Cracked Radiator: How and how $???

[britcon]

Are you sure its' the Rad that is leaking ? Lower rad hose has a cheap plastic fitting that houses temp. sensor - seems to be a weak point on X5's

[m5james]

Originally Posted by c4racer

I agree with the comments on the cooling system, but do you really think the valley pan gasket needs to be replaced if it has not failed? It isn't really a redundant repair from a work standpoint other than the need to drain the coolant.

My expansion tank and water pump were replaced by BMW under CPO but that was 20K miles ago. I need to do the rest over the winter when I get some time. I was planning to replace the hoses, thermostat and radiator. No sign that the valley pan gasket is failing. Not sure if there is any difference in that in a 4.6 Alpina built motor in terms of how it was assembled.

The dead giveaway of the valley pan gasket is if poeple are having a constant loss of coolant but can never find the water trail or any other visual clues. It's just like I mentioned though, newer parts will just show the weaknesses of old ones eventually.

[markreg]

I recently had my cracked radiator replaced from an Indy mechanic for around $300 plus.

[Weasel]

I personally have one of these in mine, good quality and better price than most. And I can vouch for them having the X5 radiator in stock.

BMW 2003 X5 Radiators, AC Condensers, Fan Assemblies at USA Radiator

[m5james]

Radiatorbarn.com has them for about $30-$50 cheaper since they cost less and include shipping.

Once I get around to TT'ing the 7, I plan on getting this bad boy as well Zionsville Autosport: BMW E39 - E38 Super Duty Cooling Kit and it makes me curious to see if it'd fit inside the X as well.

[chefwong]

There is a X variant. I spoke to Zions. awhile back, and they proceeded to make a model. However, at the cost of 4-5 OEM units.....is it worth it...if not the lifetime of ownership

[m5james]

I always have fears of overheating after the constant issues I always read about on the 7 forums, and since my X is just as heavy and same engine, I think that an even more efficient cooling system couldn't hurt when I finally FI the 7.

[Naz24]

somewhat OT, but i noticed that my radiator is a lot darker and "stained" than what it was at some point. Is it still as effective as it should be?

[m5james]

How many miles are on it? I've a believer that they should be replaced on 80-100k mileage intervals instead of waiting till they actually break. My mom's 328ci just broke her radiator neck at only 60k, hence why I'd like to eventually step up to the plate and just get the all aluminum Zionsville unit. I've already ditched the fan clutch converted to electric fan, now I just want that radiator with their shroud.

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by m5james

How many miles are on it? I've a believer that they should be replaced on 80-100k mileage intervals instead of waiting till they actually break. My mom's 328ci just broke her radiator neck at only 60k, hence why I'd like to eventually step up to the plate and just get the all aluminum Zionsville unit. I've already ditched the fan clutch converted to electric fan, now I just want that radiator with their shroud.

Well i'm second owner, currently 84k miles...

i'd have to dig through the service records, but i doubt its been replaced..