Choosing a Replacement Radiator

[X5Cat]

I'm trying to select a replacement radiator for the leaking one on my 2001 X5, 4.4i. I see choices between units with, "3-row heavy duty core, brazed aluminum core, manufactured under the ISO9001 Certified Process", and units with "single-row" and which don't say anything about a brazed core or certified process, and even some that don't say anything about the core at all.

Anyone have any idea what I really need to replace with the same quality I had? I know I don't want to pay the price of the OE brand, especially since they don't seem to be that great, anyway. The unit I am leaning toward has the 3-row brazed core and comes with 1-year warranty, for about $146. It says it fits my X5, but it lists OE part #17101439101, 17117544668 or 17101439103. My old part # is 17101439096-10. Do I need a 3-row? Another unit doesn't say 3-row brazed, but it claims "premium quality, high efficiency" and comes with a lifetime warranty, and it's only $94. What to do?

[Vonbimmer]

All good questions for sure. I just did a cooling system refresh on my 01' 4.4 and I was tempted by several very well priced radiator options but when it came down to wanting to know the radiator was solid I went with the Nissens brand which has a good track record. I'd say Behr is probably marginally better and likely the supplier to BMW. That said I'd steer clear of bargain brands and though additional cooling can be had from the zionsville all AL radiator I'm not sure it's worth the $ since the stock radiator doesn't have issues keeping up.

[X5Cat]

The original unit is a Behr. It has both Behr and BMW logos on the label. With the way it is leaking down the side, I doubt I'll be any worse off with another brand. I mostly just wonder about all this 1 row or 3 row stuff.

[tmv]

Behr quality has been degraded significantly since they move the plan to China. I would never ever put a "Made in China" Behr radiator on my bimmers. I has Nissen on my E39.