4.8is Metal Cooling System Parts?
 

Hey Gang,

Does anyone make metal cooling system parts for the E53? I'd like to improve reliability and lifespan by replacing my expansion tank & water pump with ones made of metal. I believe the water pump impeller blade is made of plastic, but I could be wrong there.

Zionsville does make metal radiators, so that's a start...

https://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/...inum-radiator/

Is there a reason why you object to just replacing these parts with stock once every ten to fifteen years? All metal cooling system parts are *still* wear items, and the cheap ones generally seem to have shorter lifespans than stock plastic.

^+1

After another 18-20 years what do you think is the life span of your ownership?

Plastic weakens with every heating cycle. Plastic inside my water pump makes me the most uneasy. Looking around my engine bay, I'm happy to see the coolant pipes are metal or rubber hoses. I've had some expensive and inconvenient problems with the plastic cooling system on my Mini Cooper, so looking to harden the systems in all my cars if possible.

Has anyone had an issue with a broken water pump due to cracked plastic parts?

That's why you just define an expected lifetime and replace. Metal parts are not failure free.

don't even bother with aftermarket water pumps that are metal impellars. i tried the URO unit twice, both times it failed within 5 minutes and cost too much labour/return shipping more than it would be just to pay more and get the plastic OE part.

one of the contributing factors that cause reduced life of the plastic cooling system is the original thermostat that runs over 100deg celcius. you need to replace that piece of trash with a 90 degree thermostat, all the seals in the engine will last longer along with the coolant hoses. i can share a vendor that makes one, that i have installed and used if youre interested.

third, you should lightly coat all good condition hose rubber with AT-205 in a spray bottle to keep them supple.

fourth, buy a pre-assembled viton oring kit and replace all the cooling hose o-rings - which are a failure point. they have them on ebay, if you want i can share the vendor. with this, you should also buy a PTFE water-safe grease (super lube) to coat the orings with during installation.

fifth, these aftermarket cooler expansion tanks are chinese garbage. I had a new one crack open within 90 days.:(

+1. The plastic impeller didn't fail when my water pump went out. It was the bearing.

Same here. Impeller was fine.

I replaced my WP with Hepu, from FCPeuro, exactly 2 years ago. Metal impeller, and no problems, knock on wood.

As with any long term ownership proper PREVENTATIVE maintenance is the primary key to a happy long life. Attached is Mike Miller's LIFETIME MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE that is widely used by everyone seeking a happy life with their BMW. If you join BMWCCA you gain access to him and all his knowledge, Tips, Tricks, etc.

I would add since you live up north in the great frozen wasteland commonly referred to as Canada, I would recommend more frequent oil changes (5K min or twice a year) as vapor freezes in the two oil vapor valves located on the cam covers. (Big yellow circle). Preventative replacement at 18 years is a good idea too!

#13 Repair kit, pressure regulating valve 11127547058
USD $99.00

plastic water pump impellers have not been a thing since the M52 engines. Since then, metal impellers were then phased in when M52tu engines became available in 1999MY.

Composite impellars became the standard early 2000's and have been since then.

I have yet to see a composite impellar fail on any BMW. The bearings are the problem.

What you should do is replace the

Crossover tube, water pump, thermostat, valley pan, expansion tank, cap and all hoses that go to and from the tank, radiator and water pump. These parts will usually last a good 60-80k miles. The tank might not, as some i've found when new they have issues.