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Thread: 1984 BMW 318i Trans Cooler Hoses !HELP!

  1. #1
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    Exclamation 1984 BMW 318i Trans Cooler Hoses !HELP!

    Picked up an 84 318i with an auto ZF3-HP22 Trans, and after trailering home, got it to run, and noticed fluid under the driver's side brakes. Red, definitely transmission fluid. Found the source was a cooler line, Bottom of two mounted to the frame at the first clip. It was rusted so bad I broke it on removal. Looking up the part, I could not find the same hose. It's about 4 feet long and runs all the way from the trans bell housing to the radiator on the driver's side. (I'd like to replace both though). Both hoses have long steel fittings at both ends, one steel flare, like M16 at the trans? and the other is a banjo bolt M14x1.5 at the rad. (I think the radiator may be aftermarket as it is definitely new) There's also a 20"ish steel section in the middle where it touches the frame. Every similar hose I find online has the same flare fittings at both ends. I'd like to know what other people have on there 318i's! Please help!

  2. #2
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    This is the car BTW, it's in excellent exterior and interior condition, but lacking a lot of maintenance.

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  3. #3
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    No e30s, again :(
    I didn't even know they had cooler on the old 318 cars.

  4. #4
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    Do these look like the correct lines? https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=17_0058

    I'd suggest googling the part number and look for photos.
    Last edited by richardodn; 08-23-2020 at 05:29 PM.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

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  5. #5
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    Unfortunately, I can't think of any way to find the part number. It is not on the hose, and I can't find a diagram of the transmission or cooling system with that hose. I'm currently resorting to having a custom hose made with the existing ends that mate to the trans and radiator. It's going to cost about $90 for the pair. I'll update when I get them.

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  6. #6
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    No e30s, again :(
    Maybe someone swapped parts from a 325is or 325es since I don't think the regular I or e had coolers either.

  7. #7
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    Here is the lines, radiator and transmission. I'm sorry confused why it seems the engine radiator and transmission cooler are one unit? Maybe I'm just dumb, (I am new to cars) but that's definitely trans fluid and a hose going to the water pump?

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  8. #8
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    I guess that system does make sense, moderating both trans and coolant with one radiator. I've just never seen that. Anyways. I'm on my way to pick up both hoses hopefully and I should have both installed today.

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  9. #9
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    No e30s, again :(
    that is the oddest set up, I have ever seen on an e30. its actually a very common set up across automobiles, just not on e30s. Toyota and Nissan have had none stop issues with the two coolers leaking into each other and burning transmissions out so most people add aftermarket trans coolers, or buy new radiators that fall outside of the affected date range of manufacture.

    I can see where the pn used to be but its worn so much its just a ghost blur.

    I love that color you got. maybe you can keep an eye out and pick up a cheap 5 speed and the stuff for a swap? the car is a blast as a 5 speed.

    - - - Updated - - -

    you are missing a radiator shroud also

    - - - Updated - - -

    I wonder if the e12 or e28 518 used that set up? like maybe its a European conversion since the 5 series where so much heavier
    No e30s again.

  10. #10
    richardodn's Avatar
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    Transmission cooler through the radiator is a typical setup. I take it you didn't follow the link I posted above with the part numbers and then google for pictures.

    Here's the cooling pipe number 17221177812. It looks like the one in your picture right down to the banjo bolt fitting.
    s-l1600.jpg

    The return pipe is 17221177813 and appears to be no longer available. Here's a pic of a used one.
    s-l1600.jpg

    Be sure to replace the sealing rings on the radiator fittings. They are all 07119963201 A-14x18 CU (14mm ID, 18mm OD, copper)
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
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  11. #11
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    [QUOTE=richardodn;30537378]Transmission cooler through the radiator is a typical setup. I take it you didn't follow the link I posted above with the part numbers and then google for pictures.

    Oh my goodness, I see now what you meant. I followed the link and saw that the picture was different. Wasn't paying attention to what you said, sorry, and thank you!



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    If you paid about $90 for both custom made, you got a deal!

  13. #13
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    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    You can't always depend on those diagrams to be accurate. Hoses are notorious for being drawn rather generically.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

  14. #14
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    Radiator guy is kinda behind. Gotta wait until Friday to get the hoses.

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  15. #15
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    Okay, so it's been two weeks. The guy had to order more transmission line, and I'm getting impatient. The local Cruise for Cancer is two weeks away and I want to have it driveable for that weekend. Will plugging the transmission ports damage the transmission?

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  16. #16
    richardodn's Avatar
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    Yes. Auto transmission coolers are not optional.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by richardodn View Post
    Yes. Auto transmission coolers are not optional.
    I'm just waiting on the lines and don't plan to drive at high speeds. Just get the brakes and suspension work I've done tested out. Find more problems before it gets driven fast. You really think it'll overheat just running, low rpm? I'm trying to find some sort of line that's reasonable.

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  18. #18
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    I'm so happy now that I have the correct lines that don't fit well I'll make them work but they are both about 6 inches too long, and they both have over exaggerated bends in the correct places. They are trying their hardest to make contact with every sharp body bend and component possible. Thanks @richardodn for helping me find the correct lines.

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  19. #19
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    No e30s, again :(
    looks good, though
    No e30s again.

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