Performance aluminum radiators in M3

[daytonabitch]

Does anybody have experience or comments on aftermarket all-aluminum performance rads, eg Mishimoto or ECS, in terms of ease of installation and reliability?

[bluptgm3]

Most of the lower cost all alloy radiators have cores that are epoxied to end tank upright, then the welded tanks are attached (by welding). These epoxied joints can be susceptible to failure.
This does not mean that the $100 eBay full alloy radiator will fail, but you will have to keep an eye on it.

The more expensive alloy radiators are fully brazed/welded, including the core to upright joints.


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[pbonsalb]

Mishimoto claims its radiators are epoxy free.

[shogun]

Moved from E36 forum to E36 M3 forum

[TheJordanWhitte]

I’ve had a Mishimoto for about 3 years now and it’s been good, easy install but not the easiest to bleed.

[bluptgm3]

I’ve had a Mishimoto for about 3 years now and it’s been good, easy install but not the easiest to bleed.

Does the BMW factory fan shroud and overflow tank fit?


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[MINIz guy]

I'm running a Mishimoto X-Line radiator. Tubes are brazed to the endplates and the endtanks are TIG welded.

[bluptgm3]

I'm running a Mishimoto X-Line radiator. Tubes are brazed to the endplates and the endtanks are TIG welded.

Does the BMW factory fan shroud and overflow tank .....ugh..fit? That’s it, do they fit?


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[TheJordanWhitte]

Does the BMW factory fan shroud and overflow tank?


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Yeah, I also got the mishimoto overflow tank but all of the OEM stuff does fit

[GG///M3]

I have a ECS one I removed from my car when I purchased it . Basically brand new. Stock fan shroud needs to be modded for it to fit properly.

[MINIz guy]

Does the BMW factory fan shroud and overflow tank?


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I feel like you're missing a verb in your question?

[TheJordanWhitte]

I feel like you're missing a verb in your question?

I assumed he meant still fit with the aftermarket rad, but maybe not.

[bluptgm3]

I assumed he meant still fit with the aftermarket rad, but maybe not.

Does the BMW factory fan shroud and overflow tank .....ugh..fit? That’s it, do they fit?

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[MINIz guy]

Yes, the OEM fan shroud and expansion tank fits with one caveat. The expansion tank hose no longer fits between the radiator and OEM fan shroud. At least, my URO and REIN aftermarket expansion tank hoses didn't fit. I ended up cutting a hole in the fan shroud so the hose could squeeze under the alternator ducting. The expansion tank hose can be used but it is stretched a little, so I used some rubber hose from the parts store.

[TheJordanWhitte]

Yes, the OEM fan shroud and expansion tank fits with one caveat. The expansion tank hose no longer fits between the radiator and OEM fan shroud. At least, my URO and REIN aftermarket expansion tank hoses didn't fit. I ended up cutting a hole in the fan shroud so the hose could squeeze under the alternator ducting. The expansion tank hose can be used but it is stretched a little, so I used some rubber hose from the parts store.

I didn’t run into that problem, but it is a tight fit.

[Braymond141]

I don’t understand why you guys buy these cheapo radiators (Crapimoto, CSF, etc) and then hack up ducting to make it work. It looks terrible. The OE options are fantastic and if that isn't enough, the high end (Zionsville, etc) are great. All of these inbetween offerings just cheapen your car, not to mention the dubious claims of performance or reliability.

[Gene V]

If I recall correctly Mishimoto radiators are made in China, their made up Japanese sounding name is a marketing ploy...

[bluptgm3]

Why-does-my-radiator-keep-leaking


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[Gene V]

Why-does-my-radiator-keep-leaking

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lol

[atomo509]

lol yup. I'm about to be on my 6th Mishimoto rad. They've all leaked from where the tubes meet the end tanks, going back to OEM Behr. On the plus side I can swap radiators super fast now!

[h82crash]

This forum is always a source of amusement. "The cooling system is the weak point on these cars, but don't use anything but OEM!" I must concede, however, aftermarket support for the e36 is crap.

[TostitoBandito]

Yeah I mean there's nothing wrong with the OEM Behr radiator. I replaced the original one when the car was around 12-13 years old when the neck cracked as they do, but no issues with the replacement. My car is tracked and zero overheating issues there. If I was doing it again I might go for the Z3M rad, but I have no desire to try any aftermarket stuff.

[TheJordanWhitte]

Weird, maybe I just got lucky but I’ve never had leaks with the mishimoto and I’m on year 5.

[bluptgm3]

My understanding of the Z3M radiator is that the Z3 M radiator actually has less frontal surface area to accomplish cooling and in the Z3 that is offset by the addition of an oil cooler.


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[Braymond141]

This forum is always a source of amusement. "The cooling system is the weak point on these cars, but don't use anything but OEM!" I must concede, however, aftermarket support for the e36 is crap.

Nobody said this. It was clearly pointed out to stop supporting vendors that create junk. Mishimoto, CSF, etc are all huge offenders. OE happens to be superior than those and if you need a product that truly offers more, buy Zionsville, PWR, etc.