Raining on my parade!
 

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

Problem solved
 

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 ;)

Postscript
 

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

:thumbup:

Glad we were able to help you out!

Dick,

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

Thanks,
Dan

Workshop manuals
 

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

Thanks a lot Dick!

Big thanks on the realoem site too (much like the PET I use for the parts on my 928).

I just bought a DVD manual off ebay ($20) from a US seller to get it delivered a bit sooner.

I figure the electric water pump is dead with the thermostat and radiator both ready to go.

If I can do all the work on my 928, I figure I can save bucks and do the same with the X5.

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?