need advice

[rcva]

dear guys..need some expert advice on belowim using e46 1.9 year 2000,my problem is there is very very small crack at the radiator spare water tank,when i check wit my mechanic, he advice to change the whole complete radiator unit whereby its comes with the spare tank aswell, which is cost est RM 1200. do i need to change the whole set or can change the water tank itself alone? how about half cut?pls advice guys..im newand im from ipoh, perakr_cva76@yahoo.com

 

[solo]

dear guys..

need some expert advice on below

im using e46 1.9 year 2000,my problem is there is very very small crack at the radiator spare water tank,

when i check wit my mechanic, he advice to change the whole complete radiator unit whereby its comes with the spare tank aswell, which is cost est RM 1200. do i need to change the whole set or can change the water tank itself alone? how about half cut?
pls advice guys..im new

and im from ipoh, perak

r_cva76@yahoo.com

Are we talking about the Expansion Tank, which is made out of plastic? My advice is change it. If the radiator is still in good condition, then just change the Expansion Tank. It should cost around RM300.

If the whole radiator is old, then just change everything. These are wear-and-tear parts so changing them will give you some peace of mind. After all you don't want to be stuck in the middle of the highway, with an overheated engine, in a heavy downpour with the kids in the backseat yelling they want to go to the toilet, do you?

An overheated engine means big, big, big servicing money.

Salut

 

[rcva]

dear bro solo...

thanks for ur advice..

but according to my mechanic the thing is comes complete set with radiator and the water tank ( expansion tank),where its cost Rm 1200..the radiator looks ok..already check..

basically im new to bmw..after 7 years achived my dreams to own a BMW

 

[king82]

hm...maybe you should go to another mechanic and get a second opinion just in case...=)

as per solo, if your radiator really needs replacing, then your mechanic should be right in asking you to change both...but if your radiator is working fine...then why change?

good luck!

 

[SimpleSoul]

dear bro solo...

thanks for ur advice..

but according to my mechanic the thing is comes complete set with radiator and the water tank ( expansion tank),where its cost Rm 1200..the radiator looks ok..already check..

basically im new to bmw..after 7 years achived my dreams to own a BMW

Which workshop which quoted you RM1200?

 

[zeedo]

dear bro solo...

thanks for ur advice..

but according to my mechanic the thing is comes complete set with radiator and the water tank ( expansion tank),where its cost Rm 1200..the radiator looks ok..already check..

basically im new to bmw..after 7 years achived my dreams to own a BMW

For 3 series, I think E36 might have the radiator with expansion tank in one unit but for E46 the expansion tank is two different parts from the radiator. The tank is RM220 (bought from Munich Auto Segambut) and it's really simple job to do. Total cost of replacing it is:

Expansion Tank = RM220
Coolant = RM35/bottle
Worksmanship =RM50 or just DIY

 

[rcva]

Which workshop which quoted you RM1200?

bro simple soul

the is a 1 workshop in ipoh,perak

 

[rcva]

anyway guys do u all have idea how much its will cost to change the radiator and expansion tank?

 

[jarance]

I think RVCA is talking about the black thing on side of the the radiator.

Sorry, if the plastic material is crack, you have to change everything.

the expansion tank can be changed separately. It is the one which have the radiator cap and where you filled with water.

 

[solo]

RCVA,

For clarity and so that we can all help you, please go to this page - http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E46/Sedan/Europe/318i-M43/RHD/N/2001/may/browse/radiator/ - and tell us which part the mechanic said had failed.

If he didn't tell you, then ask him again. Tell him to tell you specifically which part or parts had failed.

Salut

 

[rcva]

guys..thanks , really thanks guys for ur guide..

i saw the crack exactly at expansion tank ...(black colour tank where we fill water)
and the mechanic told me its comes with radiator ( 1 set),and ask me to change complete set..
better change complete if no means maybe can create some other problem ..

 

[solo]

guys..thanks , really thanks guys for ur guide..

i saw the crack exactly at expansion tank ...(black colour tank where we fill water)
and the mechanic told me its comes with radiator ( 1 set),and ask me to change complete set..
better change complete if no means maybe can create some other problem ..

Then your mechanic is trying to pull a fast one on you. Anyway you can change the Expansion Tank alone. Many of our brothers here have done it.

If you are letting him change the whole radiator, make sure he does a good job. Personally, I tend to be suspicious of a mechanic who tries to sell me more than I need. I wonder, if he can't tell me that I can change the part alone, does he really know how to fix the car and will he do a good job.

If he's the only BMW mechanic in Ipoh, then he knows if anything happens to your car, even if it is his fault, you still have to go back to him. Either way, more of your money in his pocket.

After all if he screws up the radiator, and you overheat the engine, then your precious UDM is a hunk of scrap metal.

I think it's best if you do the repair in KL. Lot's of our brothers here would be willing to help in exchange for Ipoh Taugeh Chicken Rice.

Anyway, just my two sen.

Salut

 

[jarance]

For E46, the expansion tank is an separate item. It can be change without changing the radiator. It cost me RM190 from Bavarian Auto. Quite an easy job if you know how to do it. Have done it before (DIY). As for the radiator, it is a bit difficult as you have to have a special tool to release the clutch fan in order to remove the radiator. other than that, it is quite simple.

As for the E36, the radiator can also be change without changing the radiator.

 

[rcva]

guys...

thanks alot for all ur guides..


at last i 've settle the problem..with just change the expansion tank where its cost me RM 250 plus workmanship RM 30.

thanks alot guys..