Radiator replacement

Post your E12 technical questions and comments here. Please, no off-topic posts.

Moderators: Mike W., Pierre

Post Reply
User avatar
Lenny D.
Posts: 287
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:05 am
Location: New Orleans (Metry!), LA
Contact:

Radiator replacement

Post by Lenny D. »

Anyone have any experience with these?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256077421916
HTH

'80 528i
User avatar
Dale
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 10:04 am

Re: Radiator replacement

Post by Dale »

I seem to recall that Rob Siegel (BMWCCA "Hack Mechanic") put something similar in his e12 based e24. He did an article on it, albeit I cannot remember in what publication.
User avatar
Mike W.
Posts: 2817
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:12 am
Location: Sonoma County

Re: Radiator replacement

Post by Mike W. »

Never used one but I've seen them for sale for a few years. A nice alternative for the slightly custom installation of the E28 radiator for improved cooling, presumably.
Mike W.



02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.
PatinaBeforePolish
Posts: 361
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2015 1:22 pm
Location: Baltimore, Md.

Re: Radiator replacement

Post by PatinaBeforePolish »

I’ve had a Chinese made aluminum radiator in my Ford truck for about 4 years and it’s been fine. I doubt this would be a drop-in replacement for an e12 but you never know. It looks close at least.
79 528i
76 530i - Stored since 1992, can it be brought back to life?
86 944- 2023 project
78 F150- Everyone needs a truck
User avatar
Mike W.
Posts: 2817
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:12 am
Location: Sonoma County

Re: Radiator replacement

Post by Mike W. »

PatinaBeforePolish wrote: Sat Jan 06, 2024 4:32 pm I’ve had a Chinese made aluminum radiator in my Ford truck for about 4 years and it’s been fine. I doubt this would be a drop-in replacement for an e12 but you never know. It looks close at least.
Yeah, first thing I noticed was just one plug for the coolant temp switches. No big deal, but just one of those things that takes more time and money.
Mike W.



02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.
User avatar
Lenny D.
Posts: 287
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:05 am
Location: New Orleans (Metry!), LA
Contact:

Re: Radiator replacement

Post by Lenny D. »

Thanks for the replies guys;
I decided to have a reputable, local radiator shop in business for over 50 yrs. take a look at my African E12 replacement in service for over 20 yrs.

He found a tiny leak in the left core and suggested either repairing or looking somewhere for someone to make cores to specifications.
After considering the options, I let him find a business in TX that made cores and shipped them to my local shop. He then reattached the tanks and voila, an original radiator with the right number of sensor holes (one pulled out trying to remove the sensor but he said it happens all the time and reattached it to the tank) and virtual drop-into service. I've never had cooling issues, so no need for an upgrade even though I live in Da Big Easy.

Wasn't cheap but I figured the best money spent given the circumstances. :shock:
HTH

'80 528i
Post Reply