This is my thoughts on the matter. If proper coolant level is maintained, stock should last a pretty long time, 80-100K miles at least, and well at a fraction of the cost, with perfect fitment.

Totally agreed. No one would suggest that a bullet-proof design that should never fail is a better value than one that'll last the projected life of the thing it services. Hell, the OE part wasn't even *really* ready. I just did it as preventative. :loco:

But isn't this the cross we bear as E53 owners? Or is it the mantra of anyone who over-maintains his mechanicals?

I don't care so much about how long the old one lasts. Just as the Zionsville has been bullet proof in my E39 for 14 years, I care about never having to worry ab that failure again. Sure, I fantasized ab a Zionsville the day I bought my V8 E53 7 years ago. But can you blame me after the E39 experience? It's difficult to explain the relief as I walked to the E53 for the 1st time in a month today. But for some reason, being able to say, 'Never again' rang true today.

And by way of the latest cosmetics, I offer this updated pic. Who wants to take a stab at what's new? (not the radiator, goofballs)

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...ive-small-.jpg

Those are such good looking wheels on an e53. Soooooo goooood!

Prop, how much was the radiator anyway. Asking for, science.

$1000.

CW wins! :rofl:

Those are my new rear wheels thanks to Jay! ;pimp;This board is AWESOME!

Edit:
Totally just realized that I gave the answer away in the 1st silly post! LOL. :tapping:

That's one nice looking radiator! Same amount of rows as stock, or added capacity?

Anyone ever tell you that you take things a little bit overboard? Just a tiny little bit.

:bow::bow:
Props pissed the furthest in the sandbox today

I totally would have done this myself 3-4 years ago when I replaced mine.
At that time when I checked, they did not offer one for the E53

:rofl: I know, I know. But I *like* these units! And they WORK! Ya ever feel like you don't really have a choice? This must be what full on OCD is like. :(Well, to be fair, I was asked how much I spent. I would have just made a link to the page with pricing, but that takes time and effort for the guys here.

How does it make you guys feel if I told you that I actually branched out this week to a new mechanic? Yep. 20 years watching my mechanic-turned-friend grow his shop. Now he has 4 administrative folks. They have to eat. Retire. Buy wrecked M5's and Frankenstein solid E39 bodies. Their prices just have gone too high.

The E46 is getting a few touches now with the new guy. Very much like my current guy used to be. I don't know if I'll take the SC'ed E39 to him, yet. But so far, the E46 is happy with a change of scenery. So is our pocketbook.