Raining on my parade!

[rcasey]

My '08 E70 3.0Si (52N engine) sprang a leak in the radiator. The good folks at ECS tuning promptly delivered a new radiator (17 11 7 585 036) along with a new hose (11 53 7 609 944) which is required with the new radiator.

Following the repair manual, I had the old radiator out in under 1 hour, and now I am confused. I do not have the service bulletin which covers the modified replacement radiator.

The problem I have encountered is trying to figure out the new "plumbing". as can be seen in the photos, the old radiator has 4 connections, the new, only 3 connections. Note: lower right hand corner of radiators.

Checking the parts numbers on the new parts, all of the numbers are correct.

Additionally, the radiator is manufactured by Behr and has the correct BMW part number on it.

Might some kind soul here please help me figure out the connections?

Ciao,
Dick

[rcasey]

Going for a walk with my sweet wife renewed my vigor, and coming back fresh, I could immediately see where the new hose went.

And how those crafty lads in Bavaria managed to remove one connection and still keep the coolant inside the radiator.

Ciao,
Dick

now all smiley faced

[rcasey]

Replacing the radiator was a very easy task. Aided by the workshop manual on CD and the fabulous design by BMW's engineers, the job was completed in a few hours.

No special tools were required. A phillips screwdriver to remove the ballistic cover below the engine, two plastic 'reusable rivets' holding the air intake, 4 M8 hex head cap screws, and snap fastening on the electric fan housing. It all comes apart easily. With two gallons of BMW anti-freeze and the reasonable price from ECS Tuning, I was able to complete the task for about $480.

I have no business interests with BMW or ECS, just a happy customer.

Ciao,
Dick

[joeku]

Originally Posted by rcasey

Replacing the radiator was a very easy task. Aided by the workshop manual on CD and the fabulous design by BMW's engineers, the job was completed in a few hours.

This is very reassuring. I'm running into the same problem myself. Ordered the newer radiator, based on the diagrams on realoem.com, I didn't know about it needing an extra hose that wasn't there before. I called up the parts dealer and I was pretty skeptical at what he's telling me, and then came across your post. Thanks for sharing.

One question though, the new radiators are missing the drain plugs that were on the previous ones, how do you flush your radiator now? Does the new hose come with a drain plug?

[joeku]

I can now confirm everything RCasey says because I just did it on my own car.

Radiator 17117585036 is the correct for your E70 X5, both the 3.0i and the 4.8i models and possibly others as well. When you get this new radiator, it could look different than the one you're replacing as shown in the pictures posted by RCasey above . It doesn't mean it's the wrong part. This new design replaces a previous design which is now discontinued and no longer being sold as new.


Depending on model year, the old radiator you're swapping out can have a blue and a red drain plug. The new radiator sucks because you no longer have any drain plugs. To drain it, you have to disconnect hoses, which is a pain in the butt.

But you will also notice that it's got one port fewer at the bottom. The diagrams on none of the BMW's parts database like RealOEM or at the dealership **have not** been updated as of Jan-2013, and does not match what you will end up getting. This is not just a problem with online parts catalogs... BMW parts department also showed me the same out-dated diagram on their screen, so their databases have the same issue.

RealOEM.com * BMW E70 X5 3.0si MOUNTING PARTS F RADIATOR

Pay attention to the note that says you must use a new hose to go with this radiator, part 11537609944, which is supposed to be shown as (12) in this diagram,

RealOEM.com * BMW E70 X5 3.0si Cooling System Water Hoses

But the actual hose (12) is also wrong and won't look like the diagrams either.

Remember how we said one of the ports is missing on the new radiator? There used to be a hose connected to that port. That's what the new hose is replacing. If you take that out, you will see that the old hose will looks like a crooked "Y", with 3 ends. You will still need the 2 hose clamps (13) as shown in the diagram, but the 3rd opening that used to go to the old radiator is no longer necessary with the new radiator. The new hose simply caps that end off.

The price I got quoted from BMW dealership says that hose part 11537609944 costs $111, which I think is ridiculous.
The price quote from a parts supplier on the internet says it's about $60, a little better but I still think it's a rip off.

If you are want to save money and that hose is still good, you do not even need to buy a new one. The hose is relatively easy to remove. You just need to trim off the end that goes to the radiator and plug it off some how, basically turn it into what is shown as (11) on that second diagram I linked. All it really end up being, is a simple hose with the proper bends on it.

Unfortunately, there is no part number for a piece like that and BMW doesn't sell it that way.

[UCrewX5]

[ECS Tuning]

Glad we were able to help you out!

[lt_texan]

Dick,

What repair manual are you using? I'm having trouble finding one for the E70.

Thanks,
Dan

[rcasey]

Hi Dan; I bought the manual on eBay for about $10.00 USD, several years ago. It has helped me on a number of occasions, as I tend to do all my own work. Between the parts breakdown on realoem.com and the DVD, most jobs are a snap.

I see several vendors selling the DVDs, which cover a range of models, but do include the E70s. Most are out of the UK, but the price is right.

Best wishes,
Dick

[lt_texan]

Thanks a lot Dick!