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Thread: clues to a failing radiator, or...?

  1. #1
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    clues to a failing radiator, or...?

    hello. at 175k, i have been losing water out of the reservoir, leading to the error message on the MFD within a week of replenishing it, but the dash temp gauge never goes higher than where it should be. no apparent leaks anyway on the driveway. i know it's time to change out the radiator, but what else should be changed (besides the hoses)? i replaced the water pump/therm last year.

    thanks for the advice!!!
    berbes

  2. #2
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Replace all the hoses, the radiator, and the expansion tank (reservoir).

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimLev View Post
    Replace all the hoses, the radiator, and the expansion tank (reservoir).
    This is certainly true, particularly if those parts are original. Don't forget the two hard plastic pipes under the intake manifold. They tend to deteriorate and crumble and/or leak over time.
    Its a bigger job to remove the intake but necessary if you want to keep it for a while

    I would also suggest you find where the leak is..Ask a mechanic to pressurize the cooling system and see if he can find the leak.
    Last edited by effduration; 06-26-2019 at 03:49 PM.

  4. #4
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    BEST forum out there...THANKS!

  5. #5
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
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    Quote Originally Posted by heather View Post
    BEST forum out there...THANKS!
    You bet it is. (not that I may be biased)
    Thanks for the thumbs up Heather.

  6. #6
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    Heather
    This is an image of the cooling system hoses that have been mentioned.





    No.

    Part # / Description
    Price

    1

    Upper Hose11-53-1-705-223
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03


    $86.85
    $59.15
    ADD TO CART


    2

    Lower Hose11-53-1-705-224
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03


    $86.85
    $59.15
    ADD TO CART


    3

    Water Pipe11-53-7-502-525
    Water Hose Assembly
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03, ENGINE INLET


    $90.40
    $65.21
    ADD TO CART


    4

    Water Hose Assembly11-53-1-438-634
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03, TO PUMP


    $78.40
    $53.40
    ADD TO CART


    5

    Water Hose Assembly11-53-1-438-633
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03, PUMP TO RESERVOIR


    $78.40
    $53.40
    ADD TO CART


    6

    Water Hose Assembly11-53-1-438-632
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03, RESERVOIR TO ENGINE


    $86.85
    $59.15
    ADD TO CART


    7

    Water Hose Assembly11-53-1-705-210
    Inlet Pipe
    525I,528I & 530I 1999-03


    $37.98
    $32.07
    ADD TO CART


    Also check the Temp sensor in your lower hose as the seal goes bad and causes a S L O W leak under pressure. Seal is only $.57
    O Ring Aux Fan Switch Aftermarket part - CSS091159010 $.59 to $.79 depending on vendor. Rockauto.comÜRO PARTS13621433077S.
    Last edited by StephenVA; 06-26-2019 at 04:11 PM.
    Current Garage Highlights
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    1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)

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    1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
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  7. #7
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    CDN 98 540iA M62 3.15
    If you are unsure of age of rest of cooling system, time for a full overhaul at your mileage. One tip that may help is to look for manufacturer's date stamps on the parts you think are replacing. Typically a month of manufacture clearly printed on the part(s) label; other times there is a circular dial etched in the plastic with 1-12 printed on it with an arrow with a year in the middle indicating month/yr or manufacture. If older than 5 years, replace it.

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