05 M3 - Just hit 69k Miles - Do I Need To Replace The Cooling System?

[Slapshot1]

I've read in the past, that while it may not be quite as big a concern as with the E36 series, you should replace the cooling system to avoid catastrophic failure of an E46 M3 when you reach 65-70,000 miles. I have a 2005 M3 W/competition package that is in outstanding condition and performs perfectly. Do I need to replace the cooling system? If so, any idea what that would run in terms of cost (exempting the thermostat which was already replaced two years ago, and was hardly cheap either). I would probably want to use upgraded parts, since it was the poor quality of the OEM parts that caused the situation.

Thanks for any help with this.

JC

[dworthy]

Well I replaced the water pump, hoses, expansion tank, thermostat and all seals about a year ago, and I hit 85k then. I would also suggest replacing the 2nd coolant sensor, for my DME had it as plausible for the last 2 years prior to that. It was at the 10 years mark, so the belts and idle/pulleys were replaced then too. I only use OE or OEM, so I cannot tell you what would be considered an upgrade.

It's really up to you if you want to replace anything, as there is only the coolant that suppose to be replaced every 4 years. Nothing had failed before I replaced the cooling system but as they say piece of mind is priceless, so proactive vers reactive.

[ShapeShifter]

Proactive is better than reactive and stuck on side of the road.