Time for a new radiator?

[clay1]

It's hot here in Texas. Temp gauge has been right around halfway. Running AC causes it to get a little higher than I am comfortable with.

My coolant level warning came on today.

So after letting everything cool down for a few hours(it's still pretty hot) I checked the level.

The reservoir is about 1/4 full and looking kind of grimy.

I noticed some coolant residue around the cap.

Also the hose near the engine appears to be leaking.

I've got a bit over 100k on the odometer.

How should I proceed with this? Replace the hose for now? Do I need to drain everything before I do that?

I've been told these cars have a propensity to overheat. I am trying to avoid that!

[russiankid]

Good time to replace all hoses, radiator, pump, thermostat, basically overhaul the system.

[napuli]

How much coolant did you lose? I would probably add coolant and drive the car close to home to see how fast is coming out? My coolant when down a few months ago and I also thought that it was just a hose. After a few days of adding coolant and driving the car for short trips problem got worse...Basically I had coolant pouring out of the water pump. I replace the pump, hoses and thersmostad and it has been fine since then.

[clay1]

Good time to replace all hoses, radiator, pump, thermostat, basically overhaul the system.


Difficulty for a novice?

Suggestions on sources for parts?

Thanks

[marsmann]

Agree with Russian,

If coolant looks gritty/grimey it's probably not been serviced for a while. Replacing the leaking hose is a good place to start.

Squeeze all your hoses. See if they feel really soft and almost mushy. If so replace them. If you haven't done the waterpump, thermostat and radiator replace them. At your mileage you are due. Rads fail early on these cars and if you have no history on it replacing the thermostat, waterpump and radiator/hoses is cheap insurance against a possible warped head/blown gasket.

Much more expensive to do that. :)

By the way - check what type of coolant is in there. Hopefully the right type is being used and not the corrosive stuff. Zerex G-05 is very, very close in chemical composition to BMW blue (G-48) but DexCool and the 50/50 stuff or pure Antifreeze (alum safe) with distilled water will make your car happy :)

Avoid driving it with the leak you have. It could overheat and cause greater damage. If time or $$$ are an issue cut your hose some or use a patch repair (tape or plastic inline repairs) if possible to keep the car running normal until you can tend to it.

GL

[clay1]

By the way - check what type of coolant is in there. Hopefully the right type is being used and not the corrosive stuff. Zerex G-05 is very, very close in chemical composition to BMW blue (G-48) but DexCool and the 50/50 stuff or pure Antifreeze (alum safe) with distilled water will make your car happy :)


Thanks for the help guys

Not sure of what kind of coolant is in there. I would assume the worst.

I have no history for the car really and I am basically assuming nothing has been done/properly maintained.

[E39esp]

Your AC doesn't give off a funny smell does it?

[clay1]

Your AC doesn't give off a funny smell does it?


Not presently. However, I've been hesitant to run the AC for fear of overheating.

I did notice what appeared to be coolant residue on the passenger side vent after I bought it. It has given me concern.

[russiankid]

Difficulty for a novice?

Suggestions on sources for parts?

Thanks

It is not a hard task if you take your time and make sure all hoses are routed properly. For parts, you can either get them from pelicanparts.com or autohausaz.com.

[clay1]

I got a new top hose and have pulled the old one

I found this:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_22SKeOw-bQU/TCqWHPNNykI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/4SWFdlRBdEE/s400/hose1.jpeg

Anything I should be worried about? Can I use water to clean it off?

Also should I wash off where coolant spilled down the belts with water when I am done?

Simpleton questions I know..

[SpeedsterBek]

Holy shmoly! What is that thing?
If I were you I'd flush the system with a garden hose and put in a BMW coolant. As for spilled coolant, yes, you can just pour some water over the spilled areas and let it dry off.
Also, don't forget to bleed properly, otherwise it'll overheat again (don't ask me how I know)

[clay1]

That is where the upper hose attaches to the engine. I cleaned it up with a rag as best I could.

Lucky me the hose I bought at Autozone is way too small in diameter. So now my car is rather useless=/

Thankfully I live across the street from a BMW shop

[upallnight]

That is where the upper hose attaches to the engine. I cleaned it up with a rag as best I could.

Lucky me the hose I bought at Autozone is way too small in diameter. So now my car is rather useless=/

Thankfully I live across the street from a BMW shop

Autozone Redneck part dealer for BMUU