with integrated expansion tank. Anyone have/using one? How about with an aftermarket radiator? Electric fan? I'd like to ask a few questions.
"It takes character to withstand the rigors of ignorance."
this seems like a cool product for under 300 bucks, ive seen pics of one on a mishimoto radiator and it looked right. deleting the plastic expansion tank is the selling point for me, and fitting an electric fan perfectly is a huge plus.
still i know i could make this for alot cheaper, but im worried about correctly implementing the expansion tank.
Does look interesting, but once you add on fan and wiring total cost will be over $500. Might only make coolant 1 degree colder and gain 1 horsepower for all we know.
95 BMW M3 Alpine-
<GO...JIC Cross Coilovers- UUC RCAB, AKG FCAB, Rogue Engineering TM bushings- AA Gen3 Exhaust- Dinan F&R Strut Bars- Dinan F&R Sway Bars- X-Brace- Mishimoto Rad- BBS RK 17x8"- TRM Chip- Dinan BBTB- DIY CAI- JP Performance Headers- 21.5 injectors- JB Racing Flywheel- Bimmerworld TB boot- 540i MAF><SHOW...OE euro clear exterior lights- Depo w/ HID- Hurricane Alcantara interior- Stereo (Kenwood,Sony,MB Quart,Rockford Fosgate,JL Audio)- Black kidneys- Euro 3 Spoke- ZHP Knob- AutoDim Mirror>
I have the Zionsville shroud with fan delete, OEM radiator, spal fan... results are outstanding - even in 90+ weather oil temp never >220 F.
I have read of two instances of cracked expansion tank welds on these units as well as a check coolant level obc issue on this forum. Anyone care to chime in on these matters
ah yes, the check coolant level........I'm not sure why it happens but in my experience with it on my old car that message would flash at startup and at shutoff...It would not stay during running of the engine though........I have no theories as to why this happens but I don't believe this is a concern because the geometry of the Zionsville tank and the OEM one are different
-Rich-
for the money they are asking it is a concern imho on anything but a track car
I have this shroud + SPAL fan + Mishimoto radiator and couldn't be happier with the setup.
1999 ///M3 TiAg | Heated Power Vaders | DDM Projector36 5000K 55W HIDs | DDM 3000K 35W HID Fogs
DDM Smoked Corners | DDM Weighted Shift Knob | K&N CAI | Mishimoto AL Rad w/Zionsville AL Shroud
Stewart HiPo Water Pump | Samco Hose Kit | 16" SPAL Puller Fan | Viper 5701LE Security
E36 OBC is now open! Join the effort: BF.C Thread | openOBC Wiki
Does the zionsville expansion tank have the same baffles as stock? I think the stock expansion tank keeps the system properly bled. One of the reasons I went with the euro location to avoid having to bleed alltogether..
mpc do you deal with the check coolant level issue others have reported ?
I've had the Zionsville setup since last June while in Oklahoma . I went all out with the dual speed fan option and all . This was my "guinea pig" for my 2001 740i Sport, which I will get this same set up for later on this year . Last summer my coolant level sensor suddenly leaked all my precious blue fluid all over my jobs parking lot . I'm stranded . Since day one after the install was complete, I haven't had any problems what-so-ever . I get the Low Coolant message on the OBC, but trust me its a dummy message , coolant level is constant . Last year Oklahoma had over 90 days of 100 degree plus days in a row . I think that was a record for that area of the country . The Zionsville setup worked flawless throughout the summers heat . Last summer I drove from OK to GA, absolutley no issues . Now I'm in Utah from OK, again no issues . In very cold weather it will take a little longer to warm you up but thats because of the larger amount of coolant it holds . Last year in the 115-125 degee heat she never broke a sweat, neither did I . No leaks or anything . From my ongoing experience with the Zionsville radiatior w/two stage fan option, just get it and forget all of your cooling worries . If you are strapped for cash, the other radiator options mentioned in this thread should work for you also.
He doesnt mention it taking longer than normal to warm up when it isnt cold out does he?
The more fluid one has the longer it will take to heat up. But even with a half gallon, can you tell me how much longer it would take to warm the car up compared to the stock set up? Itd take longer to heat up in the heat as well, not just the cool days but nothing noticeable.
Last edited by FerM3; 03-11-2012 at 11:31 PM.
Even in the summer it took a little longer to heat up than with the OE setup . I'm talking maybe 4-5 minutes longer . Again, in well over 100 degree heat with crazy humidity . I didn't and won't get all scientific with it all BUT again, the Zionsville is an option that will definitely ease all of your cooling conerns . It sure did mine . I'd highly recommend the two stage fan option . The heat that my electric fan blows from under the car while at idle is enormous .
Ah...finally, an answer. Ok, so how was the fitment? OEM? Or did you have to make ANY modifications? I have the Mishimoto. Plan on the Spal kit. I'm trying to justify $300+ for the shroud. I'm just sick and tired of the damned plastic cooling components fm BMW!
Again, any modification of any kind? And "thanks" btw, WATTS!
Last edited by Sozo; 03-12-2012 at 02:21 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
"It takes character to withstand the rigors of ignorance."
The fitment is perfect, just like OE . The spacing between the pully & the electric fan is adequate . Also, there is a handy little peacock at the bottom of the radiator for draining . With the dual stage fan option will have to find a place for the extra resisitors and such. This isn't hard to do . I had a small piece of sheet metal cut with them attached in the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger side, close to the battery conn. Again, everything works flawless .
Do you have any tips on bleeding the zionsville system.
WATTSBMW3
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I have the zionsville super duty cooling system on my e38 and it's incredible. Gorgeous build quality too. No experience with their e36 products but I would assume they are top notch too.
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