Radiator Leakage

[*SunShin3*]

Hi guys...I drive an E46. Just discovered there's a slight crack near the cap of my radiator and it has caused water to escape in the form of steam when the engine gets hot. Just wondering if there's any cost effective or shortcut remedy to this instead of having to change the entire radiator. Is there such thing as a high temperature epoxy sealant to stop the 'leak'?Any good workshops specialising in radiators?I've done the compression test a few weeks ago and no leakage was detected. Strange but the water level in the radiator still drops drastically every 2 days.Pls advise.Thanks a million...

 

[Daredevil]

Strange. if you've done the pressure test, how come it didn't pick up the leakage? I think it may be an idea to send the car in to your regular mechanic for another diagnosis before you start spending big money to replace the entire radiator.

Any idea how much does a used radiator for E46 cost?

 

[James Chun]

Around Rm700 2nd Hand I think..

 

[Mouse]

Around Rm700 2nd Hand I think..

new BEHR radiator cost about 600-700, not sure about original BMW radiator cost, try serching for BEHR, u might c some result

 

[*SunShin3*]

Strange. if you've done the pressure test, how come it didn't pick up the leakage? I think it may be an idea to send the car in to your regular mechanic for another diagnosis before you start spending big money to replace the entire radiator.

Any idea how much does a used radiator for E46 cost?

I do not know why but my dad helped me out with the old fashion way. By pouring water & using his trusty torchlite. We found the leakage slightly below the radiator cap.

My mechanic will only be able to do a thorough check for me tomorrow.

Regardless, thanks...

 

[tank34]

Sounds like your expansion tank that is cracked. A wear and tear item that is advisable for change between 60,000 - 70,000 km. Costs about RM600 to replace.

 

[astroboy]

A friend's E46 1.9L also recently replaced his radiator expansion tank and he told me it cost him around RM200.. how come the big difference in price?

 

[c-square]

Just change the expansion tank. Shouldn't cost a lot. You don't want to skimp on this as it will cost you big time if you were to fry your engine due to overheating. Learning from bad experience

 

[VNP]

Would like to tumpang this thread, Sunshin3. Can only the expansion tank for E36 318 be changed or does it come one set together with the radiator? Hope the E36 sifus can share experience with me.

Thanks and Rdgs,

VNP

 

[Russie]

Would like to tumpang this thread, Sunshin3. Can only the expansion tank for E36 318 be changed or does it come one set together with the radiator? Hope the E36 sifus can share experience with me.

Thanks and Rdgs,

VNP

when i changed mine to BEHR, i was told that for e36 318 we have to change the entire radiator and not only the expansion tank. is this true? or i got conned? please advise.

 

[astroboy]

The E36 "plastic" translucent expansion tank stick together with the radiator and they don't seem "separate-able". I had this minum air problem with my old E36. What I did was keep adding water lor. And the stop leak MILO-liked additive would help a little. Did not replace it when I dispose it off. Still miss her much!

 

[c-square]

Would like to tumpang this thread, Sunshin3. Can only the expansion tank for E36 318 be changed or does it come one set together with the radiator? Hope the E36 sifus can share experience with me.

Thanks and Rdgs,

VNP

Yes, the expansion tank on an e36 can be separated from the radiator.

 

[flash]

Yes, the expansion tank on an e36 can be separated from the radiator.

Yup, can be separeted. Bought one 2 years back for my 325i for RM240 (plus installation).

 

[mafia1118]

radiator

Yup, can be separeted. Bought one 2 years back for my 325i for RM240 (plus installation).

where u get it done? to separate the main & spare tank.
coz I think mine also huv this problem, keep add water weekly into spare tank.

 

[c-square]

where u get it done? to separate the main & spare tank.
coz I think mine also huv this problem, keep add water weekly into spare tank.

Just take it to M1 (or your regular workshop). They should be able to sort it out for you.... well at least M1 did for mine.

 

[astroboy]

Check this out:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CP42&mospid=47437&btnr=17_0089&hg=17&fg=05

 

[mafia1118]

Thanks everyone..

 

[*SunShin3*]

Sounds like your expansion tank that is cracked. A wear and tear item that is advisable for change between 60,000 - 70,000 km. Costs about RM600 to replace.

Turns out my mechanic found 3 areas leaking...:42:
So ended up changing water hose & thermostat housing

Nothing major...*Phew*

Thanks...:top:

 

[astroboy]

Hi *SunShin3*, when was the last time u change the water hose? I thought it has to be replaced at least once every 2 years as preventive measure but I have seen so many bursting water hose in this forum. Is it premature failure or preventive replacement not carried out by ignorant owner?:smokin:

Can be serious because my wife drives car never look at temperature guage. She won't even notice lost of power by over heated engine. :stupid: So high chance ending up with overhaul is water hose burst!

 

[VNP]

Yes, the expansion tank on an e36 can be separated from the radiator.

Thanks c-square, so my mechanic is not experience enough or is he trying to con me when he said that the E36 318 radiator comes together with the expansion tank? I guess it is the former.

Rdgs,

VNP