Just making sure my radiator needs to be replaced

Anthony199 · 07-30-2019, 09:16 AM

Hey everyone,

I'm loosing coolant slowly on my 325i 2006 sedan. Pressure tested the system, found the leak to be on the top driver side of the radiator. Took a video here: https://youtu.be/MXc_RyQ1b_o

I purchased a new radiator and will replace myself when it arrives. Doesn't seem to bad of a job. I'm wondering if that leak does look like it's coming from the radiator? Also, is there anything else to purchase (like tabs, clips, screws..)?

Thank you.

e90yyc · 07-30-2019, 12:10 PM

You are correct that it isn't a bad job. It can, however, be a royal PITA to get some of the hose fittings off.

I used a heat gun (and some common sense...) and it worked wonders. The fittings expanded just enough to make what felt like an impossible task much, much easier. The most nerve-wracking part was using enough force to get them off but without snapping them all to shit.

The good news for you is that you're replacing your rad, which would usually be on the losing end of a broken fitting. Nonetheless, the last thing you want to be doing is trying to extract a sheared-off fitting that has welded itself into a hose from 12 years of expansion and contraction

Good luck!

Check out this excellent post/guide from Efthreeoh:https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=936250

Anthony199 · 07-30-2019, 12:36 PM

Thanks for the link!
Good idea for the heat gun use. I also have the needle looking screwdriver rod type of things the help loosening the hoses, I hope they help.

07-30-2019, 09:16 AM	#1
Anthony199 Private First Class 15 Rep 154 Posts Drives: BMW 325i 06 Sparkling Graphite Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Columbus, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Just making sure my radiator needs to be replaced Hey everyone, I'm loosing coolant slowly on my 325i 2006 sedan. Pressure tested the system, found the leak to be on the top driver side of the radiator. Took a video here: https://youtu.be/MXc_RyQ1b_o I purchased a new radiator and will replace myself when it arrives. Doesn't seem to bad of a job. I'm wondering if that leak does look like it's coming from the radiator? Also, is there anything else to purchase (like tabs, clips, screws..)? Thank you.
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07-30-2019, 12:10 PM	#2
e90yyc Art Collector 2425 Rep 3,448 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi (GM-delete 6MT) Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You are correct that it isn't a bad job. It can, however, be a royal PITA to get some of the hose fittings off. I used a heat gun (and some common sense...) and it worked wonders. The fittings expanded just enough to make what felt like an impossible task much, much easier. The most nerve-wracking part was using enough force to get them off but without snapping them all to shit. The good news for you is that you're replacing your rad, which would usually be on the losing end of a broken fitting. Nonetheless, the last thing you want to be doing is trying to extract a sheared-off fitting that has welded itself into a hose from 12 years of expansion and contraction Good luck! Check out this excellent post/guide from Efthreeoh:https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=936250 __________________ When I'm dead, just throw me in the trash.
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07-30-2019, 12:36 PM	#3
Anthony199 Private First Class 15 Rep 154 Posts Drives: BMW 325i 06 Sparkling Graphite Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Columbus, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the link! Good idea for the heat gun use. I also have the needle looking screwdriver rod type of things the help loosening the hoses, I hope they help.
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