radiator

[Jonathan]

so my radiator is messed up I guess, but should I buy a new one,

not sure

here is my car by the way
^_^<img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/ ... 020004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cpalmer]

If your sure it's the radiator, and not the thermostat or the water pump or something like that, and it's done, and you can afford it, I would definitely buy a new one, if it was me, and a new thermostat which are pretty cheap and easy.

Car looks really clean and nice, and your heading into summer, trust me, better to be safe than sorry.

Nothing better than a good cooling system on an ole' bimmer in summer time, and a sunroof and/or A/C if that's going!

You could re-core it too......which is cheaper, but as I said, it's look so nice and summer is almost here......

You'll get lot's of input and great advice from the "Ones" who really know. Just my 2 cents...I went through my cooling system after last summer...and I have a 78'. You should put up what the exact problems/symptoms are/is with it and you'll get great advice here.

Cheers

[John in Simi Valley]

Overwhelmingly, the two reasons why engines die is because of lack of oil, and over heating. Replacing the radiator is preventative maintainance. Replacing it after it goes bad is just too late.

Whether you choose to go with the E28 upgrade, or keep it stock is up to you, but, MAKE SURE your cooling system is functional and reliable.

Good Luck, and by the way; Nice Car!

[T.Hanson]

My experience and advice from Lars, Old Bimmer guy, guru, sage ( who, I believe like me, wasn't thrilled about the new format ) found recoring a very satisfactory solution.

Five years ago, so I have no idea if the art still exists. Back then I got a very high quality core, all nice and new looking for $125. Local, no shipping, personal service, an out for problems.

I know there is upgrade fever, if you have the time, budget, interest in custom fabrication, installation. Maybe good for sun belt traffic jams. Otherwise, the stock system all clean and up to new specs is fine.

Twenty years here wise.

[Whalen]

I also vote to recore. It is less costly for one thing, providing that your side tanks are in good shape. Ask the radiator shop to recore with a three row core. Ask for a three row core that is near the thickness of your current core such that you don't end up with an overly thick core that may hit the radiator fan. I myself went to a three row core over 15 years ago and my 80 528i has never overheated since. The temp gauge always stayed in the center or slightly to the right even with the a/c on in summer while stuck in stop and go L.A. traffic.

[Jonathan]

thanks everyone

I think I will go with recoring...

that is what I am worried about the summer weather in southern CA can be brutal...

[Mike W.]

Overwhelmingly, the two reasons why engines die is because of lack of oil, and over heating.

X2. Absolutely. Rarely does an M30 wear out, but they don't like being run out of oil or overheated.

I've had a couple of recores in cars I've bought and had very good luck with them. I've also priced them locally and found new for pretty much exactly the same price... which I'm not sure were as good as a good recore. I would suggest either a recore or going with a name brand new one, Behr or maybe Nissens (sp) but not something you've never heard of.

[ole Hank]

... or if you want really cool / contact Ron Davis radiators .... had them make an all aluminum one for me. Not cheap, but I don't even begin to worry about overheating. Do it once. Do it right.
Cheers !!

( e-mail me if you want pics / etc. ... Regardless of which route you take / we are all still driving our e-12's ... just back from a weekend jaunt to Charleston, SC )