My original factory radiator lasted around 4 years, 55k miles. Since then, I preventively replaced with oem Behr radiator at 123k miles, then 223k miles. I replace along with all the other cooling system parts....expansion tank, cap, all hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch, etc.
As you can surmise by the posts, its a bit of a crap shoot. Time, ambient temperature, miles and heat cycles all come into play.
Replacement can depend on what level of reliability you need as well. If a failure is not going to put you out badly, then drive on. If it would be a huge inconvenience, then consider preventive replacement, but be sure to replace the expansion tank, cap, and that elbow piece mentioned above, as it is ordered separately and will start leaking if not replaced with the radiator.
Last edited by f355spider; 06-27-2017 at 02:04 PM.
2001 540 M-Sport (cdn), ST X (KW) coilovers, H&R 15mm spacers, Eibach anti roll bars (28mm/18mm), Beastpower rear antiroll bar brackets, M5 rear chassis reinforcements (traction rods), Strong Strut front upper strut bar, Dinan Stage 1 software, factory M-Audio subs, Bavsound speaker upgrade, Bluebus bluetooth integration, Stop Tech SS brake lines, ATE coated brake rotors, ATE ceramic brake pads.
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