Coolant System/Radiator Issues
 

I just recently purchased a 2002 4.6 with 89k on it. It's been leaking coolant slowly, so I took it to an indy. This is what he said needed to be replaced, and his prices. Do you think this is fair, or should I look elsewere? It seems high to me. Is there any chance of repairing the leaks, instead of spending almost $2,000 to replace everything? I'm not very mechanically inclined, but can do minor/moderate repairs...

Quote:
Replace Leaking Water Pump, Valley Pan, Reseal The Intake:
Labor=$748 Parts=$551 Total=$1,299
Replace Leaking Radiator:
Labor=$200 Parts=$453 Total=$653
Grand Total:
Labor=$948 Parts=$1,002 for a Grand Total of $1,952!!!!

Parts:
# of Hours
2.0 -----------Premixed Antifreeze $19.90
1.0 -----------11 51 0 393 336 Water Pump $192.79
1.0 -----------11 14 1 742 042 Valley Pan Gasket $99.93
1.0 -----------11 61 7 508 541 Intake Mani Cover $109.67
1.0 -----------11 61 1 729 728 Intake Mani Gasket $9.98
1.0 -----------11 61 1 729 727 Intake Mani Gasket $9.98
4.0 -----------11 61 1 433 328 Intake Mani Gasket $109.48
1.0 -----------17 10 1 439 101 Radiator $433.95
2.0 -----------Premixed Antifreeze $19.90

Well if the valley pan gasket is leaking it will be quite a bit of labor since the heads gotta come off. I know just for the water pump people get quoted in the $900-$1200 range or so including parts.

You should probably replace all your coolant hoses, thermostat, and belts as well. I just spent $425 on this and will be doing the job this weekend hopefully.

On a V8 the heads do not need to come off. What needs to come off is the intake manifold. I just went through the same thing with my 2001 4.4 X5. Using all BMW parts, including the following it cost me $2200 = $1000 labor and $1200 parts.

1. Waterpump (and gaskets)
2. Thermostat
3. New valley pan (updated style)
4. Intake gaskets
5. Injector gaskets
6. Upper, lower and middle radiator hoses
7. Oil change
8. 2 new O2 sensors (went OEM Bosch verses BMW - just couldn't justify the extra $125 a sensor for the BMW logo)

Not the heads, just the intake manifold. (hence the intake reseal on the estimate)

That is a big job... but you can get the radiator cheaper yourself as well as the waterpump. I got my radiator from here for half of what they quoted you... and it is a good qualith radiator. (I got it over the OEM radiator at employee cost)

I'd see if you could search down the parts at a better price and just pay their labor, you could save a couple hundred that way.

woops my bad I meant intake mani.

I take it that rad is not OE? Wonder if it is more efficient?

Could always get the Zionsville aluminum radiator. Works great on the race car! :D

Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it. I'll probably shop around for the parts myself, and see if I can save a little money...On the upside, I LOVE the car! Got a good deal on it (other than this issue). One owner, 89k miles, new tires (20", as you know) clean carfax, maintained with extended warranty up to 72k miles through BMW. Very clean. Doesn't look like anyone's every sat in the back seats...Got it for $17k! The indy shop looked it over and only found a couple of small issues (other than this issue).

Buy the Bentley manual so you have a step by step way to take it apart and put it back together. Digital pics will help you remember where things go too. Take it slow and things will be fine.

Where would I pick that up?