Radiator Leak
 

Noticed some wetness under my bumper and a very small puddle on the garage floor after getting a low coolant dash message. Must be a real small pinhole leak. Car has been sitting 6 months or so. Appears to be coming from the driver side bottom corner of the radiator which is original and now almost 18 years old.

Best to have it re-cored or replace? Anyone had any luck with stop leak products like Bar's?

Is there a good alternative / upgrade to OEM? What about this model on amazon? Not a lot of reviews but they are positive and should be plug and play:

https://www.amazon.com/JSD-Radiator-...=Radiator+4.4i

There are a bunch of other options available on rockauto as well:

2000 BMW X5 4.4L V8 Radiator | RockAuto

I've only heard of Denso and Hella. According to RA the TYC and Denso models are popular choices.

Looks like it plugged itself somehow. Maybe a pinhole leak. Might try one of those AC Delco stop leak tablets as a precaution. Hopefully buys a little time.

Replace the radiator. Bahrs leak doesn't work in my experience. It may seem like it "fixed" itself, but I wouldn't count on it. It could really let go at the worst time and leave you stranded.

The problem with stop leak is it gets into everything coolant related, heater valves and core. I do not recommend using the stuff, just replace the leaking component.

Good call - that being said is there a good alternative to the OEM rad?

From RockAuto.com Either of these will work and provide long life.

NISSENS 60787A {#1439101, 17101439101} Info
Front; Automatic trans.; Body code E53 $157.89

HELLA 376718751 {#040921, 17101439101} Behr Service Info $169.89

Do yourself a good deed and replace the expansion tank, hoses that connect to it, The upper and lower Rad hoses and the rad cap, thermostat and housing, etc. It will save you lots of "oh, poop, I need to replace this cooling system part now" stories. While you are in there...... Belts too!
:bustingup

There are Kits available from ECS that might make your life a little easier
https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E53-X5-M62_4.4L/

:iagree:

OH POOP!

Haha yeah I hear you. I did replace a bunch of hoses and belts along with the water pump 9 years ago. It's been a pretty low mileage vehicle.

That kit looks good.

I've had good experience with Nissens rads... just adding a data point for you.

I was just going to buy one because it sounds like Nissan!

For my 2006 X5 M54 with 6sp MT 143k miles.
I did a partial cooling overhaul back in 2015 with 116k miles
(DIY info in forum), basically most of cooling parts except the rad.

Car runs fine no rad leak, but I am

- When (yr/miles) did your rad leak?
- I am thinking about BMW genuine rad ($337) vs Nissens ($213).
What brand is everyone here using? Experience?

2006 275,000 miles
I put a Nissens in mine in 2016 at 170,000 miles because the original had developed a small leak. It has been fine and is still going strong over 100,000 miles later. Don't waste your money on the genuine BMW. According to FCP Mahl/Behr is the OE manufacturer. $201 vs $702 for genuine. It's a no brainer. Especially with the low mileage you put on your X.