Coolant System/Radiator Issues

[Braymond141]

Originally Posted by we350z

I don't think you need remove the radiator to reach the water pump on the X5 - just the fan clutch, belts, h20 pulley, lower & upper rad houses. Sure it would allow for more room but I think it's already pretty spacious in there.

Correct, and none of those cars he listed require radiator removal either

[jmmeagher]

He's sticking it too you on the radiator repair. The dealership and a local indie shop tried to hit me with $450+ for the part and 2.4 hours labor. For the dealership the total cost was almost $800 and for the indie it was $620.

I called a reputable radiator shop and they are doing the repair for $359 parts and labor. The radiator carries a 3 year warranty instead of the 1 year OEM warranty.

[Weasel]

I got my radiator from performanceradiator.com for $100 cheaper than my cost at the dealer. Good quality product with warranty and all. Worth a look.

**edit** just realized I already linked this earlier )

[rocky1536]

Honestly with the mileage that you have I STRONGLY recommend replacing the whole cooling system (minus the heater core) which you are close to doing anyway.

Replace radiator, all hoses, Tstat, waterpump and expansion tank.

These pieces all are weak at 100k and any one of them, including all 18 hoses, can quickly leave you stranded in the middle of no where...Trust me, it has happened to me.