello Everyone,

I'm not new to the forum but I have been rather quiet for quite some time observing some of the excellent dialog between some of you true X5 enthusiasts.

I currently own a 2002 4.4i and I've just crossed the 70,000 mile mark. While talking to some of my friends whom are BMW owners as well, I've learned that I should prepare my checking account for the replacement of major cooling system components. Mainly the replacement of the radiator because it typically renders you dead on the road, but also including the water pump housing, reservoir tank, hoses and possibly a host of other things that are not less than $500 each.

Since I own my X5 and I really like it, I've decided to continue to invest in it instead of spending the $67k to replace it. I spoke to a very nice gentleman at Zionsvilleautosport.com a few weeks back and inquired about the alloy radiators they sell. Unfortunately they don't sell the alloy version for the E53 or E70 so I, uh,... begged him to make one. I don't think it worked. I think he needs to see the ROI in orders before he invests in the tooling to pull it together which brings me to my main question.

How many of us would be willing to pay 2, 3 or 4x the price of the plastic radiator part for an alloy radiator to benefit from not having "Hank's Tow and Go" tow your X5 from the top of Mt. Adams to his brother Jeff's repair shop at the ol' Phillips 66 station? Ask your significant other if he or she would be willing to ride in the middle in the tow truck!

All joking aside, I think if we can produce enough business for Zionsville or some other specialized X5 outfit they'll see the benefit and put this together for us.

Thoughts?

Hammystuff